Julius Tennon and Viola Davis at the Public Counsel’s Annual William O. Douglas Award Dinner.Photo: Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
ViolaDavisis celebrating two decades of marital bliss with her husbandJulius Tennon.
“20 years of connection,” theEGOT-winning actress, 57, wrote in a heartfeltInstagrampost full of throwback photos of the pair throughout the years.
“We’ve seen the loss of family members and held each other up,” Davis continued. “We’ve had accolades, triumphs, joy, grief, exhaustion and still I feel your grip. Through the fire and brimstone of life we have held on…together…..to each other….understanding no matter what, the promise is to not let go.”
Included in the carousel was a snapshot of Davis and Tennon, 69, with their daughterGenesis. Davis is alsostepmomto his two other children from previous relationships.
“To the end my love,” concluded theFencesactress. “Happy 20th Anniversary!!!”
Famous friends offered their congratulations under the post. “Happy Anniversary, y’all!!!!” commented Davis’The HelpcostarOctavia Spencer.
“Happy Anniversary you incredible human beings!” wroteLashana Lynch, who starred with Davis in last year’sThe Woman King.
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Davis has said that before meeting in 1999 on the set of CBS dramaCity of Angels, shemanifested Tennon’s appearancein her life. She toldOprah Winfreyin 2022 that a friend encouraged her to pray for the exact type of man she wanted as a romantic partner.
“I said I want a big Black man from the South who’s probably been married before,” she remembered. “Someone who’s maybe been an actor who understands the artistic community… who goes to church and loves God. I said, ‘If you give me that, I’ll start going to church, God. I really will. I’m committed to it.’ And then I signed off, just like writing a letter.”
Davis’ prayers were answered weeks later. Tennon, who starred in 1993’sDazed and Confused, was an “ex-football player, been married, raised his children on his own, was an actor. [He] invited me to church. And I thought to myself, ‘Whoa.’ "
On June 23, 2003, Davis married Tennon in her home state of Rhode Island. “It’s about the every day,” she toldPEOPLEof the success of her relationship. “That’s what people forget when they fall in love with someone and it’s exciting.”
She added, “You have to get back to the every day — the taking the garbage out, the cooking, the cleaning — and it’s something that I think really works with me and my husband.”
Julius Tennon and Viola Davis at the world premiere of “Air”.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Tennon and Davis also share a production company: Juvee Productions, which has broughtThe Woman King,Jennifer Lopez-starredLila & Eve,and more to the big screen.
source: people.com
