Viola Davis has cited her role as Annalise Keating in the critically acclaimed drama How to Get Away with Murder as her proudest achievement.
Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Davis described her portrayal of the fierce, flawed, and unforgettable defense attorney as a pivotal moment in her career, both personally and professionally.
Annalise Keating, the protagonist of the Shonda Rhimes-created series, challenged stereotypes with her complexity.
A brilliant law professor and defense attorney, Keating was strong yet vulnerable, ruthless yet compassionate — a character that defied Hollywood’s traditional mold.
Davis embraced these contradictions, delivering a performance that shattered industry norms and cemented her status as one of the greatest actors of her generation.
Breaking Barriers in Representation
Debuting in 2014 and running for six riveting seasons, How to Get Away with Murder revolutionized television with its sharp writing and groundbreaking representation.
Davis’s portrayal of Annalise marked a landmark moment for Black women in television, showcasing a character that embodied heroism, vulnerability, intellect, and sexuality.
Speaking about the role to Variety, Davis explained:
“The reason why I think I’m proud of it is because I felt it was brave of me. I haven’t always been brave in my life, but that was one moment that I was brave.”
At the time, Davis faced skepticism from those who believed she didn’t fit the mold of a “mysterious and sexual” lead. Unfazed, Davis refused to conform to Hollywood’s expectations, instead leaning into Annalise’s raw humanity.
One unforgettable scene stands out: Annalise removing her wig and makeup, exposing her true self in front of the mirror. It was a moment rarely seen on network television, symbolizing authenticity and vulnerability.
Fans and Legacy
Fans on social media continue to celebrate Annalise’s impact. One X user wrote:
“So much complexity in a Black woman character was almost unheard of. Hero, villain, victim, intellectual badass … Shonda Rhimes and Viola Davis devoured!”
Another praised, “Her character really made you think about yourself and question your behavior!”
Davis’s portrayal earned her the 2015 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, making her the first Black woman to achieve this honor.
Enduring Brilliance
Though How to Get Away with Murder concluded in 2020, Annalise Keating’s legacy endures. The series remains a fan favorite on streaming platforms, with Davis’s performance continuing to be a masterclass in character work.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the brilliance of How to Get Away with Murder, the holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to witness Viola Davis’s proudest achievement in action.
