Denzel Washington Told Chadwick Boseman To Marry His Wife

In a recent interview, Denzel Washington remembers the late Chadwick Boseman by recalling the love he witnessed between Boseman and his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward.

On CBS Sunday Morning, Washington reminisced on his time working with Boseman on the 2020 film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

On the set of the Netflix film, Washington stated he “used to watch how she took care of him” and even one time said to him, “‘Man, you know, you need to put a ring on that finger,’ cause she kept her eye on him and she watched him. And I’m like, ‘Man, she loves that guy.’ You know, but I didn’t know what we know now.”

The “what we know now” the actor and director is referencing is Boseman’s secret battle with colon cancer, which led to his untimely death in August at 43.

“His wife was there. They weren’t even married yet,” Washington shared of Boseman’s private, years-long battle. “It’s fascinating that nobody knew. Certain members of his team knew.”

Washington then paid his respects, “well, credit to him; he kept it to himself. It was nobody’s business. He was there to deliver, and he delivered.”

According to People, Boseman and Ledward “had been romantically linked since 2015” and got engaged sometime in October 2019. The couple’s marriage was confirmed on Instagram when Boseman’s death was announced. Apparently, they were secretly married in a private ceremony shortly before his death.

Recognized at the 50th NAACP Image Awards as the outstanding actor in a motion picture for his lead role in Black Panther, Boseman paid tribute to Ledward.

“Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you, Boseman said as Ledward mouthed back the words “I love you,” according to People.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Boseman’s last film, is set to premiere on Dec. 18.