Oscar and Emmy Award-winning actress Viola Davis’ Michelle Obama portrayal left fans divided and confused.
On Apr. 17, Viola debuted her depiction of Michelle in the first episode of Showtime’s new anthology series The First Lady. The series, which reportedly would follow the lives of three famous first ladies–Eleanor Roosevelt, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, and Betty Ford, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, was first announced in 2019.
Fans watched in bewilderment as the 56-year-old actress pursed her lips and spoke in a tone that some viewers thought didn’t match Michelle’s. They also picked at her overall appearance and took to Twitter to voice their opinions.
“Viola might be going to hell, idk,” user @LaborWithTaylor said, along with a screenshot of Viola.
This one role might set her back a few years. I understand FLOTUS Obama has certain mannerisms, but i feel the role could have been accomplished and fulfilled without Viola holding her mouth like this. I’m a fan of Viola. She’s one of the best actors out but idk about this
— jordan demi (@jordan_demi1) April 17, 2022
“This one role might set her back a few years. I understand FLOTUS Obama has certain mannerisms, but i feel the role could have been accomplished and fulfilled without Viola holding her mouth like this. I’m a fan of Viola. She’s one of the best actors out but idk about this,” user @jordan_demi1 responded.
“Michelle Obama did not purse her lips THAT much. What possessed Viola to think she should do that in every scene. I never thought I would see the day [when] Viola Davis gave a bad performance,” wrote user @augustsrain.
https://twitter.com/augustsrain/status/1515761058677415948?s=20&t=xI_RV0MNDsaljet9aSSigQ
Another user hilariously compared the actress’s facial expression to that of music producer Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star Stevie J’s. He famously pursed his lips during multiple episodes of the show in 2012.
Nobody:
Viola Davis playing Michelle Obama: pic.twitter.com/MHQ8wns4OS
— K (@sirK88) April 18, 2022
However, her die-hard fans defended her, saying she was still exceptional at her craft.
“Viola Davis does one questionable role, and people [are] acting like she’s not a good actor,” said user @stuckiny2k.
https://twitter.com/stuckiny2k/status/1515790547851661314?s=20&t=xI_RV0MNDsaljet9aSSigQ
“Viola Davis, I’m gonna stick beside her. Someone set my sis up! We’ll get through this,” user @callmedollar wrote.
Viola Davis, I’m gonna stick beside her. Someone set my sis up! We’ll get through this.
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@DollarBeKnowing) April 18, 2022
“Why are people mad that Viola Davis doesn’t look EXACTLY like Michelle Obama… Angela Bassett doesn’t look anything like Tina Turner yet she BODIED that role! It’s more about the acting than resemblance. Viola’s got Michelle’s mannerisms accurate + she’s a phenomenal actress, ” wrote user @afrorckprincess.
Why are people mad that Viola Davis doesn’t look EXACTLY like Michelle Obama… Angela Bassett doesn’t look anything like Tina Turner yet she BODIED that role! It’s more about the acting than resemblance. Viola’s got Michelle’s mannerisms accurate + she’s a phenomenal actress..
— 𝕷
(@imavenusgirl) April 19, 2022
Viola previously said she was extremely nervous about portraying Michelle beneath a sneak-peek photo of The First Lady via Instagram. She reportedly studied the former first lady’s mannerisms and speech patterns by listening to her podcasts, watching her documentaries, and reading her memoir, Becoming (2018).
“It was terrifying but an incredible honor to portray this extraordinary woman. Can’t wait to share @Showtime’s #TheFirstLady!” she wrote on Nov. 8, 2021.
The How To Get Away With Murder star has not commented on the criticisms regarding her latest role. Instead, she has been busy promoting her new memoir, Becoming Me, which is set to be released on Apr. 26.
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