In order to make the cut, the 100 individuals named by Time are "breakouts, pioneers, moguls, leaders and icons" who "inspire us, entertain us, challenge us and change our world."

Davis, an Oscar nominee for her performance in "The Help," is a two-time Tony Award winner for her performances in Fences and King Hedley II. She was nominated for the Tony for her performance in Seven Guitars. For more on Davis' theatrical career, visit the Playbill Vault.

Actress Cicely Tyson said about Tony winner Davis in Time, "Her life tells a story of personal and professional excellence. Viola, 46, has given her stage and screen characters true presence, depth and authenticity because of her uncompromising real-life character. She is a serious and soul-stirring actress, and her rich body of work represents the full range of our humanity."

Chastain, who played the title role of Salome opposite Al Pacino in the 2006 Los Angeles staging of Oscar Wilde's play, has been seen Off-Broadway in Othello at the Public Theater and Rodney's Wife at Playwrights Horizons. As previously reported, she will star as the title role in the upcoming Broadway production of The Heiress.

Actor-director Gary Oldman said about the Oscar nominee in Time, "When the French call something formidable, they mean tremendous, terrific, awesome. These are words that came to mind when I first encountered the work of Jessica Chastain, 30, during her performance as Salome in Al Pacino's remarkable film of Oscar Wilde's play."

Others among the 2012 "Time 100" include Claire Danes (Pygmalion), Adele, Stephen Colbert, Matt Lauer, Rihanna, Louis CK, Chelsea Handler and producer Harvey Weinstein.

For more information, visit Time.com.