Viola Davis Responds to Critics of Role as Michelle Obama

Viola Davis is responding to criticism she is receiving over her latest acting role, saying “critics absolutely serve no purpose.”

The Daily Mail reported Davis is being criticized for her portrayal of former First Lady Michelle Obama in Showtime’s “The First Lady.”

According to the outlet, critics called her “constant duck face” an “insult” to Obama.

During an interview with the BBC, Davis said it is “incredibly hurtful when people say negative things about your work.”

Davis recognized criticism was an “occupational hazard” of acting.

“How do you move on from the hurt, from failure?” Davis asked. “But you have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance.”

Responding to the criticism, Davis said, “Critics absolutely serve no purpose. And I’m not saying that to be nasty either.”

She continued, “They always feel like they’re telling you something that you don’t know. Somehow that you’re living a life that you’re surrounded by people who lie to you and ‘I’m going to be the person that leans in and tells you the truth’. So it gives them an opportunity to be cruel to you.”

Davis believes it is ultimately her “job as a leader to make bold choices. Win or fail it is my duty to do that.”

Check out the trailer for the show below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j36nGWGC5FI

On playing someone as familiar as Obama, Davis said it is “almost impossible.”

She explained, “Either you’re doing too much or not enough.”

Davis told the outlet she does not have any personal contact with the former first lady.

The show also features Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt.

Showtime explains on the website, “Exploring everything from their journeys to Washington, family life, and world-changing political contributions, the impact of the White House’s women is no longer hidden from view.”