Viola Davis, the acclaimed actress and EGOT winner, has opened up about her unexpected struggle with shingles, describing it as “the surprise of my life.” At 61, Davis reflects on how her battle with this viral infection has transformed her approach to health and wellbeing, particularly in the context of a demanding career and motherhood.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Davis revealed that her shingles diagnosis came at a particularly hectic time in her life. Balancing the demands of her flourishing acting career with her new role as a mother following the adoption of her daughter, Davis was pushing herself to the limits. “I was working, working, working, running myself into the ground,” she recounted. It was during this intense period that she began experiencing flu-like symptoms and an extraordinarily painful rash, which she rated as a nine out of ten in terms of discomfort.
Initially, Davis was bewildered by her symptoms, suspecting she might have been bitten by a poisonous spider due to the severity of the pain. The reality, however, was a shingles diagnosis that she admitted to knowing very little about. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—which also causes chickenpox—results in a painful rash that can lead to long-term nerve damage. The risk of contracting shingles increases significantly after the age of 50, affecting about one in three people.
Her diagnosis proved to be a significant turning point in her life. Confronted with debilitating pain, Davis began to reassess her approach to health and longevity. Previously, she believed that sheer determination and relentless work were the keys to success. “I felt that I sort of was immune to any disease at that point because I worked out, I ate right,” she explained. The shock of her diagnosis, however, forced her to acknowledge that true strength lies in nurturing one’s body and prioritising health as one ages.
In light of her experience, Davis is now collaborating with GSK on their “Shingles, Actually” campaign. This initiative aims to encourage open discussions about health and ageing, particularly for adults aged 50 and older. Davis feels passionately about this cause and sees herself as an ideal spokesperson for it, stating that her shingles experience awakened her to the importance of listening to her body. “I felt like I was just going through life without really paying attention to what my body was telling me,” she remarked.
Acknowledging her previous misconceptions about vulnerability, Davis emphasises that true strength includes recognising when to seek help. She encourages others to be proactive about their health and to have candid conversations with healthcare providers about prevention measures. “You gotta feel like you are important enough, that life is not supposed to be lived with anything that causes you debilitating pain,” she advises.
The actress has taken her own advice to heart. She now prioritises regular communication with her doctor and has adopted a more preventive mindset regarding her health. “Even if I feel healthy, I refuse to put my health on the back burner again,” she asserted. This shift in perspective has not only benefited her physically but has also positively impacted her relationships with family and friends.
Davis has shared that in the past, she often placed the needs of others—her daughter, husband, and employees—above her own. This mindset, she has realised, does not equate to strength. “I feel like I’m important enough and my body is important enough to listen to it and to honour it,” she said. She believes this newfound respect for her health is the cornerstone of aging gracefully.
As Viola Davis continues to advocate for greater awareness of shingles and health in later life, she embodies the message of putting oneself first to ensure a vibrant and fulfilling life. Her story resonates with many, serving as a powerful reminder of the essential balance between ambition and self-care in our pursuit of happiness and wellbeing.