Los Angeles Times

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon have a great love story. It led to one of the year's best films

Viola Davis, left, and John Boyega in "The Woman King."

LOS ANGELES — Get Viola Davis and Julius Tennon talking about how they found each other and the conversation instantly turns into one of those couples interviews you see in "When Harry Met Sally," with the husband and wife finishing each other's sentences while making sure that the details are relayed just so.

On their first date 23 years ago, Tennon took Davis to the Crocodile Cafe on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Tennon says they didn't go there for any particular reason. Davis reminds him: "You said you loved the bread basket!" Tennon remembers. "Oh, yeah ... the bread was fresh and gooood."

After dinner, they walked to the Santa Monica Pier, Tennon wrapping Davis in his coat because of the cool ocean air. "He drove me home in his Nissan Maxima," Davis says. "My new Nissan Maxima," Tennon interjects. "Oh, it was so clean," Davis continues. "And he drove me to the front curb and he shook my hand. He said I was beautiful and that he'd had such a beautiful time. And he stayed there until I got to the door of my apartment. He was such a gentleman." Tennon smiles. "Texas hospitality."

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