Colman Domingohas beenconsistently building his careertowards becoming a household name in Hollywood. From classics to modern fiction, he has done an exceptional job on all fronts. While he started with minor roles, he has managed to land lead roles in some of the best works of the year, proving his acting talents in more ways than one.
While his latest works,Sing SingandRustinare more widely known, Colman started his acting trajectory with phenomenal performances way before that. Here are some of his note-worthy roles in TV shows and movies through the years.
10Candyman (2021)
Candyman(2021)is a continuation of the 1992 movie of the same name. In this movie, an artist named Anthony McCoy gets drawn into the Candyman legend that leads to the unraveling of mysterious events and dark secrets. Domingo stars as William Burk, a resident and art dealer in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood, where the movie is set. He plays an important role in pushing the narrative forward and adds a layer of suspense to the movie, which, if it were missing, would result in a very bland watch.
Stream on Prime Video
9Zola (2020)
Based on real events that occurred on Twitter (Now X) in 2015,Zolais a dark comedy movie that follows the story of a girl named Zola. Zola is a waitress who embarks on a journey to Florida with her friend Stefani and her roommate X to make an income out of dancing in strip clubs. However, Stefani’s ulterior motives are revealed, which leads to Zola becomingentangled in the dangerous underworld.
X is played by Domingo, who is an unhinged, unpredictable character, excellently portrayed by the actor. His screen presence grabs attention instantly, making his role a memorable one for the audience.
A stripper named Zola embarks on a wild road trip to Florida.
Rent on Apple TV
8Euphoria (2019)
Euphoriafollows the lives of several teenagers as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. It deals with important themes, including drug addiction, mental health struggles, identity exploration, relationships, and family dynamics.
Stream on Max
7First Match (2018)
First Matchfollows the story of a teenage girl named Monique. Monique joins the boys' wrestling team at her high school in hopes of reconnecting with her estranged father and finding a sense of belonging along the way.
Domingo plays Coach Castile in the movie, an important support figure in Monique’s life, who helps her navigate the challenges of the male-dominated sport. His character is firm and no-bullshit, but the audience gets to see the soft spot he has for Monique in the way he shows care and sympathy for her. Domingo does exceptionally well in his role, giving Monique just enough support to command the scene while making his presence known. His scenes with Monique, especially ones laced with inspirational dialogue, are very well delivered and can be highlighted as some of the most memorable ones in the movie.
Stream on Netflix
Related:Rustin Review: Colman Domingo Delivers a Powerful Performance in a Biographical Masterpiece
Fear the Walking Deadis a prequel toThe Walking Dead. It explores the early days of the zombie apocalypse from the perspective of a different group of survivors. Domingo stars in the show as the villainous and selfish Victor Strand. He is a multi-layered character who is initially thought to only look out for himself, but as the show progresses, a layer of vulnerability is unveiled in the character’s outlook.
His monologue in season six, where he tells Howard that he came from nothing and built himself to be one of the longest-standing survivors, despite the critics, because he has the ability to do whatever it takes, is a testament to his versatility as an actor.
Fear the Walking Dead
5Selma (2014)
Selmais a historical fiction movie set during the American Civil Rights Movement of 1964. In the movie, Martin Luther King Jr., along with other activists and leaders, organizes protests and marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to demand voting rights for all, especially people of color. One of the activists, Ralph Abernathy, is played by Domingo.
He does a phenomenal job of portraying a historically important figure while paying tribute to his legacy. His speeches in his deep, resonating voice are some of the most iconic moments in the movie.
4Rustin (2023)
Read Our Review of Rustin
Rustinis a biopic paying tribute to Baynard Rustin, an advisor to Martin Luther King Jr and one of themain activists of the American Civil Rights movementin 1964. Rustin was one of the very few openly black gay men of his time, causing his blatant erasure from history. The movie surfaces his efforts and struggles.
Rustin is played by Domingo, who excels in the role, landing him a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination. His iconic voice and commanding screen presence are finally making viewers see him as the exceptional actor he is.
3Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
This movie is an adaptation of August Wilson’s play of the same name. The movie is set in Chicago in 1927, and unfolds around one of the recording sessions for the influential blues singer Ma Rainey. Domingo stars in the role of Cutler, a trombone player for the band and one of the more orthodox musicians in the band.
His conflict with Boseman’s hot-headed Leeve Green is an interesting contrast on screen that adds a whole other layer to the movie’s narrative. Cutler manages to voice his disapproval in the calmest ways, giving his acting prowess yet another arena to shine in. His character helps weave in the themes of race and discrimination in the music industry, making his role an indispensable one.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
2Stream on NetflixThe Color Purple (2023)
This is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel of the same name. Set in the early 1900s, the movie follows a black woman, Celie, onher journey to independence. Domingo plays the role of Albert Mister, an abusive husband to Celie. While the character is hideous and unlikable, Domingo’s portrayal of him is not. His realistic execution of the villain all but strengthens his place as one of the most talented actors in the industry today.
The Color Purple
The Color Purplereleases in theaters on December 25th, 2023
Related:Candyman Actor Believes Visually Stunning Reboot Needs to Be Seen on the Big Screen
1Sing Sing (2023)
Set in Sing Sing, the famous maximum security prison in New York, the movie follows a group of inmates as they attempt to stage a theatrical original through the facility’s art rehab program. Domingo plays Divine G, one of the inmates, who is also one of the main writers and recruiters for the program’s theatrical productions.
Colman shines in the role as a multi-faceted character, who is self-righteous and pretentious, but also someone who wants to do good by his fellow inmates. His portrayal of Divine G is yet another testament to his versatile talents and ability to command any genre he is put into.
