During a new interview, Colman Domingo recalled the kind words his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star Chadwick Boseman once shared with him.
Domingo, who is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, revealed how Boseman publicly praised him at a Hollywood party during Black Panther’s box office run. Boseman passed away in 2020 at the age of 43.
Colman Domingo recalls how Chadwick Boseman praised him
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colman Domingo reflected on what Chadwick Boseman told him years ago during the theatrical run of Black Panther.
“We did a couple of play readings together, so we knew each other, but not super well,” Domingo said about his early connection with Boseman.
Domingo explained how he approached Boseman at the Hollywood party. The Sing Sing star greeted Boseman and asked if he remembered him. “I’m so proud of all your success and everything you’re doing. It’s so beautiful to watch your ascension,” Domingo recalled telling Boseman.
However, Boseman immediately turned the attention back to Domingo. “He literally looked at me like this, [and he] said: ‘Y’all need to know this guy right here. This guy is the truth,’” Domingo recalled. “He said, ‘No, I’m telling you, know Colman Domingo’s name.’ I was like, ‘Oh no, no.’ He said, ‘No, I’m telling you, know Colman Domingo’s name. I know this man. Keep your eye on him.’”
Some time later, the pair ended up starring together in Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Domingo also shared fond memories of Boseman from that time.
“He had huge hands, and he would point his finger at me and say, ‘I can’t wait to dance with you. Oh, we’re gonna dance. We’re gonna dance,’” Domingo said.
The actor further added about his late co-star, “Of my contemporaries who really come from my experience, whether it’s growing up in the inner city or just being an African American man, there’s not a lot of men who hold that space in this rare air. When I go through this part, what should I look out for? How should I advocate for myself? Or, for others?’ Chadwick had been one of them.”
