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.
Here’s the evolution of Colman Domingo!
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.
Fun fact: Domingo went to high school with the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Will Smith!
True to his Philadelphia roots, Domingo studied at Temple University, where he received a degree in Journalism.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2022, Domingo won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Ali in “Euphoria.”
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” 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.
Now an undeniable star, Domingo has continued to stun on the red carpet. Just check out those accessories.