The complex relationship between fame and cults is hard to ignore, especially as the devotion fans show toward celebrities sometimes crosses the line from admiration to obsession. The Colman Domingo cult experience adds a new chapter to the long-running story of entertainers who interact with obscure and often sinister groups.
Throughout modern history, cults have managed to capture the attention of Hollywood in alarming ways. Infamous cases such as the Manson Family terrorized Los Angeles in the late 1960s, culminating in the brutal murder of actor Sharon Tate and others, marking one of Hollywood’s darkest periods. The shadow of these events continues to remind both fans and stars of the dangers that can arise when group adoration goes unchecked.
Notorious Cults and Celebrity Victims
Many well-known individuals have experienced direct exposure to cults at different points in their lives. Joaquin Phoenix and his siblings, including the late River Phoenix, were involved as children in The Children of God, later renamed The Family International. This organization gained infamy for widespread child abuse. Rose McGowan, known both for her acting and advocacy, was also part of this cult as a child, with her father running its Italian branch. These dark histories illustrate the vulnerability of celebrities and their families to manipulation and harm from cult organizations.
One of the more visible present-day examples is Scientology, an organization that calls itself a religion. Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Elisabeth Moss, and Giovanni Ribisi publicly associate with this controversial group. The involvement of such prominent figures draws ongoing debate and media scrutiny, highlighting the influence and reach cult-like entities can maintain in the entertainment industry.
How Cults Target the Vulnerable—And Nearly Fooled Colman Domingo
Cults prey on individuals who seek connection, stability, or a sense of belonging, often hiding their true intentions beneath a veneer of goodwill and community. Even the most discerning, like award-winning actor Colman Domingo—recognized for his breakout work in Fear the Walking Dead—can be caught off guard by their subtle approach.
Domingo recounted his personal brush with a cult while he was in Mexico City, sharing his story on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals:
“I almost joined a cult in Mexico City, but that’s another story,”
Colman Domingo, Actor
He elaborated on how unsuspecting the group initially appeared:
“It was just a group of nice people, and then I was like, ‘Wait a minute, this is weird’. I was like, ‘What’s up with you guys?’”
Colman Domingo, Actor
As doubts grew, Domingo took it upon himself to research the people he had met. His investigation revealed unsettling facts about the group’s nature:
“But as I did research and found out more about them, I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s a cult’,”
Colman Domingo, Actor
Domingo’s Escape and Continued Success
Fortunately, Colman Domingo’s skepticism and willingness to research led him to avoid becoming deeply involved with the group, which he later recognized as a cult. This narrow escape is a relief not only to the actor himself but also to his fans, who admire his contributions to film and television.
Since this experience, Domingo has continued to build an impressive career, starring in the Oscar-nominated Sing Sing and lending his voice to the acclaimed musical Wicked: For Good. His story sheds light on the manipulative tactics cults employ—even on those who seem unlikely targets—and serves as a warning for others to remain vigilant against deceptive groups promising community and acceptance.
The Colman Domingo cult experience reinforces the reality that no one, regardless of their fame or intelligence, is immune from such potential dangers. As discussions around cults and celebrity involvement continue, stories like Domingo’s highlight both the persistent threats facing entertainers and the importance of recognizing warning signs before it’s too late.
