Tom Hanks and Viola Davis chatted during a taping of Variety‘s “Actors on Actors” on a range of topics, including sex scenes and diversity on TV vs film.
Love them both! Viola is a class act! Tom Hanks reminds me of my Uncle Charlie they have the same great. Funloving personality! 😁👍 I think for me, when he did Forrest Gump That role did it 4 me! I just fell in love W/Tom Hanks even more. I have a sister w/ special needs and that character resonated with me! Love him!❤
These two are so dynamic in their conversation. What I didn't agree with was her feeling so self conscious about doing a nude scene. While I understand what she's saying, she's absolutely stunning, in every way.
Sudhir Kakar Er ...... how about the movie she’s talking about here ? Fences? Have you seen The Help? Why don’t to take a look at the 8:00 mins she was on screen with Meryl Streep in Doubt and then you can say there’s nothing noteworthy
When Viola took her wig off in How to Get Away with Murder like it wasn't a thing and her husband didn't bat an eyelid she changed my life. I stood up and gave her an ovation. I'd never seen ANYTHING like that before. I felt seen!
If you read her autobiography, that scene was a condition for her in order to accept the role. She said "I MUST take my wig off" and I guess she knew why 🙂
@@greencase There are children starving and dying in America too...in fact growing up she may not have been dying but she was starving and she's worked hard and been brave at many different things all her life. She doesn't deserve the hate that comment is trying to heap on her. Yes, she is brave and she does deserve to be celebrated.
Ok, now we need a Tom Hanks, Viola Davis movie to happen. I have no idea what that would look like or be. But the chemistry here is awesome! Somebody make this happen!
joyce hill technically we do have that movie: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - though they do not have scenes together - his character's storyline doesn't allow for them to meet. Viola's interaction is mostly with Tom Hanks' character's son. Great movie though, highly recommend.
My daughter and I worked with him on the set of Larry Crown. Tom Hanks was amazing with my daughter. He's really down to earth and funny. In between scenes, he really induced a lot of laughter out of my five year old to get her into the scene. It worked! :)
deku scribe was thinking, want him as lead in revised 'Mr Smith Goes to Washington' but may be too old. Jimmy Stewart role from 1939, I think. Perfect for it and type of movie we need.
Anyone else catch the absolute respect and awe in Tom's voice when he was talking about Denzel? He is one of the greatest actors of his generation and he's humble enough to give it up to one of his peers. The man is just awesome.
@@sdidora5 isn't that a conspiracy theory ?? Like the only places you can find that still state it as fact are the same places that promoted pizza gate.
@@sdidora5 okay if you say, then cool. No beef it was a real question and a valid one because if they only people who are reporting it are conspiracy channels (no shade to you) and people with the egg avatar on twitter its okay to question. I mean that is a serious crime and I don't have time for people like that, I will stop supporting. But if I stop and start speaking against it needs to be a reliable source, not something I heard on social media, or something I read in the same magazine that promotes conspiracies.
Viola Davis is the epitome of class and style. Those red bottoms and that dress and just the way she carries herself so eloquently and with such grace. An amazing role model for women.
Loved the shoes (snazzy but not stilettos!) but what really struck me was the strength and dignity with which she was posing for the associated photoshoot? A real refreshing contrast to the pouty, would-be-seductive way that I've seen many of the younger actresses in the series present for the photoshoot... her approach just seemed so much more genuine AND dignified?
Viola Davis is probably my favorite actor of all time. She's an amazing person with a very strong personality! She deserves all the praise and recognition!
I don't think she'd like being called a "celebrity" Paris Hilton is a "celebrity" people just famous for being famous, Viola Davis actually works for a living she's an actor not a celebrity.
Viola is clearly informed and educated about her craft beyond her experience in movies, and you can tell Tom is learning so much from her. She is generous enough to share her knowledge and he is interested in listening to her. I mean, how could you not? She speaks slowly and confidently because she knows what she has to say truly matters. You can tell she loves what she does everyday and she’s proud of her accomplishments. How admirable.
Oh absolutely and I also think it's beyond the education too. From the many interviews I watch her, Viola has come to a place where she is clear about what her craft is about. She calls it "human whispering". The ability to be truthful about the human experience in each character she plays. Her main concern is to be absolutely honest and truthful to that and even though it's challenging for many reasons, she aims to ensure that that's what she does. It's her authenticity that exudes through, the way she walks and talks is so authentic to her spirit we can't help but love her and learn from her. She is rooted in that. I love that so deeply. These are some of the things I have learned from her.
The way they get lost in the conversation is so awesome!! I bet they will be in a movie together. The way Viola and Tom listen to each other is so respectful and honest!! Love It!!
They were actually in "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" together. If I remember correctly they didn't share any scenes with each other, but they were in that movie together 😀
Transfixx That's fair! I would definitely love to see them share scenes and work together as well 😄 I was just letting you know that both of them were in that movie in case you wanted to check it out. You should, it's a great film.
Viola Davis floors me. She extracts powerful emotions from me. I love her so much. Tom Hanks is quality personified. I really loved watching them talk about their craft.
ROFLCOPTER195 i do agree with u. The flow of the questions and answers are beyond what i can expect from an any other interview. They are in tune of each other at the same plaine
If Viola had never become an actress, she could have been a wonderful teacher. I would happily drown in her eloquence☺️ Coincidentally, Denzel is the lucky charm common denominator here in that he co-starred with Tom in "Philadelphia" (1993) and with Viola in "Fences" (2016) and both Tom and Viola won their first Oscars.
