‘Sister Love’: Viola Davis Credits Taraji P. Henson for Landing Magazine Cover Prior to Viral Emmy Moment

People have responded in a major way to a recent Instagram post from Viola Davis that involves her fellow actress Taraji P. Henson.

It seems the two women were immediately linked ever since Davis won outstanding lead actress in a drama series at the 2015 Emmy Awards for “How to Get Away with Murder.”

Henson was up for the same award for playing Cookie Lyon on “Empire,” and she embraced Davis enthusiastically when she won, which went viral at the time.

It was the same year that Davis gave that much-talked-about speech concerning women of color and inclusion in Hollywood, which Henson cheered on.

But Davis’ post was about being on the cover of Ebony Magazine in 2009, and she revealed that Henson was responsible for her participation.

Although the “Fences” actress had incredible success by then, she wasn’t the breakout star that she is today, and Davis thanked Henson for thinking of her back then. She also posted the Ebony cover on Henson’s 49th birthday, which was Sept. 11.

“I wouldn’t have gotten this cover if you hadn’t insisted,” wrote Davis on Wednesday. “It was just supposed to be you but you told them you wouldn’t do it if you couldn’t do it with me.”

“We held each other up during the Oscars that year,” she added. “Reminded each other that we deserved to be there. That epitomizes sisterhood, sister love. Love you @tarajiphenson. You are a rare cut diamond. Happy Birthday Queen! ❤️❤️”

In 2009 Henson received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for her role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and Davis was up for the same award for her part in the film “Doubt.” The award went to Penélope Cruz for the Woody Allen film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” however.

But in regards to Davis’ post, people seemed incredibly touched by it.

“Beautiful sisters united. U both deserve much love🌹,” someone wrote on Instagram.

“That’s what true sisterhood is all about. Yes 👑 Queens 👑,” another person relayed.

Back to top