Viola Davis Speaking with NPR's Audie Cornish at 92ndY Tells Exactly What She Thinks - Holy Moly WOW!

Last night Viola Davis was in conversation with Audie Cornish.  Cornish is a co-host of ALL THINGS CONSIDERED and NPR Presents, a live interview series.  Cornish did a remarkable engaging the inimitable Davis and encouraging her to give eye-opening, electrifying remarks on her illustrious career, life and obstacles to achieving success.  It was pointed out in the program that Viola Davis is the first black actress to win Tonys (Fences and King Hedley II), Oscar (Fences) and Emmy awards (How to Get Away with Murder).  There are only 22 who've received this triple crow of achievement.  Whoopie Goldberg has garnered all 3 accolades but her Tony was for producing not acting.  Regardless, it's an outstanding achievement.  An honor I bemoaned having the nomenclature of "first black actress".  After listening to Davis I came away with eye-opening perspectives & a better understanding of the ongoing obstacles that actors of color (particularly women) have to contend.  First, Davis shared how she tackles getting into character for a role & the toll it takes.  In assuming a role Davis admitted it's hard for her to compartmentalize work and relinquish all the angst of her character.  "Each character takes a chunk out of your soul".  Davis fell in love with acting as she feel in love with her husband, wanting to make a commitment to becoming better at both her craft and as a wife & mother.  As an artist Davis says her job is to be an observer, a thief of others' emotions so as to create a fully formed human being so people will not feel so alone and develop empathy.   Davis marked the demarcation that she is working to change the narrative of "my people, people of color."   And, she thoughtfully and cogently outlined the stumbling blocks at every segment in the entertainment business to obtaining jobs and opportunities.  Davis praised working with director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave and Widows).   McQueen transcends the ordinary to the extraordinary and translates humanity by bringing out the rawness in one's self.  Cornish asked Davis to define success.  Davis responded, "Many people have the goal of climbing to Mt. Everest and then asking themselves, now what?  Success is what you do with your experience in the short period of time we have and leaving a legacy on earth; having a purpose.  My authenticity is rebellion. My fuck you."   Viola was thoroughly authentic, dynamic, delightful and enlightening.  I encourage everyone to check out her segment/link on NPR with Audie Cornish.  Davis & Cornish opened doors towards discourse, appreciation & empathy.  The one hour program was far too brief.   NPR segments are continually edited down.  This evening could have continued for hours.