Viola Davis: Living in poverty gave me front row seat on ‘other side of life’

Viola Davis will play Michelle Obama in an upcoming movie (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Viola Davis has said growing up in poverty has given her more compassion and allowed her to “see the other side of life” from the Hollywood glamour.

The Oscar-winning actress, 56, grew up in the town of Central Falls, Rhode Island, where her family often had no hot water, gas or electricity and rats would roam the building.