In the aftermath of Michael B. Jordan’s triumphant night at the Academy Awards, an old clip has resurfaced showing him expressing gratitude for a much less glamorous accolade.
In the video, the actor is asked about a nomination for an award he had actually already lost.
Jordan’s response demonstrated the same sense of grace and humility that fans have come to associate with him in the years since.
At the time, the California-born star was appearing on the ABC soap opera “All My Children.”
During the same interview, he also spoke about replacing the actor who had originally played the role… his future friend, the late Chadwick Boseman.
Michael B. Jordan’s ‘All My Children’ Interview Resurfaces After His Oscar Win
In “All My Children,” Jordan portrayed the character Reggie Montgomery for four years between 2003 and 2006.
“The Wire” star impressed viewers in the role and earned three consecutive nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series at the NAACP Image Awards.
Although he never took home the trophy, the nominations highlighted just how well Jordan was doing in his breakout television role.
It was also the first time that he had ever been nominated for a major award.
Speaking to Lisa Rinna and Ty Treadway on “Soap Talk” in the resurfaced clip, Jordan explained his feelings about that early achievement.
“I didn’t win, but being nominated was honor enough,” he said.
Jordan Replaced Chadwick Boseman In The ABC Soap Opera
When Jordan first auditioned for “All My Children” after his stint on “The Wire,” he initially missed out on the role of Reggie.
Instead, ABC cast his future friend and “Black Panther” co-star Boseman in the part.
The Howard University alum did not last on the show, however. He reportedly fell out with producers over what he perceived as racial stereotyping of the character and was replaced by Jordan.
Funnily enough, the future Oscar winner couldn’t actually remember Boseman’s name during his cameo on “Soap Talk.”
“I came in for my audition, and I didn’t get it at first,” Jordan recalled. “Reggie was played by… I can’t remember what the guy’s name was… only for like two shows. Then they called me for another read-through, and I got it. So, I guess it was meant to be.”
Michael B. Jordan’s Career Came Full Circle With His Oscar Victory
Jordan’s youthful interview on “Soap Talk” has resonated with fans not only because of the Boseman connection. Viewers also appear to appreciate the symbolism of the actor’s full-circle moment following his Oscar win.
During his acceptance speech, the “Fruitvale Station” star reflected on his journey and his place in Hollywood legacy, acknowledging artists who paved the way before him.
“To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys… Thank you,” Jordan said.
He also reserved a special shout-out for his parents, including his father, who had traveled from Ghana to witness the milestone moment.
Michael B. Jordan Also Revealed Which ‘All My Children’ Co-Star Helped Him The Most
Not everyone who contributed to Jordan’s success over the years would have made it into his Oscars speech.
In the resurfaced clip from “Soap Talk,” however, the actor highlighted Walt Willey as the “All My Children” co-star who was most helpful toward him when he first joined the series.
“He helped me out so much when I first got on the show, and he showed me the ropes,” Jordan said. “He introduced me to everybody. He made me feel really welcome. He’s great!”
In the long-running soap, Willey portrayed Reggie’s adoptive father, Jackson Montgomery.
The Actor Joked About His Mom Writing His Acceptance Speech
One person who has been a constant for Jordan throughout the journey is his mother, Donna.
She has increasingly become a red-carpet regular during awards season, appearing alongside her son at several events, including the Oscars.
During his appearance on “Soap Talk,” Jordan joked that she had even written up a special acceptance speech in case he won the NAACP Image Award.
“My mother, she actually sent me an acceptance speech that she wrote out,” he said. “And of course, it’s, ‘I would like to thank the woman who gave me life, and can take it away if I don’t finish reading this note!’”