Last Thursday, award-winning actor Colman Domingo gathered with editors and influencers inside Swarovski’s elegant flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York City, where a lively discussion unfolded about his distinctive style and evolving career. Amid views of Ariana Grande-designed jewelry and flutes of champagne, Domingo reflected on the development of his personal aesthetic and his path through the entertainment industry, opening up about the factors that have shaped his look and professional achievements over several decades.
Known for his compelling presence both onscreen and on the red carpet, Domingo’s conversation with Interview editor-in-chief Mel Ottenberg explored how his Colman Domingo style and career intertwine to create a powerful and authentic identity that stands out in show business.
The Origins of Colman Domingo’s Signature Style
Growing up in West Philadelphia, Domingo’s entry into personal style was shaped by necessity and resourcefulness as the third of four siblings in a modest household. Early on, he relied on hand-me-downs, but after getting a job at McDonald’s, he began buying his own clothes and experimenting with fashion in the mid-1980s. He described his style as a blend of classic tailoring with playful touches that express his personality and charisma.
Domingo recalled how his perception of his physique influenced his choices:
“Oh, my legs are long. What proportions look good on me?”
he explained. Over time, he learned to treat his body as a canvas, balancing comfort with a sense of effortless luxury that avoids stuffiness.
At the event, Domingo wore carefully selected pieces from Swarovski and Valentino, including a Valentino hat, shoes, and shorts that he’s kept for about 15 years, proving his appreciation for both enduring style and thoughtful editing.
Balancing Humor and Elegance on the Red Carpet
Despite rising recognition and accolades, Domingo shared that his journey toward fashion confidence has included moments of playful rebellion and humor. Reflecting on an Academy gala, he spoke about wearing a Valentino custom outfit paired with an unexpected accessory—a cat-shaped bag—which prompted surprise among his team:
“How could you let this happen? This man is up for Leading Actor, and he’s got a cat with him on the red carpet?!”
“Oh, I love that bag. I want to take that bag with me.” — Colman Domingo
“How could you let this happen? This man is up for Leading Actor, and he’s got a cat with him on the red carpet?!” — Publicist (quoted by Colman Domingo)
He embraced this whimsical element as an icebreaker, sharing a humorous moment with Demi Moore:
Demi, please stop staring at my pussy.
This blend of levity and style reflects Domingo’s approach to glamour, where elegance meets personality.
Preparing for Major Events Like the Met Gala
Discussing the intense preparation involved in high-profile occasions, particularly his role as the Met Gala chair, Domingo revealed a routine dedicated to ensuring he feels confident and relaxed. He begins preparations hours early, allowing time for grooming, culinary breaks, and camaraderie with his team, including his barber and makeup artist Jamie Richmond.
Music is often part of his ritual, with artists like Amy Winehouse helping to inspire the mood. This thoughtful process culminates in a toast shared with his entourage before stepping into the event, a reflection of how much community and support play into his sense of presence and poise at significant moments.
The Long Road to Recognition in Acting and Beyond
Colman Domingo’s career path is marked by persistent effort and diverse experience, defying any assumption of overnight success. His beginnings trace back to regional theater in San Francisco, where he sought to become a respected actor despite little formal training. His early work included circus skills such as trapeze and juggling, underscoring his determination to learn through doing.
Upon relocating to New York at age 36, Domingo restarted his acting journey without representation, taking small roles such as a part in a production of Henry V, alongside Liev Schreiber. Despite some breakthrough moments, Domingo often balanced his acting gigs with bartending at a bar near the Stonewall Inn to make ends meet.
He described times of near resignation, particularly after touring London with the musical The Scottsboro Boys. Facing financial and emotional struggles, he considered quitting, wondering if a stable career like those of his friends in law or medicine was more attainable. Yet, a timely meeting with new managers opened doors, leading to his long-running role on Fear the Walking Dead for eight years.
“My managers have been wanting to meet with you for years.” — Daniel I (friend)
“I just don’t think I’ll get access to the auditions where I can win.” — Colman Domingo
“Okay, we hear you but we would still love to take you on.” — Managers (quoted by Colman Domingo)
Redefining “Making It” and Embracing Lifelong Growth
Despite acclaim and Emmy nominations, Domingo remains philosophical about the idea of “making it,” emphasizing continuous growth over resting on laurels. Only recently has he allowed himself to accept his success publicly, noting,
“Okay, well, I guess it wasn’t a fluke.”
He attributes much of his career longevity to persistence rather than casual luck.
