Did you know that Viola Davis is officially a part of the Barbie universe?!

Though Mattel first honored the Oscar-winning actress with a limited-edition Role Models Barbie during Barbie’s 65th anniversary push in March 2024, the doll feels newly relevant this year as Davis’ role model behavior continues to make her star rise. Mattel honored Davis as a “critically revered artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author.”

From her show-stopping Golden Globes moment where she received the Cecile B. DeMille Award to her most recent on-screen turns, to her lucrative development deal at Amazon MGM, the doll created to make “6-year-old Viola” squeal, as she put it, now feels like less of a novelty collectible and more like an early salute to a career that continues to be a living example for young girls to follow.

The doll, aimed at adult collectors and fans, channels Davis’ signature elegance and visibility as a cultural figure. Viola’s Barbie was inspired by her 2018 Golden Globes look. The Role Models series spotlighted influential women across fields, and Davis joined a global roster that includes other high-profile honorees like Shania Twain, Helen Mirren, and Kylie Minogue.

Davis said in a statement shared with The Grio, “It is my biggest gift to her…my lifelong mission and legacy to make her feel pretty, seen, and worthy. No words…just joy.” The actress’ reaction is exactly why Mattel said the Role Models collection is about representation as much as recognition.

Unfortunately, the Viola Davis Barbie is no longer available for purchase. The doll was created as a one-of-a-kind collector's item for Mattel's annual Barbie Role Models collection to honor her. 

Davis has joined a growing list of Black women who’ve been honored with Barbies fashioned after them. Through the years, the doll manufacturer has made an effort to help women and girls explore their limitless potential by exposing them to different roles and narratives mirroring the diversity of today’s world. While highlighting various disabilities and body types, Barbie has also spotlighted notable figures in Black culture, including Bessie Coleman, Tina Turner, Madam C.J. Walker, Ida B. Wells, Laverne Cox, Shonda Rhimes, Pat McGrath, and the instantly sold-out Ava DuVernay Barbie.