‘HTGAWM’s’ Viola Davis Talks Lack Of Diversity In Hollywood

Viola Davis was feeling extremely grateful this weekend after taking home a SAG Award for her work on “How to Get Away with Murder.”

As a woman of color in Hollywood, Viola said she knows firsthand that getting diversity onto screen takes a village, and she wanted to thank everyone who has supported her career.

“Here’s the thing. I know we talk about the lack of diversity in Hollywood, but we can’t do what we do if we’re not cast,” the 49-year-old star told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson backstage at the SAG Awards after winning the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series award for her portrayal of Annalise Keating. “We can’t do what we do if the narrative doesn’t include people who look like us. People have to take a chance with seeing the world differently.”

While getting cast is the first hurdle, getting cast in substantial roles is a whole other beast.

“A lot of times those roles are the third girl from the left. It’s the bus driver, it’s the school teacher in the background,” said Viola. “You can’t do what you do, you cannot shine being the third girl from the left. You’ve gotta be in the forefront.”

The actress told reporters in the press room that she’d love to be 28 again (if given the opportunity to be a different age), but Viola said she’s thrilled with her life at 49.

“My life could not be any better than it is right now. And not just because [of this award]… it’s because my husband, my baby,” she said. “My life is so great.”

“How to Get Away with Murder” returns from its winter hiatus on Thursday at 10/9c on ABC.

— Erin O’Sullivan