Mum ‘I Underestimated Chadwick Boseman Before Knowing About Illness”- Viola Davis Says

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Mum ‘I Underestimated Chadwick Boseman Before Knowing About Illness”- Viola Davis Says

Award-winning actress Viola Davis recently shared her reflections on working with Chadwick Boseman during the filming of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, revealing that she initially misinterpreted his behavior on set, unaware of the private health battle he was enduring.

In an interview with The Times on Friday, Davis recounted her experience alongside Boseman in what would become his final film role. She recalled observing the special care he received, including massages from his girlfriend and the soothing presence of meditative music. At the time, she questioned why he needed such attention.

“I remember feeling a bit judgmental—wondering why he required all of that,” Davis admitted. “I had no idea they were doing it because he was dying.”

During the summer of 2019, while filming the movie, Boseman was privately facing stage IV colon cancer, a diagnosis that had progressed from stage III since 2016. The actor never disclosed his illness publicly, and his passing on August 28, 2020, at age 43, came as a shock to many.

Following his death, Davis honored Boseman’s unwavering dedication to his craft, describing him as an extraordinary talent and a deeply committed artist.