Colman Domingo: A Creative Force in Film and Theater
Colman Domingo is one of those rare multi-talented artists who seamlessly transitions between acting, directing, and writing, making his mark in every medium he touches. With five films released in 2023 alone, including The Color Purple and Rustin, Domingo continues to demonstrate his versatility and creative depth. His portrayal of Bayard Rustin in the Netflix biographical drama Rustin has garnered him critical acclaim, and his role in the upcoming musical adaptation of The Color Purple further solidifies his status as a powerhouse performer. But what makes Colman Domingo truly remarkable is not just his success in these roles, but the journey he took to get there—and the wisdom he has gained along the way.
A Multi-Hyphenate Career Built on Learning
In an interview with Deadline, Domingo reflected on his career, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and his early experiences in San Francisco. He started his career in the early 1990s as a “multi-hyphenate”—an actor, director, writer, and more—constantly involved in multiple aspects of theater and film. For Domingo, every opportunity to be on set or in rehearsal was a chance to learn, even when he wasn't the focus of the scene.
Domingo didn't attend a formal graduate school for acting; instead, he describes the early stages of his career as his “conservatory.” His education came from real-world experiences—being present in rehearsals, observing the interactions between directors, actors, and producers, and absorbing every lesson he could. This hands-on approach gave him a deep understanding of the industry, allowing him to develop not only as an actor but also as a director and writer.
He shares, “I learned everything by being in rooms and watching rehearsals I wasn't even called for because I was learning. I was watching relationships between directors, actors, playwrights, and producers, you name it. And I think that's been my strength as I look back at my career, it was my conservatory.”
This self-taught, experience-driven education allowed Domingo to hone his craft in a way that might not have been possible in a more traditional setting. His ability to observe, adapt, and apply what he learned to his performances and projects is a testament to his dedication to his art.
Breaking Boundaries as an Actor
Domingo is also known for his ability to take on a wide range of roles, from stage to screen, and in both heterosexual and homosexual roles. As an openly gay man, he has never shied away from portraying characters of any sexual orientation, and he believes that his ability to do so is key to his success.
“I want the person to see me as someone who can play a myriad of things,” Domingo explained. This belief has shaped his career, allowing him to explore complex and varied characters. His portrayal of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights leader and openly gay man, in Rustin is a prime example of how Domingo has used his own experiences to inform and enrich his performances.
By playing both Rustin and Mister in The Color Purple—two vastly different roles—Domingo shows the breadth of his talent and the range of his creative potential. He explained that this ability to navigate between roles and disciplines has always been a driving force in his career. “For an actor to play Bayard Rustin and Mister in The Color Purple simultaneously shows what I always believed my career could be,” he said.
Creating His Own Lane
One of the most inspiring aspects of Domingo's career is his determination to create his own opportunities. Rather than waiting for roles to come to him, Domingo has always been proactive in his work. He not only acts but also writes, directs, and produces. This ability to wear multiple hats has allowed him to maintain a steady career, even when the industry may not have provided the opportunities he sought.
“If I have [faced pushback], I wasn't aware of it because I've been too busy creating my own work and creating my own lane in many ways,” he explained. This proactive approach is something that sets Domingo apart. He doesn't rely on the traditional paths to success in Hollywood. Instead, he creates his own.
Domingo's work as a playwright, screenwriter, and director has given him a unique perspective on the industry. He knows what it's like to be on both sides of the camera, and this insight has helped him navigate the often-challenging world of entertainment with grace and determination.
The Creative Process
At the heart of Domingo's success is his passion for the creative process. Whether he's acting, writing, or directing, Domingo approaches every project with a deep sense of curiosity and commitment. He believes that every character he plays becomes a part of him, staying with him even after the performance is over.
“There's always a lot of questions about process with actors. I think that characters always stay within you,” Domingo shared. This connection to his roles is evident in the depth and authenticity of his performances, which have earned him widespread acclaim.
Conclusion
Colman Domingo's journey from a multi-hyphenate in San Francisco to an Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and writer is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and resilience. His ability to take on diverse roles, create his own opportunities, and continuously learn from his experiences makes him a true force in the entertainment industry. As Domingo continues to make his mark on both stage and screen, there's no doubt that his creative spirit will inspire generations of artists to come.
