Michaela Coel’s incredible acting and writing credentials have seen her gain legions of fans, but there’s one particular admirer who left the actor starstruck. Speaking to Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” on Oct. 25, Coel revealed she received a huge bouquet of flowers congratulating her after her historic Emmys win in 2021 from none other than Beyoncé.
Coel took home the award for outstanding writing in a limited series for her impactful TV show “I May Destroy You,” making her the first Black woman to ever win the category. Not only was she honored at the event and humbled by being surrounded by so many people she admired, but a real shock also came later. “The big moment was getting home to Atlanta, where I was filming ‘Black Panther,'” Coel told Fallon. “I entered my house, and there was a huge bouquet of white flowers, and the note said, ‘Proud of you, Bx. Beyoncé.'”
It’s no secret that Coel, who is Vogue’s November 2022 cover star, is a longtime fan of the singer, but she was still surprised to have been sent the kind gesture. “I’ve never met Beyoncé, I’ve never spoken to Beyoncé, so for her to do that was slightly insane,” she added. “I’ve spent my career paying homage to her. [In] ‘Chewing Gum,’ there’s a photo of her next to Jesus Christ that the central character prays to. I’ve written articles about Beyoncé for The Guardian, but I’ve never met her, so for her to do that meant a lot.”
Beyoncé has a track record of sending flowers to those she admires, having recently sent a bouquet to Cardi B to wish her happy birthday. Coel felt as though she needed to return the favor following the release of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album, which Coel describes as “an album and a half,” so she sent her a huge plant to congratulate her and say thanks. Despite having never spoken in real life, it seems the pair have struck up quite the foliage friendship.
Coel, who stars in the upcoming “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” also commented on working on the movie following the death of Chadwick Boseman. There is “a gaping hole and a lot of grief in the heart of the cast, as well as joy, so it just feels like the emotions are complex,” Coel detailed. “It’s not just, ‘Oh, I’m excited I’m in “Black Panther.”‘ It just feels weighty.”
Coel, who also auditioned for the first “Black Panther” film, joked that fans should “minimize expectations,” as her character isn’t the main focus. We don’t have too long to wait as the movie hits theaters on Nov. 11, yet we’re sure Coel’s performance will shine bright. And perhaps warrant a second Beyoncé bouquet?
