Viola Davis thought she was 'too black' to succeed in the arts

msn.com:

Viola Davis thought she was "too big" and "too black" to find success in the arts. The 57-year-old actress is one of the biggest stars in the movie industry - but Viola still remembers doubting herself during her time at The Juilliard School, a performing arts conservatory in New York City.

She shared: "I felt I came in with a wrong palette. I was too big. I was too black. My voice was too deep. " Viola's career was transformed when she visited Gambia in the 90s.

The acclaimed actress was watching a performance by the kaneleng – an association of childless women – and it proved to be a career-defining moment for her.

Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Viola explained: "They were just screaming, not even with any objective of singing beautifully.