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Viola Davis
Judged Chadwick Boseman on ‘Ma Rainey’s’ Set …
No Idea He Was Sick
Published March 29, 2025 5:41 PM PDT
Viola Davis recently revealed that she held some critical views regarding Chadwick Boseman‘s behavior during the filming of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” completely unaware that he was grappling with serious health issues. In a candid discussion with The Times, she reflected on the struggles that Boseman was secretly enduring while working on the 2020 film, an adaptation of August Wilson‘s acclaimed stage play, which marked Boseman’s final project.
Davis expressed her surprise that, like many others, she had no knowledge of Boseman’s illness during their time on set. She recounted instances where she noticed his girlfriend and makeup artist providing him with soothing care and playing calming music, which led her to form judgments about his needs at the time.
In her words, “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.” This revelation underscores the reality that many people face in terms of understanding what others may be experiencing beneath the surface.
Filming for “Ma Rainey’s” occurred during the summer of 2019, and tragically, Boseman passed away from colon cancer on August 28, 2020, just a year after production wrapped. He was only 43 years old.
Following his death, it was disclosed that Boseman had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, a condition that worsened to stage IV as he battled the disease for several years. His fight against cancer continued while filming “Ma Rainey’s,” highlighting the strength and resolve he displayed during that time.
In the months that followed his passing, Viola Davis celebrated Boseman as not only a gifted actor but also as a remarkable individual, noting his unwavering commitment to the craft of acting. She remarked that he possessed a rare dedication to his art, remaining with the same agent throughout his career, a testament to his sincerity and focus.
Reflecting on their time working together, it seems Davis has recognized her earlier sentiments as overly harsh, demonstrating her growth and understanding in hindsight regarding Boseman’s challenges.
Source
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