Viola Davis in “Air,” a Nike film, plays Michael Jordan’s mom; surprisingly, it was during the premiere she learned who suggested her name for the role.
EGOT winner Viola Davis knows her onions when it comes to bringing to life her on-screen character. But when she read the script for “Air,” she understood it was a grand role.
Viola Davis was Deloris in “Air”, Michael Jordan’s mom. Her sternness and advice catapulted her son to one of the best deals with Nike in 1984.
About the role, she was “very flattered and deeply moved” to play such a figure. Amid her affiliation with Jordan, Davis was unaware his mom played a vital role in the Nike deal.
She respected her confidence and wanted to know more about the super mom. So she researched her character.
According to Davis:
“I use the term zen neutrality with her. Someone who just moves calmly through life, making major decisions, slaying dragons, making dreams come true.”
The actress noted that Deloris may have a fierce character, but she knew how to go about things calmly. Davis confessed that it was a personality different from hers.
Still, Viola Davis in “Air” rendered an exceptional performance that has been praised by co-star and director, Ben Affleck. But just recently she discovered something.
https://t.co/udSaRa6iKL Viola Davis was 'deeply moved' to be asked to play Michael Jordan's mum in Air https://t.co/Vayw469ywF pic.twitter.com/mGwpju3rIu
— Film-News.co.uk (@FilmNewsWeb) March 20, 2023
Viola Davis in “Air” Was Recommended By Michael Jordan
Viola Davis and Michael Jordan never had a conversation about casting. But that came up between the basketball legend and Affleck.
The 50-year-old praised Jordan over the success of the film but claimed he made some demands. Jordan wanted Howard White, the president of the Jordan brand, in the film. He also wanted Davis as his mom.
Surprisingly, during and after filming, Viola Davis had no idea she was handpicked by the owner of the story; but on Saturday during the “Air” premiere she found out.
Davis stepped on the red carpet with Julius Tennon, her husband, as her date for the night. She addresses the casting, claiming it was flattering to know Jordan was involved.
She added:
“I’m just hearing about it now. So yeah, so it blew my mind. I’m glad I didn’t know about it before.”
Tennon echoed his wife’s sentiments, maintaining that it was an honor for Jordan to think about Davis as Deloris.
Before working on the historical branding film, Davis starred as a warrior in “The Woman King.” This earned her an NAACP Image Award for the outstanding actress.