It comes as no surprise that Viola Davis continues to be recognized for her extraordinary ability in front of the camera, but the Oscar-winning actress’ (“Fences“) latest role proves that she has more than just movie-star appeal.
Davis has been named the newest spokesperson of L’Oréal Paris, the world’s largest cosmetics company, joining the likes of celebrity women including Jane Fonda, Helen Mirren, Celine Dion, and Eva Longoria — to name a few — who have represented the iconic beauty brand. Beginning in October, Davis will appear in all TV, print and digital campaigns for L’Oréal’s Age Perfect line.
Building on the brand’s mission to empower people everywhere by reflecting the diversity of the modern world and encouraging beauty inclusivity and self-worth, the 54-year-old and the first African-American woman to ever be awarded an Emmy for best actress in a drama (“How to Get Away with Murder“), feels uniquely qualified to be the brand’s ambassador.
“As a young girl, I wasn’t always told that I was smart, beautiful, or worthy. I worked tremendously hard to get where I am today – overcoming feelings of doubt to become a woman who truly believes I am ‘worth it’ in every way,” said Davis. “I believe it’s so important to build confidence in women from a young age, and to role model diverse perspectives of beauty. To now be part of a brand that has been championing women’s worth for more than 40 years and to use my voice to help empower others is truly surreal.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Viola as a member of our family. Viola’s tenacity, authenticity and bold spirit resonate with and inspire so many people,” noted Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President of L’Oréal Paris. “She challenges the status quo in all aspects of life and her drive to succeed has proven itself time after time – she leads by example and is the perfect conduit to elevate our core message, ‘Because I’m Worth It’.”
Offscreen, Davis is devoted to her family and supports both human rights and equal rights for women of color. As an activist and humanitarian, her empowering public speaking engagements inspire people the world over. She and her husband, Julius Tennon, run JuVee Productions, which develops and produces independent film, TV, virtual reality and digital content emphasizing diversity and inclusion in storytelling. Davis produced with NBA superstar Steph Curry and Mariska Hargitay (“Law & Order: SVU” ) the documentary Emanuel, about the 2015 mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.
The in-demand actress is slated to portray Michelle Obama in First Ladies, an hour-long White House drama being developed by Showtime, which she will also executive produce.