Viola Davis is no stranger to success with two Oscar nominations under her belt, but the road there was paved with hunger. In the new issue of People magazine, the actress opens up about her childhood, and what she says might surprise you. "I was one of those kids who grew up hungry," she revealed. "I'm 48 years old now, and it's only been recently that I can admit that I would jump in trash bins looking for food and I would steal from the corner store because I was hungry," Viola added, "I would fall asleep in school on a daily basis because we had nothing."



The "Ender's Game" star grew up in Central Falls, R.I., and admitted that she never had friends come over because her home was condemned and infested with rats. But with the help of food programs, Viola overcame those obstacles, studied at the Juilliard School in New York City, and has become one of the most sought-after actresses in the business. And she's giving back.



The star is partnering with the Safeway Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to lead a campaign for Hunger Is, which raises awareness and money for childhood hunger. "I am the first generation of my family to go to college. Those programs made all the difference for me," Viola told People. "It's been cathartic for me because I always had a lot of shame with going in the garbage dumps that had maggots in it, too. It has brought healing in my life to be able to talk about it."



Check out the video to see Viola's public service announcement for Hunger Is, and be sure to tune in to "The Insider" on TV tonight for the latest in entertainment news.











