By all accounts, it appears that Chadwick Boseman was not just a superhero on the big screen but an actual inspiration and role model in his personal life, as well. Friends and colleagues have come out telling stories about his strength and kindness since his death in late-August. And now, we have perhaps one of the most touching stories coming from his “21 Bridges” co-star, Sienna Miller.
Speaking to Empire, the actress talked about her experience working on “21 Bridges.” Miller was offered a role in the film by Boseman himself, a producer of the feature. She explained that he wanted to work with her and even though she “really didn’t want to work anymore,” she joined anyway due to her desire to act alongside Boseman.
But Boseman personally wanting Miller for the role went well above just asking the actress to join the cast. In fact, the actress explained that her co-star went above and beyond, especially when it came to compensation, to ensure that Miller would star in the feature.
“I didn’t know whether or not to tell this story, and I haven’t yet. But I am going to tell it, because I think it’s a testament to who he was,” Miller said. “This was a pretty big-budget film, and I know that everybody understands about the pay disparity in Hollywood, but I asked for a number that the studio wouldn’t get to. And because I was hesitant to go back to work and my daughter was starting school and it was an inconvenient time, I said, ‘I’ll do it if I’m compensated in the right way.’ And Chadwick ended up donating some of his salary to get me to the number that I had asked for. He said that that was what I deserved to be paid.”
She added, “It was about the most astounding thing that I’ve experienced. That kind of thing just doesn’t happen. He said, ‘You’re getting paid what you deserve, and what you’re worth.’ It’s just unfathomable to imagine another man in that town behaving that graciously or respectfully. In the aftermath of this I’ve told other male actor friends of mine that story and they all go very very quiet and go home and probably have to sit and think about things for a while. But there was no showiness, it was, ‘Of course I’ll get you to that number, because that’s what you should be paid.’”
Ever since his unexpected passing from cancer back in August, colleagues have come out of the woodwork to tell their story of Boseman being one of the best actors and friends they could ask for. And though we’ve heard about his generosity and friendship, the story Miller told is pretty damn remarkable. And now, we have another story about Boseman that makes his untimely passing even more tragic.
