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Viola Davis Reflects on Chadwick Boseman’s Private Struggle During “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Filming
In a recent interview, award-winning actress Viola Davis shared her recollections of filming “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” with Chadwick Boseman, noting she, like many, was unaware of his battle with cancer at the time. The 2020 film, which would become Boseman’s final cinematic performance, saw Davis portray the iconic blues singer alongside Boseman’s captivating portrayal of Levee Green. Davis’s reflections shed light on Boseman’s professionalism and grace amidst his private health challenges.
Unseen Battles on Set
Davis recounted to The Times how Boseman’s partner and makeup artist provided him with comfort measures on set. These included back rubs and meditative music, practices Davis admitted she initially misconstrued.
“There was a part of me that was a little judgmental – why do you need all that?” Davis confessed, revealing her initial perspective before understanding the gravity of Boseman’s condition.
“Little did I know that they were doing it because he was dying,” she added somberly.
A Secret Illness, A Lasting Impact
Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away in August 2020 at the age of 43, succumbing to colon cancer. His diagnosis and treatment had been kept private from the public and most of the film industry, including his colleagues on “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
Released posthumously just three months after his death, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” set in 1920s Chicago, depicted a pivotal recording session of the blues legend. Boseman’s compelling performance garnered him a posthumous Academy Award nomination.
Remembering Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy
In December 2020, Davis expressed her profound grief to Yahoo Entertainment upon learning of Boseman’s passing. “Lord knows we all would’ve wanted him to live another 50 years. We all want longevity,” she stated, highlighting the universal desire for a long life.
However, Davis offered a powerful perspective on Boseman’s life, emphasizing quality over quantity. “But I can’t see his life tragically at all. … Because I felt like he was always living in the moment, squeezing out every bit of life,” the acclaimed actress reflected.
Integrity and Artistic Devotion
Davis continued, underscoring Boseman’s commitment to his principles. “What I hold onto with Chad is that he lived his life his way. I would say his professional life as absolutely paralleled his personal life, that’s my guess, in terms of how he lived with the utmost integrity.”
In a prior interview with The Guardian, Davis posited that Boseman’s enduring image would be that of a “hero,” clarifying, “There’s a part of the public that’s gonna associate that with ‘Black Panther’; I do not. I associate that with his authenticity, especially in the midst of a profession that sometimes can erode that out of you.”
Focus on Artistry Over Fame
During a 2021 OWN Spotlight special with Oprah Winfrey, Davis further elaborated on Boseman’s priorities, noting his detachment from celebrity culture.
“I just felt that he was not interested in being a movie star as much as he was concerned with being a really great artist,” she conveyed, emphasizing his dedication to his craft.
Director’s Praise for Boseman
George C. Wolfe, the director of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” previously shared with Variety his enriching experience collaborating with Boseman, describing it as “empowering.”
“I feel blessed by the performance, blessed by getting to know him and exhilarated by the work, by this astonishing performance,” Wolfe affirmed. “So yes, there’s sadness, but there’s all these other qualities that I find, ultimately, empowering.”