Acclaimed actress Viola Davis has opened up about her experience working alongside the late Chadwick Boseman on their Netflix film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” sharing candid reflections that reveal how perceptions can be misleading without context. The Oscar winner recently disclosed how she misjudged certain aspects of Boseman’s on-set behavior, unaware he was privately battling terminal cancer during production.
Speaking with The Times in a revealing Friday interview, Davis described observing peculiar care routines for her co-star that, at the time, prompted internal questions about why such accommodations were necessary. Only after Boseman’s shocking death did these moments take on profound new meaning for the actress.
I remember feeling a bit judgmental—wondering why he required all of that,” Davis admitted with characteristic frankness. “I had no idea they were doing it because he was dying.”
Davis detailed noticing Boseman’s girlfriend (now widow, Taylor Simone Ledward) providing him with massages between takes and the constant presence of meditative music surrounding the actor during breaks. What appeared potentially as star treatment or unnecessary coddling was, in reality, essential care for someone fighting for his life while simultaneously delivering a powerhouse performance.
This revelation carries particular weight considering “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” would become Boseman’s final screen appearance—a performance that posthumously earned him Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards, along with an Oscar nomination. Throughout filming in the summer of 2019, Boseman was silently enduring stage IV colon cancer, having been diagnosed with stage III in 2016.
The acclaimed actor never publicly disclosed his diagnosis and continued working on several physically demanding roles, including “Black Panther,” during intensive treatment. His death on August 28, 2020, at age 43, stunned Hollywood and fans worldwide, as few outside his innermost circle knew of his condition.
For Davis, the realization that came after his passing transformed her understanding of who Boseman truly was as both artist and human being. “He had a rare quality—one that’s uncommon today, regardless of age—which was an absolute devotion to the art of acting, free from ego or self-interest,” she reflected. “Chadwick brought something transcendent to every moment on camera, even while carrying an unimaginable burden.”
Film critics and industry insiders have noted the extraordinary significance of Boseman’s performance as ambitious trumpeter Levee Green in the adaptation of August Wilson’s play. Knowing now the physical challenges he faced makes his emotionally raw portrayal even more remarkable—particularly during several physically demanding scenes and explosive monologues that required tremendous energy and focus.
Davis, who portrayed the titular blues singer Ma Rainey in the film, has built a reputation for her own transformative performances and unflinching honesty about the industry. Her willingness to acknowledge her misreading of Boseman’s situation speaks to themes she has consistently addressed throughout her career: the danger of assumptions and the hidden struggles many endure privately.
“There’s something humbling about recognizing how easily we can misinterpret what we see on the surface,” Davis noted in the interview. “Chadwick never complained, never let on what he was going through. He simply showed up and delivered excellence day after day.”
The posthumous recognition of Boseman’s work in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” included some of the industry’s highest honors. Beyond the accolades, however, Davis emphasized that his legacy extends far beyond awards.
“When I think about what true commitment to one’s art looks like, Chadwick exemplified it completely,” Davis said. “He wasn’t performing for recognition or fame—he was answering a calling. That level of authenticity can’t be manufactured.”
The revelation adds another layer to the already poignant story of Boseman’s final years. Despite knowing his prognosis, the actor devoted himself to roles with cultural significance, from Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall to Marvel’s groundbreaking Black Panther/T’Challa and historical figures like James Brown. Simultaneously, he quietly visited children with cancer in hospitals, never revealing he was fighting the same disease.
Film historian and cultural critic Dr. Jacqueline Stewart points to the deeper significance of both actors’ collaboration on “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” “What we witnessed was a passing of the torch between generations of Black excellence in American cinema. Davis and Boseman represented different eras but shared an uncommon commitment to expanding representation through undeniable talent.”
For Davis, whose own journey from extreme poverty to becoming one of the most decorated actresses in Hollywood has been well-documented, the experience with Boseman reinforced important life lessons. “We never truly know what battles others are fighting,” she reflected. “Chadwick taught us all something about dignity in the face of mortality.”
Production members from “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” have since shared their own recollections of Boseman during filming, noting his generosity with fellow actors and crew despite his condition. Costume designer Ann Roth recalled his unfailing politeness and focus, while director George C. Wolfe has spoken about Boseman’s intense preparation process.
The film, released several months after Boseman’s death, now serves as both a showcase of extraordinary talent and a bittersweet memorial to an artist at the height of his powers who knew his time was limited. For audiences aware of the circumstances, certain lines from his character Levee carry haunting resonance about life’s brevity and the urgency of pursuing one’s purpose.
As Hollywood continues to reckon with Boseman’s legacy, Davis’s candid admission reminds the industry and fans alike about the complex humanity behind memorable performances. “What appears as privilege or special treatment might actually be necessity,” she concluded. “Chadwick’s story teaches us to reserve judgment and approach others with compassion—you never know what someone is silently enduring.”
