The Evolution of Colman Domingo
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SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 14: Colman Domingo attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California.
Colman Domingo, 54, has stuns on the big screen and on red carpets. From “Rustin” to “The Color Purple” and “Euphoria” — his iconic roles have certainly caught our attention. But Domingo wasn’t always the rising star we see today.
From growing up in Philly to early roles in rock musicals, Domingo has put in that work and has earned his success many times over.
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Tourists and locals take pictures at a life-size I Love Philly sign at LOVE park in Center City Philadelphia, PA on June 6, 2019.
Colman Domingo was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father is from Belize, but his family is originally from Guatemala. His mother is Black.
Will Smith!?
LOS ANGELES - 1996 actor Will Smith poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California.
Fun fact: Domingo went to high school with the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Will Smith!
Education
PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 27: Temple University signage at Conwell Hall at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 27, 2016.
True to his Philadelphia roots, Domingo studied at Temple University, where he received a degree in Journalism.
Passing Strange
The cast of the Broadway Play “Passing Strange”: Rebecca Naomi Jones, Daniel Breaker, Eisa Davis, Coleman Domingo,Chad Goodridge and de’ Adrea Aziza pose for a photo at the Cast Rehearsal and Meet and Greet held at the New 42nd Street Studios on January 7, 2007 in New York City
Domingo didn’t come out of nowhere. In 2008, Domingo starred in the acclaimed rock musical “Passing Strange” — which later opened on Broadway. He won an Obie Award for his performance.
Spike Lee
Colman Domingo & Spike Lee attending the Woodie King Jr’s NFT New Federal Theatre 40th Reunion Gala Benefit Awards Presentation in New York City.
The “Passing Strange” was adapted into a 2009 film directed by Spike Lee. The film later premiered at Sundance. Domingo worked with Lee on multiple other projects, including a “Red Hook Summer.”
A Boy and His Soul
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Writer Colman Domingo attends the “A Boy And His Soul” Off-Broadway opening night at the Vineyard Theatre on September 24, 2009 in New York City.
Domingo has more than just acting, dancing and singing chops. After starring in “Passing Strange,” he wrote and starred in a an autobiographical play about his early life, which was heavily praised by critics.
The Scottsboro Boys
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: (L to R) Cast members Colman Domingo, Brandon Victor Dixon, Forrest McClendon and Julian Glover accept the Ned Sherrin award for Best Musical for The Scottsboro Boys at the 60th London Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the London Palladium on November 30, 2014 in London, England.
Domingo’s success on the big stage didn’t end with “A Boy and His Soul.” In 2011, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “The Scottsboro Boys” in the category Best Featured Actor in a Musical. The film won the Ned Sherrin award for Best Musical.
Early Notable On-Screen Roles
‘Selma’ Press Conference - 65th Berlinale International Film Festival
Domingo continued to steadily get work on-screen as well. Domingo played Minister Ralph Abernathy in Ava DuVernay’s “Selma.” He also appeared regularly in the “Fear of the Walking Dead.” And he made multiple appearances in Netflix’s “Lucifer.”
Marriage
PARK CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 20: Raúl Domingo and Colman Domingo attend the Ketel One Family Made Vodka Celebrates Filmmakers at the Official Gersh Agency Party at the Sundance Film Festival at Handle on January 20, 2024 in Park City, Utah.
Domingo married his husband Raúl Domingo in 2014. However, Domingo told GQ magazine that they met at a Walgreens parking lot in 2005. Domingo didn’t say anything at the time, but felt an instant connection — so he turned to craigslist to find Raúl. They had a first date at a bar in San Francisco and the rest is history. <3
‘If Beale Street Could Talk’
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 04: (L-R) Actors Kiki Layne, Regina King, Stephan James, and Colman Domingo attend the 19th Annual AFI Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 4, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Arguably his big on-screen breakout role was in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Domingo played the Joseph Rivers, the father of protagonist Tish Rivers.
Euphoria
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 20: Colman Domingo attends the HBO Max FYC event for “Euphoria” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Fans of the HBO show “Euphoria,” will likely recognize Domingo for his role as “Ali” in the hit show. Domingo stunned with his heartbreaking portrayal as a father recovering from substance abuse issues, who takes an interest in the series’ protagonist, Rue.
A Fashion Icon Is Born
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been digitally altered.) Colman Domingo, nominee for Best Supporting Male in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, is seen in his award show look for the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards on April 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
Around the same time Domingo starred in “Beale Street” and “Euphoria” — he started to get a reputation as a fashion icon on the red carpet. Domingo regularly stepped out in impeccable suits.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
APRIL 18: In this screengrab, Colman Domingo accepts the Dorian Award for Best Actor on behalf of Chadwick Boseman for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” during GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics’ 1st Annual Dorians Film Toast 2021 Awards on April 18, 2021.
Domingo stared alongside Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman in the Netflix adaption of August Wilson’s play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The film won multiple awards and Davis and Boseman were nominated for Best Actress and Actor respectively at the Academy Awards for their performances.
Emmy Award
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Colman Domingo, winner of the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series award for ‘Euphoria,’ attends the 2022 Creative Arts Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 04, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
In 2022, Domingo won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Ali in “Euphoria.”
Rustin
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: Coleman Domingo arrives at the “Rustin” screening and Q&A presented by SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations at NETFLIX on January 06, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Obviously, we can’t talk about Domingo without talking about his critically acclaimed role as Bayard Rustin in Netflix’s film “Rustin.” The film is about the life of civil rights and LGBTQ+ icon Bayard Rustin, who planned the 1963 March on Washington. It was nominated for several awards.
The Color Purple
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Colman Domingo, Oprah Winfrey and Blitz Bazawule attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Warner Bros.’ “The Color Purple” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
“The Color Purple” is another can’t miss addition to his acting resume. Domingo starred in “The Color Purple” alongside Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brookes, and Halle Bailey.
Still a Fashion Icon
Colman Domingo at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
Now an undeniable star, Domingo has continued to stun on the red carpet. Just check out those accessories.
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