Viola Davis + Michelle O'Neill
Viola Davis and Michelle O’Neill have been best friends for 31 years. The two women first met at The Julliard School in New York City, where they bonded over their passion for acting. Eventually they became roommates, and the rest is history. While their acting careers went different directions — Viola’s to Los Angeles and Michelle’s to Minneapolis — they never lost touch. Throughout the years, according to Viola, Michelle helped Viola through bad relationships and was there when no one else was. And in 2012 when Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer, Viola was the first person she called. “I understand the givers in the world — I really do. But every once in a while, I think that the giver can get exhausted and drained and depleted and needs to be reminded that they’re a gift to people, too,” said Viola. “So, this renovation of her home is my gift to her.”
Together with the Property Brothers, Viola Davis headed to Minneapolis to surprise her “sister from another mister” Michelle with a renovation of her living room, dining room, kitchen and office space.