'Celebrity IOU': Viola Davis dishes on who helped her play Annalise Keating in 'How to Get Away with Murder'

Viola Davis recruits the Scott brothers to help her gift her friend of 31 years, Michelle O'Neill, the house of her dreams
Jonathan Scott, Michelle O'Neill, Viola Davis and Drew Scott (Media Handout)
Jonathan Scott, Michelle O'Neill, Viola Davis and Drew Scott (Media Handout)

HGTV's 'Celebrity IOU' has returned with yet another heart-warming episode and the Scott brothers are all set to spruce up another home. 

Starring in the episode is Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis who wishes to gift her friend of 31 years, Michelle O'Neill, the house of her dreams. She shared how they went to the Julliard School together and have together braved some tough times and been there for each other every step of the way.

Even though Michelle has a perfectly-functioning home, Viola decided to surprise her with some new and fresh that would not only ease her from the role of a "giver" but also give her space from where she can pursue her cooking and entertainment better. It should be diverse and sort of a playground for her. 

Drew and Jonathan Scott, along with Viola, went on a house inspection and found out that the element of sophistication is missing and the area is cramped up, especially the kitchen and the living area that is divided by a giant wall.

As they chalk out a rough plan on how the new and improved house was going to look like, the brothers asked where Viola got her hard edge from, the one viewers get to see play in Annalise Keating in 'How To Get Away With Murder.' 

"Well, I learned it from my dad. It's called the Dan Davis look," Viola shared and gave Drew and Jonathan a death stare. The hosts-design experts followed her lead, made an effort to get the stare right — but it was nothing close to what Viola had demonstrated.

Later, they got down to demolish the house which was oddly satisfying and then Drew followed up a bunch of plans and ideas with Viola.

Even though the designers know what they are doing, it would only make sense if Viola pitched in with her ideas of what Michelle likes and dislikes. She picked fixtures, floorings, and handles and knobs for the house. 

By the end of five weeks, the house was completely transformed and looked like there was never an old house there. She got her office, new record machine place and open layout kitchen that would help her host guests and her family with effortless ease.

Catch all the episodes of 'Celebrity IOU' on HGTV every Monday.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Malik has no idea Hondo knows his secret, and Adain Bradley says their story is far from over.
2026-10-17T20:45:16.000Z
Jo’s resignation raises questions about her future as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ begins a new era in Season 23
2026-10-17T18:23:30.000Z
‘Tulsa King’ Season 4, starring Sylvester Stallone, streams every Friday on Paramount+
2026-10-17T10:36:40.000Z
Pavi and her long-lost twin Nisha hunt for their origins as the Havens cheer the last Avatar’s death
2026-10-17T08:37:00.000Z
Season 2 of the HBO Stephen King prequel jumps back to 1935 and a gang of bank robbers
2026-10-17T06:52:24.000Z
‘Fire Country’ season 5 episode 2 reveals Jake’s fate after the shooting as the team uncovers the attacker’s motive
2026-10-17T06:41:28.000Z
Wes ends ‘Sheriff Country’ Season 2 Episode 2 in the hands of Stoyanovs after exposing bakery bug
2026-10-17T05:35:47.000Z
Chad Lowe is the executive producer on ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ and has also directed many episodes
2026-10-17T05:07:28.000Z
Issa López returns as showrunner for a Jamaica Bay story with ties to ’Night Country’
2026-10-17T03:12:59.000Z
Oklahoma’s governor and Dwight’s love interest board a private jet in the first episode of Season 4
2026-10-16T09:30:07.000Z