Viola Davis Reflects on Judging Chadwick Boseman During ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Filming
Unaware of His Serious Health Condition
Published March 29, 2025, 5:41 PM PDT
Viola Davis shared her reflections on the filming of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” revealing that she initially judged some of Chadwick Boseman‘s actions while on set. At the time, she was completely unaware that he required additional care due to a serious illness that was affecting his health significantly. This insight sheds light on the often unseen struggles that artists face in their professional environments.
In a candid interview with The Times, published on Friday, Davis opened up about the 2020 film, which is adapted from August Wilson‘s renowned play. This production holds particular significance as it was the final project Boseman completed before his untimely passing. Such discussions highlight the emotional weight and legacy of both the film and the actors involved.
Davis expressed that, like many individuals around the globe, the cast had no knowledge of Chadwick’s ongoing battle with illness. She recounted her surprise upon observing Boseman’s girlfriend and makeup artist providing him with soothing back rubs and playing calming music. In that moment, she found herself feeling somewhat judgmental about the situation, questioning the need for such care, completely unaware of the gravity of his health condition.
<p"Reflecting on her past reactions, Viola stated to The Times, “There was a part of me that was a little judgmental — why do you need all that? Little did I know that they were doing it because he was dying.” Her honesty about her initial perceptions reveals a deeper understanding of how we often misinterpret situations without the full context.
Filming for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” took place during the summer of 2019. Tragically, just a year later, on August 28, 2020, Boseman passed away due to colon cancer. He was only 43 years old at the time of his death, which shocked fans and the film community alike. His story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion toward others, especially in high-pressure environments like film production.
After his passing, Boseman’s family disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer back in 2016. He courageously fought this battle for several years, as the disease progressed to stage IV before he ultimately succumbed to it. This revelation adds a layer of poignancy to his performance in “Ma Rainey’s” and highlights the extraordinary resilience he exhibited while working under such challenging circumstances.
In the months following his death, Viola Davis praised him as a remarkable individual and an exceptional artist. She noted that he possessed a rare quality, a profound commitment to the craft of acting that is seldom seen in today’s performers, regardless of their age. Davis highlighted that he remained loyal to the same agent throughout his career, emphasizing his dedication and humility in an industry that often prioritizes fame over artistry.
It appears that Viola was a bit harsh on herself in her reflections about Chadwick’s situation, and she is now acknowledging her earlier judgments. Her openness serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy and understanding, especially in a world where everyone is fighting their own battles.
