It was more than just a birthday getaway for Viola Davis — it was a celebration of life, legacy, and self-discovery.
The EGOT-winning actress chose the sunny shores of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to mark her milestone 60th birthday on August 11, soaking up both the sun and the moment.
A Bold New Look for a Milestone Year
On her special day, Viola turned heads in a sleek, vibrant orange swimsuit, debuting a short crop of hair with warm red tones.
The look was perfectly paired with oversized gold hoop earrings, adding an extra touch of glamour.
At times, she wrapped herself in a colorful patchwork cover-up and shielded her eyes behind chic, black-framed sunglasses while chatting with a friend from the comfort of a lounge chair.
Fresh from an Honorary Achievement
Her Mexican getaway came just three days after receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the AFI Conservatory in Los Angeles, an accolade presented by director Gina Prince-Bythewood, who worked with her on The Woman King in 2022.
In her acceptance speech, Viola told graduates to return to the original spark that inspired them, encouraging them to be “healers, alchemists, and system breakers” who leave a lasting mark not just on the world, but in people’s hearts.
Reflecting on Turning 60
Speaking to People days before her birthday, Viola shared how she often reflects on “little Viola,” the younger version of herself she once viewed as damaged, but now recognizes as full of beauty and strength. “I always want to honor her,” she said.
She also admitted she wants to be remembered not just as an accomplished actress, but as someone “proficient” in her craft.
From Humble Beginnings to Broadway
Born in South Carolina and raised in Rhode Island, Viola’s journey was far from easy.
She attended Rhode Island College before training at the Juilliard School between 1989 and 1993.
Her big break came in 1996 with her Broadway debut in Seven Guitars.
Over the years, her work — from Fences to How to Get Away with Murder — has earned her critical acclaim and a place among Hollywood’s most respected performers.
A Childhood Fueled by Imagination
In a candid interview with The Times earlier this year, Viola recalled growing up in poverty and using her imagination to escape her circumstances.
She and her sister would pretend to be wealthy white women in Beverly Hills, sipping tea with their chihuahuas.
But as she grew, real-life challenges seeped into those make-believe worlds.
For her, acting became both an art and a discipline.
“Training, speech, technique, critics — there’s a sense of torture you almost have to make peace with,” she reflected, underscoring the relentless commitment that comes with a life on stage and screen.