Violet Newstead

Violet Newstead was a fictional character in the movie Nine to Five as well as its television sequel. In the movie, Violet was played by Lily Tomlin. In the subsequent television series, she was played by multi-award winning entertainer, Rita Moreno.

Widow with a purpose

Violet was the senior office supervisor at Consolidated Companies, where she had worked for twelve years. A recent widow with four children (one of which was Josh), she had a hard time making ends meet. So, she worked hard and gained her position, making her very valuable.

Her section included several people and she reported directly to Franklin Hart, Jr, the vice president, whom she herself trained. According to him, Violet knew more about how the company was run than anyone. A newcomer, Judy Bernly had joined her section as a secretary, following her divorce, and after a time, they, along with Hart's executive secretary, Doralee Rhodes became friends due to their common enemy, their neanderthal of a boss.

Violet truly loses her cool with him when she is passed over for a promotion after being at the company for so long. The person who was promoted (Bob Enright) was also trained by Violet, which made her even angrier, not to mention that Hart himself stole several ideas of hers over the years, and usually orders her to get him a cup of coffee, which makes it seem that he is too lazy to get it himself. In short, Hart treats her the way he would treat his wife, Missy Hart, or his mother. He takes her too much for granted.

During a pot party, thanks to a joint given to her by her son, Josh, the three very frustrated office workers dreamed up what they would do to do in the hateful Hart. Violet saw a fairy tale kind of fantasy, akin to Snow White, where she poisoned his coffee.

Unwittingly, however, she really "does" sweeten his coffee with rat poison, and things start spinning out of control. The heroines resort to tying the tyrannical Hart up and compelling him to enforce some new procedures at the office that make it more relaxed, yet retaining a strong office schedule. During his absence, Violet, using her twelve years of company experience, was able to come up with the answers to questions.

All this happened, as Violet, Judy and Doralee were looking into some information on whether Hart had embezzled equipment and supplies from the company.

For her efforts, and her ability of remaining calm in a crisis, Violet is herself promoted to Vice President! She finally gets her due, while Hart is transferred to Brazil to work with the Chairman of the Board.

Trivia

* In the television series, Violet's maiden name is Fernandez, (due to Rita Moreno's playing Violet as a fiery latina woman) while in the movie, Violet's maiden name is not disclosed. Also, in the television series, Violet is also a widow with four children, the most visible of whom is Tommy, while in the movie her son was the aforementioned Josh.

* In 1993, Lily Tomlin (Violet) and Dabney Coleman (Hart) from the movie, reunited for the movie remake of the classic television series, "The Beverly Hillbillies". Lily played Jane Hathaway and Dabney played her greedy boss, Milburn Drysdale.

* In the audio commentary for the DVD, Lily Tomlin revealed that she envisioned Violet as a poor reckless driver - which is the reason the kid's grandmother (shown in background) is wearing a neck brace.