One of Viola Davis's most memorable moments was when she proactively pushed her character to remove her wig in the TV series How to Get Away with Murder, allowing viewers to see her natural hair. This decision broke with the then-rare practice in primetime American television.
As a star who has openly discussed her experiences wearing wigs, both in her daily life and acting career, we are captivated by her personality and authenticity. Her characters are vividly portrayed, and her hairstyles are diverse. Today, let's take a look at some of her hairstyles.
Who Is Viola Davis?
Viola Davis is a renowned American actress, widely acclaimed for her roles in films such as The Help, Fences, and the TV series How to Get Away with Murder. She has also published a memoir, Finding Me, recounting her childhood, acting career, and personal growth.
In 2023, Davis won a Grammy Award for her narration of the audiobook Finding Me, becoming an EGOT winner—one of the few artists to have won an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award simultaneously. She has previously won an Oscar, an Emmy, and multiple Tony Awards.
Annalise Keating's Wig In How To Get Away With Murder Series
In the television series How to Get Away with Murder, Davis plays Annalise Keating, a strong, shrewd defense attorney and law professor. The character's hair is also part of her public image. Annalise often appears with a sleek, straight hairstyle, echoing her calm and capable professional image. Then, a scene changed viewers' perception of this type of character. The fourth episode of the first season, "Let's Get to Scooping," aired on October 16, 2014.
In this episode, Annalise returns home, removes her wig, false eyelashes, and makeup, and then faces her husband. Viewers see her stripped of her carefully crafted image for the first time in a relatively private setting. This scene is not just about showcasing a different hairstyle; it allows viewers to see a side of the character beyond her professional identity.
Before accepting the role, Davis had pushed the production team to include such a storyline. Explaining her decision, she said, "I wanted to see a real woman on television." The significance of this scene lies in its portrayal of a reality often omitted by television programs: what a woman looks like without her wigs, false eyelashes, and makeup.
Why Is Viola Davis's Wig Story More Than Just A Fashion Topic?
The scene in How to Get Away with Murder where Viola Davis removes her wig has become a frequently cited case in discussions about how Black women's hair is portrayed on television. For years, many film and television characters seem to maintain a perfect hairstyle regardless of the scene.
Viewers rarely see the preparation, maintenance, or protective hairstyling behind these looks. Davis pushed the production team to bring these everyday details, previously hidden from the camera's viewpoint, into the story. Annalise can be capable and professional in court, but she can also remove her makeup and wig at home.
These two states are not contradictory. If you consider this scene in relation to Davis's own experience, there is a connection. She wore a wig for a long time due to concerns about her appearance, and in creating Annalise, she intentionally showed the audience what the character looked like without her wig.
Viola Davis's Experience With Alopecia Areata: What Happened At Age 28?
In a 2014 interview with Vulture, Davis discussed her hair loss experience at age 28. She recalled waking up one day to find a noticeable bald patch on the top of her head. This hair loss affected more than just her appearance.
Davis explained that she was so concerned about how others perceived her beauty that she wore wigs in many situations, including at home and even while exercising. She described wigs as "a crutch, not an adornment." For many people experiencing hair loss, only by covering the balding areas can they feel confident.
2012 Oscars: Her Relationship with Hair Begins to Change
At the 2012 Oscars, Davis appeared with a natural short hairstyle, without a wig. This look became a pivotal moment in her public discussions about hair. Later, in a 2014 interview, she explained that she still wore wigs for acting, magazine photoshoots, or specific events. The real change was that she no longer felt she had to wear a wig all the time.
Does Viola Davis Still Wear Wigs?
Yes. Davis still uses wigs for acting and specific styling occasions. Her 2022 memoir, Finding Me, further documents her life experiences. Wigs can fulfill various needs: helping actors create character images, achieving specific looks for magazine shoots, or making styling preparations for events easier. For those who don't want to frequently style their hair, glueless wigs can also be a practical option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Viola Davis
Does Viola Davis suffer from alopecia areata?
Davis has publicly stated that she experienced alopecia areata at the age of 28. The answer here is based on her public statements and should not be used to infer her current medical condition. What happened at the 2012 Academy Awards?
Davis appeared with a natural short hairstyle, without a wig. This look has become a frequently mentioned moment when she publicly discusses her relationship with her hair.
Was Annalise Keating's hair a wig in How to Get Away with Murder?
Yes. Annalise wore a wig in the show and removed it, along with false eyelashes, and removed her makeup in the fourth episode of the first season. Davis has mentioned that she hoped this scene would appear in the show before accepting the role.
What does Viola Davis's natural hair look like?
Davis has appeared in public with natural hair on several occasions, including her short hairstyle at the 2012 Academy Awards. In a scene from "Catch Me If You Can," Annalyse also showed off her natural curly hair underneath after removing her wig.
Conclusion
Viola Davis has left us with many wonderful television moments. Her impact in removing her wig to reveal her true look in a TV series was unprecedented; not hiding her wig was being her most authentic self. Today, wigs are meant to enhance everyone's lives.Do you like her wearing wigs? Feel free to leave a comment below.
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