This interview in particular features two very dignified, and distinguished actors. Though one may be more decorated than the other, there is a level of refinement with them both, and particularly Viola, that makes this a dialogue between elevated peers
I LOVE what Hanks was saying about looks providing more emotional gravity than dialogue ever could. I swear, some of the greatest moments in cinema went with that idea in mind. No words spoken, just a look. Brilliant.
Mike Barbre That famous last shot of The Long Good Friday in the back of the car was when Bob Hoskins said he learned from the director that the camera *sees you think*.
Mike Barbre If RU-vid aloud gifs, I’d comment the beautiful gif of the guy in the woods heartfully smiling which slowly turns into a nod of acknowledgement and acceptance.
that was the performance that revealed her to me. it blew my mind. she had little screen time but she used every second of it. she is one of the very few modern talented actors.
same saw her ln doubt she stole the movle for me everyone was talking about streep how amazing she was wltch she was as always but all l could think about ls davls l thought davls stole every scene from her
Mariannie Zayas: So true! I say that to my friends every time. I wish she won the Academy award for Best Supporting Actress that year. Oh well, she is going to win it in 2017 - better late than never.
Viola is not an actress..She is...Idk how to describe her. She is so talented, present, smart..I would love to have someone like her in my life. She is a role model for every actor, every woman, every person. She is an example of how to speak your mind, how to stand up for yourself, how to be hard-working, how to never give up. A true icon
I can listen to Viola Davis talk about acting all day long. She has superior knowledge about the craft. One of the finest actors working today. My acting teacher always told me to be the “ Actor everybody wants to work with.” I think every actor on the planet would want to work with her.
I love Viola Davis!!! 29:50 and on...so true!! We're still monolithic creatures in the biased eyes of Hollywood ...even though we are the most diverse group of people in the entire world. It's insulting but such is Hollywood. Hopefully they'll catch up to humanity soon but eh. This was an amazing episode! Love both of these actors. Geniuses!
Tom Hanks laughs after Viola's comment about playing maids and crackheads, like he can't believe someone of her stature as an artist gets reduced to those roles only.
Viola is such a dream. Her passion and spirit is everything. The authenticity and transparency her and Tom shared was amazing. Best one I've watched yet!
Honestly, to me when Viola Davis speaks the world stops and I listen. Thank you Variety for bringing her back and for giving us almost 40 minutes of her, for us aspiring actors this was an invaluable masterclass
Viola’s audiobook, biography. It’s quite amazing. Her upbringing and childhood was a horror story. The character and sheer will she has demonstrated to become the person she is today deserves to be honored.
Thank you Variety for having these two sitting down talking about actings and their behind the scenes movies. It's so fantastic because they are very enthusiastic in both of their chops and movies. loveeee ittttt💜💜💜💜💜💜
These 2 were actually giving a lot of in depth acting conversations. Moth other actors on actors although they are not bad conversations they usually discuss the same topics "What attracted you to this role" , "What was this director like" etc etc
I don't know how you interpreted that, I've been a fan of hers for ages, not surprised one bit. I've just never seen anyone who talks with such conviction and strength, its something I admire and I'm far from surprised, it was purely a nice compliment, nothing left handed.
To those who have commented on my post, you are extremely mistaken and misinformed. I find it so utterly shocking how my words can be twisted by such judgemental and accusatory notions. I am actually biracial but you would not know that (and I would not be surprised if you concluded that I feel superior in some sort of way for being partially white, which is completely false). I hate racial discrimination, it is the most foul and ungodly ideology to ever exist. So before you attack and twist my words, know the facts. My comment was written because I admire her as a person, it was a comment in reflection of how I wish to be. If her exact words flowed from the mouth of lets say Meryl Streep, I would have commented the exact same thing. So please, take several seats and do not twist my words into what your accusatory mindset assumes. Thank you and goodnight!
I would say Hanks' performance in the last 5 minutes of Captain Phillips was the closest to perfect an actor has ever come to expressing something as profound as it required. He's a fantastic actor, and has serviced some outstanding works; but, that moment was the defining one.
Fully agree- his strength implodes into pyschological SHOCK...as he tears up laying back on the medical bed was flawless and seemingly impossibe if you asked for that high level execution
I am an intelligent woman... But when viola davis talks I have to force myself to listen hard to understand where she's going. She's painfully insightful and its a joy to hear English spoken this clearly and powerful!
I have only watched a few episodes, but this is the only show where actors talk about the acting process-so valuable. Acting is really an amazing process that everyone should try.
It is always interesting and informative to hear top-of-the-line professionals, in whatever area of endeavor, discuss their craft. Invariably, as an amateur, you learn things you otherwise would never have known, things that deepen your appreciation of their work and, more generally, the work done in that field. But the intelligence, insight, and mutual respect these two great actors brought to this discussion made it more than interesting: it was thrilling. Ms. Davis and Mr. Hanks, thank you both.
Two of my favorite people and actors. Sounds cliched but they're both an actor's actor. I'll never forgot how Viola became one of the high points of Doubt with a lone 8 minute scene and I'd listen to her read names from a phone book and be riveted lol and of course Tom Hanks makes you care for and root for any character he plays.