He also reflected on the pressures faced as a Black queer man navigating new professional spaces that had not traditionally included his perspective. Citing students who acknowledged the trailblazing nature of his work, Domingo admits that he initially did not recognize his role in breaking ground but now embraces the responsibility and motivation that comes with it.
“Do you realize, Mr. Domingo, that as a black queer man in the world, you’re populating spaces and doing work that hasn’t been done before?” — Students (quoted by Colman Domingo)
Rejecting the conventional image his agent once proposed, Domingo insisted on authentic self-expression through writing, directing, and producing his own projects. Emphasizing self-reliance, he described how he carved out his career independently:
“I’m going to get in somehow. I’m going to come through a chink in the wall, but I’m going to get there at some point.” — Colman Domingo
The Challenges and Realities of Mentorship
When asked about mentoring young artists, Domingo expressed reservations about the traditional mentor-mentee relationship. He believes the concept can sometimes create misplaced expectations about responsibility and outcomes. Instead, he encourages observing how others work and developing one’s own path.
“We don’t have fucking mentors. This sounds terrible. Mentor sounds like I’m supposed to do the work for you and make sure you don’t step into potholes. And then when things don’t go well, you look at me and I’m the problem.” — Colman Domingo
“What I want you to do is watch the way people work, the way they represent themselves, the way they build work. Everyone’s your mentor. But you have to make it for yourself.” — Colman Domingo
Insights from Mel Ottenberg on Creativity and Authenticity
Mel Ottenberg, the Interview editor-in-chief who hosted the discussion, shared his own experience of struggling with commercial demands early in his fashion styling career. He reflected on choosing to part ways with an agent who pressured him to conform, ultimately allowing him to pursue work that aligned with his vision.
“Oh, we can’t put that in the book because it’ll be scary to the client.” — Agent (quoted by Mel Ottenberg)
“You don’t understand who I am. You’re totally nice people, however. Peace.” — Mel Ottenberg
Ottenberg and Domingo found common ground in recognizing that not every opportunity or collaboration is right for an individual’s authentic expression.
“It’s the most liberating thing when you’re like, ‘I’m okay if you don’t want me on your set.’” — Colman Domingo
This mutual respect for personal truth drives their shared commitment to originality in creative work.
Favorite Roles and Collaborations Through Costume and Character
Domingo recounted memorable performances highlighted by detailed character costuming that enhanced storytelling. He spoke fondly of his role as “X” in the film Zola, portraying a pimp with a complex immigrant background. The costume design captured this nuance, blending high labels with street purchases to express the character’s nuanced attempt at status.
He praised costume designers as vital collaborators, calling them “heroes” for their role in character development. He also referenced his work on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with renowned costume designer Ann Roth, whose celebrated career includes films like Klute.
Upcoming Projects and Continuing Creative Pursuits
Looking ahead, Domingo has recently completed shooting the third season of Euphoria and is preparing for pick-up scenes on an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. He has two films scheduled for release this fall: The Running Man, featuring Glen Powell and Josh Brolin, and Dead Man’s Wire, a Gus Van Sant project premiering at the Venice Film Festival.
Additionally, Domingo has begun pre-production on a directorial project with Sydney Sweeney and David Johnson, centered on an unrequited love story involving Ken Novak and Sammy Davis Jr., revealing his expanding role behind the camera.
“I’m just a little lazy.” — Colman Domingo
Final Reflections on Style, Career, and Legacy
Through decades of persistence, self-exploration, and evolving self-expression, Colman Domingo embodies a distinctive blend of style and substance. His trajectory from a modest upbringing in West Philadelphia to acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer underscores the value of continuous learning and authentic presentation.
His emphasis on personal agency, rejection of traditional mentorship models, and commitment to humor and playfulness in the face of industry expectations contribute to a career marked by resilience and originality. For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Domingo’s advice centers on perseverance, self-awareness, and carving one’s own way in a competitive environment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Q: On a related note, I don’t speak German, but Colman Domingo really sounds fluent while speaking. Did he already speak German, or did he learn it for this role? AC: He did not speak it.
A. Is Colman Domingo able to speak German in real life?
Q. Was Colman Domingo nominated for an Oscar?
A. Colman Jason Domingo, born on November 28, 1969, is an American actor, playwright, and director. Since the 2010s, he has been well-known in film and theater. Domingo has won a Primetime Emmy Award and has been nominated for two Academy Awards and two Tony Awards.
