Actress Viola Davis Sells out the Silk Speaker Series

The Silk Speaker Series, established by USF Trustee Emeritus Jeff Silk ’87 and his wife Naomi, invites industry leaders and influential thinkers in global affairs, economy, and business to engage with the university community.

The second sold-out Silk Speaker Series of this academic year, following Trevor Noah in August, filled the St. Ignatius Church pews with attendees eager see the award-winning actress. Davis is famous for her notable roles in Fences, How to Get Away with Murder, The Help, and The Woman King.

Brenna Malloy ’13, an award-winning film and television director of major TV shows like Chicago Fire and 9-1-1 led the conversation with Viola Davis.

Viola Davis and Brenna Malloy walked onstage to a standing ovation and began their conversation by discussing the significance of teachers in Davis’ early life. Davis shared that poverty, alcoholism, domestic violence, and a home plagued with rats marked her childhood. It was the support from teachers and Upward Bound staff that helped her persevere.

“There were certain teachers along the way that gave me just enough to get me to the next place, and helped carry me through a life that was marred with dysfunction, darkness, and trauma,” said Davis.

Davis’ depth and poignancy rang with brilliance throughout the morning. She spoke with passion about her commitment to her work as a way to honor the lives of those around her, and encouraging recognition of authenticity in others as a way to celebrate our shared humanity.

Driven by her desire to share magic and tell authentic stories, Davis addressed the limited agency available to actors throughout their careers. At 59, she finally feels empowered to make her own decisions, such as creating and backing films like The Woman King through her own production company. She expressed that founding JuVee Productions has been her best career choice, as it has gifted her autonomy and agency.

Her passion resonated throughout the church as she spoke about how acting serves not just as a form of expression, but as a powerful tool for transformation. She likened her own hero’s journey to that of Harry Potter. Upon arriving at the train station to get to the magical school of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he realizes there are only platforms 9 and 10. To reach Platform9 ¾, he needs to run through a solid brick wall.

Davis viewed her Platform 9 ¾ as the question, “What do you want to be?”

“That was my gateway to magical realism, my Hogwarts. I had to discover something I loved—and I found that in acting. It was the magical potion that unlocked my life.”

Viola Davis shared a quote from playwright Arthur Miller that serves as her North Star: “I regard the theater as a serious business, one that makes or should make man more human, which is to say, less alone.”

The quote serves as a reminder for Davis to make a conscious choice to create a human being in every character she plays. So that when people tune in, they can see themselves.

For Davis, art is a place of connection, a meeting place for humanity, and a religious experience. Davis urged the audience to embrace their own magic, and vulnerability, and to prioritize self-love.

“Art is not about escapism; it’s about connection. Hold on to the art that makes you feel beautiful. That’s the elixir—that’s the magic.”

Curious about the Silk Speaker Series? Check out the stories from some of our past speakers.