Digest

This podcast features an in-depth conversation with acclaimed actress Viola Davis and her husband, actor Julius Tennon. They discuss their meeting on the set of "City of Angels," their enduring relationship, and the challenges of navigating careers in the same industry. Julius shares anecdotes about his background as an ex-football player and his early acting inspirations, as well as insights into the production of "The Woman King." Viola reflects on her EGOT achievement, her plain-spoken upbringing on the East Coast, and her journey to discovering her passion for acting, including her rigorous training at Juilliard and the challenges of performing Shakespeare. The couple also delves into personal stories, including Viola's aversion to love scenes, the impact of August Wilson's work, and their evolving perspectives on body image and self-acceptance. They discuss their collaborative writing projects, including Viola's memoir and the novel "Judge Stone," and share humorous anecdotes about their marriage, emphasizing mutual support, laughter, and a deep, honest connection. The conversation concludes with reflections on embracing aging, the essence of love, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction of Viola Davis and Julius Tennon

The podcast introduces Viola Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, setting the stage for a discussion about their careers and relationship.

00:01:57

Meeting and Navigating Acting Careers

Julius Tennon recounts meeting Viola Davis on the set of "City of Angels" and discusses the challenges of being a couple in the acting industry, emphasizing mutual support and self-awareness.

00:07:54

"The Woman King" and Early Influences

Julius Tennon shares insights into the production of "The Woman King" and discusses his background as an ex-football player and his early inspirations in acting.

00:10:24

Personal Anecdotes and EGOT Achievement

Julius Tennon shares personal stories and pet names, while Viola Davis reflects on her EGOT achievement and her journey as a multi-talented artist.

00:14:51

East Coast Identity and Acting Training

Viola Davis discusses the influence of her East Coast upbringing, her plain-spoken nature, and the rigorous speech training at Juilliard, touching on regional accents and acting challenges.

00:21:57

Discovering Acting Passion and Auditioning

Viola Davis recounts the moment she discovered her passion for acting and details her audition pieces for Juilliard, including monologues and comedic scenes.

00:26:11

Shakespeare, Love Scenes, and August Wilson

The conversation explores the challenges of memorizing Shakespeare, discomfort with love scenes, and the profound impact of August Wilson's authentic portrayal of Black American experiences.

00:36:13

Building a Career and Actor-Writer Dynamics

Viola Davis reflects on her extensive acting career before widespread recognition, the importance of consistent work, and the dynamics of constructive feedback between actors and writers.

00:42:14

"The Woman King" Historical Context and Self-Acceptance

Viola Davis explains the historical basis of "The Woman King" and discusses her evolving relationship with her body in her fifties, emphasizing self-acceptance.

00:53:47

Humor, Memoir, and Co-Authoring

Viola Davis shares her appreciation for comedians and their storytelling, discusses her memoir and its impact, and talks about co-writing the novel "Judge Stone" with James Patterson.

00:59:37

Marriage, Anecdotes, and Relationship Insights

Viola Davis describes her marriage to Julius Tennon as spirited and loving, sharing humorous anecdotes and discussing the depth of their connection, mutual support, and the secrets to their lasting relationship.

01:10:23

Embracing the Sixties and Legacy

Viola expresses her enjoyment of her fifties and looks forward to her sixties as a time of self-ownership, shedding societal expectations, and focusing on love and legacy.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did Viola Davis and Julius Tennon meet?

  They met in 1999 on the set of the television show "City of Angels." Julius gave Viola his card, and she called him a month later, leading to their first date and a relationship that has lasted for over 27 years.

• What is an EGOT and has Viola Davis achieved it?

  An EGOT is an acronym for winning all four major American entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. Viola Davis has achieved this rare feat.

• What is "The Woman King" about and what challenges did it face?

  "The Woman King" is a historical epic based on the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. It faced controversies related to its portrayal of slavery and its predominantly Black, female cast.

• What is Viola Davis' perspective on love scenes in acting?

  Viola Davis expresses a strong dislike for performing and watching love scenes, finding them often gratuitous and lacking in genuine emotional depth.

• What was Viola Davis' experience with August Wilson's work?

  Viola Davis finds August Wilson's plays deeply important because they authentically capture the cadences and experiences of Black Americans.

• What inspired Viola Davis to write her memoir?

  Her memoir delves into her life experiences, including childhood struggles and her journey in the entertainment industry, allowing her to reconnect with her past and share her story.

• What is the premise of the book "Judge Stone" co-written by Viola Davis?

  "Judge Stone" is about a 13-year-old girl facing a difficult situation in a town with strict laws, exploring themes of justice and resilience.

• Why did Viola Davis jump out of a plane?

  Viola Davis jumped out of a plane to be "cool" for her daughter, describing it as a terrifying yet terrific experience.

• How does Viola Davis describe her marriage to Julius Tennon?

  She describes their marriage as filled with laughter, love, and occasional exasperation, emphasizing that Julius is the love of her life and a truly hysterical character.

• What are Viola Davis' thoughts on humor and comedians?

  Viola Davis appreciates "dirty" humor and storytelling, citing comedians like Moms Mabley, Flip Wilson, Red Fox, and Richard Pryor as inspirations.

• What is the secret to Viola Davis and Julius Tennon's long-lasting relationship?

  Viola attributes their relationship's success to Julius's ability to truly see her, celebrate her wins, and share his life story openly, along with mutual support and shared humor.

• How does Viola view her sixties in relation to her previous decades?

  Viola sees her sixties as a time of liberation and self-ownership, free from societal pressures and focused on loved ones and legacy.

Show Notes