Viola Davis, who stars in the Ben Affleck-directed film “Air” on the beginnings of the Air Jordan shoes, has opened up about what she learned of Michael Jordan’s mother Deloris Jordan and her role in protecting “her son’s legacy.”
The EGOT-achieving actor’s role in the film comes after MJ asked for Davis to play his mother in “Air,” Affleck revealed to The Hollywood Reporter in a profile published Thursday.
Davis, in an interview with the publication, reflected on the importance of motherhood and Deloris Jordan’s ability to go to bat for her son.
“Mothers are the most important figures in anybody’s life, so I was very flattered and deeply moved to be asked to play Michael’s mother,” Davis said.
“I know Michael Jordan but didn’t know that Deloris brokered this deal to get him a huge stake in the shoe and in turn, protected her son’s legacy. I wanted to know more about this woman who had the strength and courage to fight for her son’s worth.”
Davis noted that she leaned into the project due to Deloris Jordan having the characteristics of “an incredible woman.”
“For Deloris to have this insight and progressive vision, to stand her ground in the negotiation room – which I know can be the hardest part of the job – makes her an incredible woman,” Davis said.
Photo by Steve Kagan/Disney General Entertainment Content/ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images
Davis’ thoughts on Deloris Jordan arrive after Affleck noted that her character had one line in the film at the time of the NBA great’s request.
Davis’ husband, Julius Tennon, acts alongside her as the basketball legend’s father James R. Jordan Sr. in “Air.”
The film, which is set for an April 5 release, will also star the likes of Matt Damon as Nike employee Sonny Vaccaro, Affleck as Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Chris Tucker as Jordan brand vice president Howard White.
