Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s Love Story and Their Best Shoe & Fashion Moments

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s love story began on the set of City of Angels, the groundbreaking CBS medical drama that aired in 2000 with a predominantly Black cast.

What started as a chance meeting has since blossomed into a two-decade marriage filled with red-carpet appearances, where the Oscar-winning actress and her husband consistently deliver timeless style moments — from glamorous gowns and couture feathers to statement heels that command attention.

Old Hollywood Glamour: Viola Davis in Valentino Couture & White Platform Heels at Cannes

Before making their way down the carpet, Viola Davis and her husband (and Air costar) Julius Tennon delivered pure Old Hollywood glamour at the “Monster” premiere.

Tennon looked dashing in a black double-breasted tuxedo, while Davis stunned in a white one-shoulder Valentino couture gown topped with a dramatic feathered wrap.

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, who met on the set of CBS’s “City of Angels” series, attend the “Monster” red carpet during the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2023, in Cannes, France (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

The Oscar winner’s crystallized floral appliqué, diamond Chopard hoops, and white platform heels added to the sparkle, while stylist Elizabeth Stewart orchestrated the polished ensemble.

Makeup artist Autumn Moultrie completed the look with a violet smoky eye and glossy nude lips using L’Oréal Paris, the affordable brand Davis has long fronted.

At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Viola Davis looked stunning in a white gown paired with a captivating feathered coat, both from Valentino couture (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Coordinated in Black & White: Viola Davis and Julius Tennon at the Emmy Awards

Julius Tennon and Viola Davis arrive at the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Microsoft Theater L.A. Live on September 22, 2019, in Los Angeles, California, United States (Credit: Charlie Steffens / Nicky Nelson / WENN / Avalon)

How They First Met: Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s City of Angels Love Story

On the set of City of Angels, Julius Tennon struck up a casual conversation with Viola Davis and later handed her his card — advice his mother had once given him. Davis didn’t call right away, but that first meeting set the stage for their future together.

She admitted it took her about a month to reach out, explaining with humor that she hesitated because of “bad credit” and riding the bus at the time — worries she eventually chose to set aside.

Viola Davis sparkled in a green sequined cape mini dress paired with sheer black tights, while Julius Tennon opted for an olive green utility-style suit layered over a dark turtleneck at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes on November 13, 2023, at TCL Chinese Theatre (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)

In a 2016 People interview, Davis recalled the day with a smile: “I was eating a cinnamon raisin bagel with tuna fish on it and complaining about Los Angeles. He came up to me with his bag over his shoulder, and the only thing I thought was, ‘He’s really good looking.’”

Once they began dating, she said, the anxieties faded. Tennon, who played Dr. Holly opposite Davis’s Nurse Lannett, offered to show her around Los Angeles — from the Santa Monica Pier to the city she had once disliked — marking the start of their connection.

Davis married Julius Tennon on June 23, 2003. In 2011, they adopted an infant daughter, Genesis Tennon. Their only child voiced ViVi in The Angry Birds Movie 2, a 2019 computer-animated comedy film.

TCA Tour Style: Viola Davis in Betsey Johnson Bow Heels & Sequined Fitted Dress

In January 2016, Viola Davis attended the Disney/ABC 2016 TCA Winter Press Tour at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena.

Julius Tennon and his wife Viola Davis posed together at the Disney/ABC 2016 TCA Winter Press Tour — Tennon stood taller despite Davis’ chic black bow-strap heels and sequined fitted dress

She was accompanied by her husband, Julius Tennon, who looked smart in a brown shirt, a beige jacket, trousers, and leather shoes.

Viola Davis shimmered at the Disney/ABC 2016 TCA Winter Press Tour in a sequined, animal-print fitted dress, finishing the look with black Betsey Johnson ‘Friskyy’ ankle-strap sandals adorned with oversized bows

The “How to Get Away with Murder” star shimmered in a sequin-covered long-sleeve dress that showcased her figure.

With its bold, leopard-print pattern, the dress had Viola looking fierce and feminine — two characteristics she rocks very well. She wore minimal accessories and slipped into black sandals to complete her ensemble.

Viola Davis at Disney/ABC Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California on January 9, 2016 (Credit: Charlie Steffens / Nicky Nelson / WENN / Avalon)

Viola wore her short hair down in tousled waves and finished her look with neutral makeup.

Viola Davis wore her short hair in soft, tousled waves and kept her makeup radiant with neutral tones

Standing 5ft 6 (167.6 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 8, the mom-of-three chose Betsey Johnson’s “Friskyy” sandals for the event.

Crafted in suede, the heels feature ankle straps with feminine bow details on the sides, open toes, back zip fastenings, and a 4.5-inch slightly flared stiletto heel.

Viola Davis showed off her pedicured feet in Betsey Johnson’s black “Friskyy” ankle-strap sandals, featuring oversized bow details and slender stiletto heels

More Viola Davis Shoe & Style Highlights

From red-carpet premieres to milestone career moments, Viola Davis has consistently paired her powerful presence with standout fashion and footwear. For more of her most memorable shoe and style features on Your Next Shoes, explore the curated stories below.