Cast of Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Discuss Their Roles and Favorite Chadwick Moments

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is a story about blues sensation Ma Rainey and her band as they record at a Chicago recording studio in the 1920s. The film is based on the 1982 play by August Wilson. 

WHATS THE WORD’s own Corli Jay spoke with actors of the film; Glynn Turman (Toledo), Colman Domingo (Cutler), and Michael Potts (Slow Drag) about what made them go after the roles. Turman also shared a special anecdote about a memory he had with the late Chadwick Boseman.    

Boseman portrays the young and ambitious trumpet player, Levee. Levee was Boseman’s final role. Produced by Denzel Washington, the film also stars Viola Davis as Ma Rainey and was directed by playwright George C. Wolfe. 

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” will be available to stream on Netflix Friday, December 18th.