Let’s get one thing straight: Viola Davis is a powerhouse. An EGOT winner. A scene-stealer. The kind of actress who can make you cry, gasp, and yell “PREACH!” all in one monologue. But behind the Emmy, the Oscar, the Tony, and that iconic Annalise Keating stare… there’s a man who’s been by her side through it all. His name? Julius Tennon.
And if you’ve never heard of him, that’s kind of the point. He’s not trying to outshine her—he’s the quiet strength beside the spotlight. So who is Julius Tennon, really? Let’s get into it.
Who Is Viola Davis’s Husband? Meet Julius Tennon, the Man Behind the Queen
Julius Tennon isn’t just “Viola Davis’s husband”—he’s got his own Hollywood résumé. He’s an actor and producer who’s been in the game since the ’80s, with roles in shows like Criminal Minds, Friday Night Lights, Lonesome Dove, and even Dazed and Confused. He’s got that smooth, commanding presence—think “cool uncle who gives great advice and can probably fight.”
He also has a strong theater background and spent time doing Shakespeare. So yes, he and Viola Davis are that couple who could absolutely win an argument by quoting Othello and King Lear back and forth.
Here’s where it gets adorable: Viola manifested Julius. Back in the day, she was tired of dating disasters and actually prayed for a man who was “big,” “from the South,” and who “already had kids.” Specific? Very. But guess what? Julius was all of the above.
They met in 1999 on the set of the TV show City of Angels—Viola Davis was newer in her career, and Julius was already a veteran. He asked her out… and showed up 30 minutes early to their first date. (Chivalry isn’t dead, y’all.)
Three weeks in, he left a voicemail saying, “You are a very beautiful and nice woman, and I would like to take you seriously.” Cue every rom-com swoon ever. They married in 2003 and have been going strong ever since.
These two don’t just share a home—they share a mission. In 2011, Viola and Julius co-founded JuVee Productions, a company focused on telling inclusive, meaningful stories that Hollywood usually ignores. Viola Davis acts. Julius produces. Together, they’re building space for underrepresented voices and breaking down barriers. It’s like power couple goals, but with a purpose.
As per reports, Julius is also a calming force for Viola. She’s admitted to being anxious and intense sometimes (understandably, when you’re carrying every scene you’re in), and he’s the grounding presence that keeps her balanced. “He’s a good man,” she’s said. “He’s just a really good man.”
Before meeting Viola Davis, her husband Julius already had two sons from a previous relationship, and in 2011, he and Viola adopted a daughter together: Genesis Tennon. Viola has called Julius an incredible father—firm but loving, always present, and always ready to dance in the living room if that’s what the moment calls for.
Genesis has even dipped her toes into acting, voicing a young version of her mom’s character in The Angry Birds Movie 2. Talent clearly runs deep in this household.
Sure, they show up at award shows looking like royalty, but their real life? It’s simple. Viola’s talked about how much she loves the everyday stuff—cooking, sitting on the couch, hanging with the fam. Julius helps keep that balance between red carpets and real life.
They’ve been together for over 20 years, which in Hollywood years is like 80. No scandals, no drama, no messy headlines. Just love, consistency, and matching outfits at the Oscars.
Julius Tennon is the calm to Viola Davis’s storm, the steady to her fierce. He’s not just her husband—he’s her creative partner, her biggest cheerleader, and the guy who believed in her long before the world handed her gold statues.
So yes, Viola Davis may slay on screen. But off-screen? She’s got a king holding it down. For more interesting articles on celebrity relationships, family insights, and the latest updates on them, be sure to check us out for in-depth and engaging content as we post similar news and stories everyday.
