True Sisterhood: Viola Davis reveals moving story behind her joint ‘Ebony’ cover with Taraji Henson
Article By Catherine Tavier // EEW Magazine // Friendship
It’s a beautiful thing to see two black women of faith consistently exemplify unity, pull each other up and flourish together.
Powerhouse actresses Viola Davis and Taraji Henson, who shared a 2009 Ebony Magazine cover, are perfect examples of this.
“I wouldn't have gotten this cover if you hadn't insisted,” wrote Davis, 54, in an Instagram birthday tribute to her good friend who turned 49.
She also shared the stunning cover where both ladies were visions in white.
“Cover girls Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis lift each other up and it’s a beautiful thing to see.” ~ EEW Magazine Online
“It was just supposed to be you but you told them you wouldn't do it if you couldn't do it with me,” revealed the Widows actress, who was just named the face of L’Oréal Paris.
In 2008, each received Oscar nominations for Best Actress in a Supporting Role—Davis for Doubt and Henson for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Ultimately, Penélope Cruz, star ofVicky Cristina Barcelona, walked away with the golden statue.
“We held each other up during the Oscars that year,” continued Davis, who finally won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2017 for her riveting performance in Fences, opposite Denzel Washington, who also won Best Actor that year.
In an industry where there is very little representation among African-American actresses, it makes sense that, back when these two enormous talents received a nod in the same year, Davis said they both “reminded each other that we deserved to be there.”
That’s what friends do.
2009 isn’t the only year their unbreakable bond and supportive relationship was on display. At the 2015 Emmys, Henson, a Golden Globe Award-winning star, gave the Internet all the feels with her enthusiastic support of Davis, when she became the first African American woman to win for lead actress in a drama.
Henson was on her feet, applauding passionately, with an intense look in her eye that spoke volumes. The love indeed was palpable.
“That epitomizes sisterhood, sister love,” said Davis, ending her tribute with, “Love you Taraji P. Henson. You are a rare cut diamond.”
Their sisterhood continues to inspire the masses.