Viola Davis reflects on her groundbreaking role as Annalise Keating in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’
When it comes to powerhouse performances, Viola Davis has cemented her place as one of the greatest actors of her generation.
With a career spanning decades and an Academy Award to her name, Davis has proven time and again that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
But when asked to reflect on the role she’s most proud of, she didn’t hesitate to name Annalise Keating, the complex lead character in the hit TV drama, “How to Get Away with Murder”.
Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Davis shared why this role meant so much to her, not just professionally but personally.
As fans continue to binge-watch the series on streaming platforms even years after its finale, it’s clear that Davis’s portrayal of Annalise left an indelible mark on television history.
When “How to Get Away with Murder” premiered in September 2014, it was an instant hit.
The series, created by Shonda Rhimes, followed Annalise, a brilliant but morally complex defence attorney and law professor, as she navigated high-stakes cases, personal demons, and a web of lies.
Running for six gripping seasons until its conclusion in May 2020, the show was praised for its sharp writing and groundbreaking representation.
For Viola Davis, Annalise was more than just another role. She was a character who defied stereotypes. Davis described her as a woman full of contradictions — strong and vulnerable, ruthless and compassionate, a hero and a villain all at once.
Speaking to “Variety”, Davis said: “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.”
Taking on the role was a bold move for Davis, especially in an industry that often prioritises conventional beauty standards over authenticity.
Annalise was written as a mysterious, sexual, and commanding presence, and some doubted whether Davis fit the mould.
So much complexity in a black woman character was almost unheard of. Hero, villain, victim, alcoholic, intellectual bad ass, queer, a lover, a giver, a taker … there were so many layers to her. Shonda Rhymes and Viola Davis devoured!! https://t.co/dJFSBOFtqC
— Thembi Matroshe (@ThembiMatroshe) December 14, 2024
Davis recalled: “There’s so many people who said, ‘Oh, she’s miscast. Annalise Keating is described as mysterious and sexual and all that, and that can’t be Viola’.”
At the time, Davis was in her 50s and had no intention of trying to conform to Hollywood’s expectations.
She refused to undergo drastic physical changes or pretend to be someone she wasn’t. Instead, she leaned into the truth of Annalise’s character and brought her to life in a way no one else could.
Annalise wasn’t just revolutionary for Davis — it was a landmark moment for representation in television. The character gave audiences a glimpse into the complexities of a black woman’s life, showcasing her as more than just a supporting figure or a one-dimensional trope.
Fans on social media have praised Davis for her layered portrayal of Annalise. One X (formerly Twitter) user, Thembi Matroshe, summed up the character’s impact perfectly: “So much complexity in a black woman character was almost unheard of.
“Hero, villain, victim, alcoholic, intellectual badass, queer, a lover, a giver, a taker ... there were so many layers to her. Shonda Rhimes and Viola Davis devoured!!”
Another wrote: “She was a mirror. Her character really made you think about yourself, and question your behaviour!"
Another fan added: “I don’t think you’ll see more of a range of acting as you will see with Keating on video/TV. It is a testament to Davis’s essential brilliance.”
What made Annalise so unforgettable was the raw vulnerability that Davis brought to the character.
One scene that stands out is when Annalise removes her wig and make-up, revealing her natural self in front of the mirror. It was a moment rarely seen on network television — unvarnished, authentic and deeply human.
Davis explained: “I had to make her some semblance of a human being, and that was the first thing with Annalise Keating.”
“How to Get Away with Murder” may have ended in 2020 but Annalise’s legacy lives on. The show remains a fan favourite on streaming platforms and Davis’s performance continues to be studied and celebrated.
Her portrayal earned her a place in history as the first black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015.
And for those who haven’t yet experienced the brilliance of “How to Get Away with Murder”, the holiday season is the perfect time to dive in.