The reason I became an actress is because I wanted my acting to

"The reason I became an actress is because I wanted my acting to reflect life as it is. I want to put truth on the screen. I want real women to see real women on the screen." These words, spoken by the legendary Viola Davis, speak to the very essence of art as a reflection of truth. Davis’s desire to portray the reality of life on screen is not just about performing a role—it is a calling to reveal the authenticity of the human experience, especially for women, who have often been misrepresented or overlooked in the media. By seeking to reflect life as it truly is, Davis advocates for a kind of truth-telling in her craft that transcends mere performance. She aims to give voice to the unseen, to reveal the depth and complexity of real women’s lives, struggles, and triumphs, so that audiences can recognize themselves in the characters she portrays.

In the ancient world, artists—whether they were philosophers, poets, or playwrights—understood the power of truth in their work. The Greek tragedy was founded on the principle of honesty in the depiction of human emotion and morality. Consider Sophocles, whose works like Antigone and Oedipus Rex captured the universal struggles of humans against fate, guilt, and identity. These plays were not about offering idealized, polished versions of life, but about confronting the harsh realities of human existence. Sophocles believed that by portraying real human conflict, society could confront its greatest dilemmas and gain insight into the very nature of life. In a similar way, Davis seeks to capture the raw truth of the human experience, especially for women, whose voices and stories have been silenced or distorted throughout history.

Aristotle, in his work Poetics, spoke of the cathartic power of tragedy, a genre of theater that sought to bring the audience into a deep understanding of human suffering and redemption. This catharsis, Aristotle argued, came from the audience's recognition of the truth in the characters’ struggles. The most compelling works of art, in his view, were those that displayed real life, unfiltered and unadorned. It was not the idealized or fantastical that moved the soul, but the genuine, the vulnerable, the very truth of human existence. Davis, too, aims to bring real women’s truths to the screen, not as distant, exaggerated caricatures but as genuine, multifaceted beings that audiences can identify with and learn from.

The desire to portray truth on screen has been a cornerstone of many great artists throughout history. Consider Marlon Brando, a towering figure in the realm of acting, who reshaped the way characters were portrayed in cinema. Brando sought to bring humanity to his roles, aiming not for polished performances but for a raw, unfiltered truth. His portrayal of Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront is one such example, where Brando’s character is a man caught between moral dilemmas, torn by a desire for justice and loyalty. Brando’s honesty in this role gave a voice to the working-class struggles of the time, allowing audiences to see the truth of inner conflict and moral growth. In this tradition, Davis’s work as an actress, especially in roles like Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder, aims to reveal the complexities and realities of women’s lives, and in doing so, she upends stereotypes and offers a truthful representation of their experiences.

Davis’s pursuit of truth is also a call for greater representation in the arts, especially for those who have long been marginalized. Throughout history, women—particularly women of color—have been underrepresented or misrepresented in film and television. The characters they played were often reduced to one-dimensional roles, defined by stereotypes or secondary to male counterparts. Davis’s commitment to portraying real women on screen is not just a matter of artistic integrity but a powerful act of social change. By demanding more authenticity in the portrayal of women’s lives, she is not only fulfilling her artistic mission but is also contributing to a broader cultural shift toward equality and empowerment.

The lesson we can draw from Davis’s words is one of authenticity and honesty in all that we do. Whether we are artists, workers, or simply individuals navigating life, we must strive to reflect life as it is—not to hide behind illusions or distortions, but to embrace the truth of our own experiences. Just as Davis gives voice to the often unheard truths of women, we, too, must be honest about our own journeys, our struggles, and our triumphs. When we live and speak truthfully, we invite others to do the same, creating a more genuine and empowered world.

In practical terms, this means looking at our own lives with an eye toward truthfulness. Are we authentic in our interactions with others? Do we allow ourselves to express the fullness of who we are, with all of our flaws, complexities, and strengths? Like Davis, we must seek to live with integrity, refusing to hide behind masks or false facades. Whether in our professional roles, our relationships, or our personal ambitions, let us strive to present ourselves as we truly are, embracing the truth of our humanity. In doing so, we can create spaces where others, too, feel free to show their real selves, and in the process, we bring the world closer to the truth of who we are as human beings.

Let us take Davis's wisdom to heart and follow her example of truth-telling, whether on screen or in our own lives. Let us reflect life as it truly is, in all its beauty, complexity, and imperfection, so that we may live with authenticity and inspire others to do the same. Real women, and indeed all human beings, deserve to see their truths reflected in the world, and by committing to this, we bring light to the depth and humanity of us all.