The lead attorney: Viola Davis finally arrives as a star in 'Murder'

Don't judge Viola Davis for conducting a phone interview from her Jacuzzi. She's earned her bubbles.

The actress plays an ultra-intimidating professor and defense lawyer in ABC's "How to Get Away With Murder," the most-watched new show among women and second only to "Gotham" as measured by positive buzz on social media.

"It feels good," she said last week with smooth jazz playing in the background and her husband, actor Julius Tennon, coaching her on answers. "I've had the other. It's much better to be on this side of the fence."

What's most remarkable about Davis' recent success is that it didn't happen earlier.

The 49-year-old actress may have two Tony awards and a pair of Oscar nominations, but she had never been No. 1 on the call list, a Hollywood term that means you're the biggest star on the set. Even her critically acclaimed performance in 2011's "The Help" took second billing to Emma Stone, and her heartbreaking turn in 2008's "Doubt" lasted only seven minutes.

"Usually I'm only on a movie set for eight days at the most and am not given characters where I can use my full potential," she said. "That made it really easy to come to TV."

It's a doozy of a role.

"She's a character you can't quite put your finger on and she's got a sexuality. In upcoming episodes, the layers peel away and you'll see where that hardness comes from," Davis said. "I haven't had that opportunity in film. Yet."

Give ample credit to executive producer Shonda Rhimes, who with the debut of "Murder" now oversees all three hours of ABC's Thursday night lineup, an unprecedented achievement. Rhimes may not have created "Murder" — that credit goes to protégé Peter Norwalk — but her fingerprints are all over the crisp dialogue, complicated characters and the kind of ridiculous drama associated with daytime soaps.

However, Rhimes' legacy will have more to do with her colorblind casting. Her shows "Scandal"and "Murder" are the first dramas to revolve around black women in almost 40 years.

"The one thing you can say about Shonda is that she casts people who don't necessarily fit the mold. She's just thinking in terms of talent," Davis said. "Her women are all very strong, very messy and unorthodox. As somebody once said, a well-behaved woman never makes history."

Davis knew she had landed the ideal boss shortly after signing off on the role. Rhimes invited her and Tennon to her office for a congratulatory glass of wine.

Davis could easily be more frustrated, but being overlooked for major roles is hardly the toughest situation she's faced. As the daughter of a horse trainer and maid in Rhode Island, she dealt with extreme deprivation, often diving in trash bins and even stealing to eat. She shared her story last week at Variety magazine's Power of Women luncheon in Los Angeles, where she was honored for her contributions to Hunger Is, a charity that fights childhood hunger by raising awareness and funds.

"I didn't want to feel like a talking head, just throwing out statistics," Davis said two days after her emotionally wrenching speech. "I remember something a friend said to me years ago. Before you even put a quarter into a homeless man's cup, there has to be something about him that reminds you of yourself. As soon as your heart is moved, that's when you give. I had to tell the story, because it's my story. I'm at the point where I'm no longer afraid."

Davis' speech and the command she displays in "Murder" will have you scratching your head: Why has it taken so long for anyone else to take full advantage of her talent?

One of her biggest cheerleaders is Meryl Streep, her co-star in "Doubt." In 2012 she and Davis competed for the best actress Oscar (Davis for "The Help," Streep for "The Iron Lady"). Streep ended up winning, but she publicly campaigned for her friend in the press.

"I love her and think she's amazing," Streep told England's The Sun. "She deserves it [the Oscar] and should be at the forefront of our business."

"I tell people all the time that working with her was the greatest experience," Davis said. "She made me feel like a peer and part of the collaboration, free of any neurosis. She's the most spectacular person when it comes to heart and temperament."

So, any chance of getting the screen's most heralded actress to stop by her show?

"That's a really good idea," Davis said after cackling. "Because my husband on the show is Caucasian, maybe she could play my mother-in-law. I'd have to talk her into it. I don't think I can."

Spend a few more minutes soaking in the water and look at the ratings. Then think again.

Neal Justin • 612-673-7431