In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colman Domingo recently opened up about the lasting impact Chadwick Boseman had on his life and career during a conversation centered on his latest projects, including “Michael” and “Disclosure Day.”
The Oscar nominated actor reflected on moments that stayed with him long after Boseman’s death in 2020, describing the late star as both a peer and a guiding presence.
Colman Domingo Remembers Chadwick Boseman’s Encouragement
Domingo traced one of his strongest memories of Boseman back to an Oscars weekend gathering around 2018, shortly after “Black Panther” became a cultural and box office phenomenon. Living in New York at the time, Domingo remembered finally receiving an invitation to one of Hollywood’s major pre Academy Awards events and unexpectedly arriving alongside Boseman.
The two actors had crossed paths before through theater circles and staged readings, but Domingo said their relationship had still been developing. Even so, Boseman made a point of publicly praising him in front of industry figures surrounding him that night. Recalling the interaction, Domingo said Boseman stopped his entourage and told them, “Y’all need to know this guy right here. This guy is the truth,” before adding, “Know Colman Domingo’s name. I know this man. Keep your eye on him.”
Their connection later continued onscreen in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which became Boseman’s final film performance. Domingo played Cutler opposite Boseman’s fiery trumpeter Levee in the adaptation of August Wilson’s play. Looking back on the beginning of production, Domingo remembered Boseman greeting him with excitement about sharing scenes together. “I can’t wait to dance with you,” Boseman told him on set. “Oh, we’re gonna dance.”
The Marvel star died in August 2020 at age 43 following a private battle with colon cancer, leaving behind a career that stretched from early theater work to acclaimed performances in films like “42,” “Get on Up, Marshall” and “Black Panther.”
Now, Domingo says he still feels Boseman’s influence around him, particularly as his own career reaches new heights. “I really feel like [Boseman]’s been lifting people like me and Michael B. Jordan up from the other side,” Domingo said. “I do believe I have a little, beautiful angel in my friend Chadwick.”
Jordan and Boseman famously shared a close friendship that extended far beyond their work together on “Black Panther,” where they played rivals T’Challa and Killmonger. Jordan often described Boseman as both a mentor and an older brother figure, praising the late actor’s leadership and the example he set on and off screen.
In the years since Boseman’s death, Jordan has continued to speak about his influence while building his own producing and directing career, most recently coming off the success of “Sinners” and expanding projects through his company Outlier Society.