Viola Davis says she judged Chadwick Boseman for being pampered on 'Ma Rainey' set a year before his death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Viola Davis recently opened up about her time working with Chadwick Boseman on 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom'.

The 'Custody' actress admitted she initially misjudged some of the late 'Black Panther' star's on-set habits, unaware of the immense health battle he was privately fighting, TMZ reported.

Viola Davis reveals she 'was a little judgmental' about Chadwick Boseman's need for attention 

In an interview with The Sunday Times published on Friday, March 28, Viola Davis discussed the 2020 film, which was based on August Wilson’s seminal play and tragically became Chadwick Boseman’s final on-screen role.

During filming of the movie in the summer of 2019, neither Davis nor the rest of the cast knew that Boseman was battling stage III colon cancer, which later progressed to stage IV.

Boseman died on August 28, 2020, at just 43 years old, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.

Davis recalled moments on set when she noticed Boseman receiving extra care from his girlfriend and make-up artist, who often rubbed his back and played meditative music.

At the time, she didn’t fully understand why he needed this level of attention.

“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,” she admitted.

Months after Boseman's death, Davis reflected on his remarkable spirit, calling him a rare artist who was wholly dedicated to his craft.

“He had a quality that very few have today, whether young or old, which is a total commitment to the art form of acting. Regardless of ego, regardless of any of it. He was with the same agent he had when he started his career,” she said while praising her late co-star.

Chadwick Boseman’s private battle with cancer and the legacy he left behind 

Chadwick Boseman died at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his wife and loved ones, according to a statement shared on social media.

The heartbreaking news shocked fans and the film industry alike, with 'Get Out' director Jordan Peele calling it “a crushing blow," as per BBC. 

Director Nia DaCosta wrote, “I’ll miss waiting to see what he does next. Rest in power.”

Boseman’s death shocked the world, as few outside his close circle knew of his diagnosis.

His family later revealed that he had been living with cancer since 2016, enduring extensive treatments while continuing to deliver powerful performances.

In their statement, his family honored the actor's resilience, saying, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.”

"From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more - all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther," they added in the statement.