Viola Davis Reveals She Judged Chadwick Boseman While Working On His Last Film

Davis realized she had underestimated the quiet strength Boseman carried with him.

Viola Davis is reflecting, candidly and with a touch of homily, on how she misjudged Chadwick Boseman the last time they worked with each other.

Before his passing from colon cancer in August 2020, Boseman starred alongside Davis in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” In a conversation with The Times, Davis opened up about her experience with the late actor. She mentioned that none of the cast was aware of Boseman’s illness at the time, but she had, admittedly, drawn conclusions based on appearances.

She recalled on set that Boseman was having makeup applied to his back while meditative music played in the background. Davis was puzzled by what she perceived as an elaborate ritual.

“There was a part of me that was a little judgmental,” she confessed. “Why do you need all that? Little did I know that they were doing it because he was dying.”

The revelation came later — and it hit hard. Davis realized she had underestimated the quiet strength Boseman carried with him. A man preparing for a scene, while also fighting a battle no one could see.