All Of Colman Domingo's Best Roles

Few actors have mastered versatility on both the stage and screen quite like Colman Domingo. Born in Philadelphia, Domingo only found acting after deciding to take a theater elective while majoring in journalism at Temple University. Before long, his career took off—first on and off Broadway, then to film and television. Domingo’s newest role is Bobby Thompson in the upcoming film The Running Man. It’s the latest milestone in a career that has steadily transformed him from a Broadway standout into one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars.

Over the past two decades, Domingo has built a reputation as an actor who finds humanity in every role he plays, no matter how morally ambiguous. He brings a quiet intensity and magnetism to his characters that solidifies him as one of the most compelling actors working today– one whose presence elevates every project he’s in. 

From his breakout screen role as Ali in Euphoria to his Oscar-nominated performance in Sing Sing, these are the performances that chart Domingo’s rise—and illustrate exactly why he has become one of the most talked-about actors of his generation. 

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) 

In this adaptation of the celebrated James Baldwin novel, Domingo plays Joseph Rivers, the father of Tish (Kiki Layne), a woman who struggles to clear the name of her fiancé, who has been wrongfully accused of a crime. Domingo’s performance here is exceptionally powerful—he balances the tenderness and softness of fatherhood with the command and resilience of a man determined to protect his family in a world stacked against them.

Candyman (2021)

Domingo transitions to the horror genre in Jordan Peele’s 2021 film by playing William Burke, a laundromat owner who recounts the urban legend of the Candyman. Throughout the film, Domingo richly layers the narrative arc of his character, gradually unveiling a chilling plot twist. 

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

Domingo’s love for the screen and stage go hand in hand in this 2020 adaptation of August Wilson’s 1982 play of the same name. Domingo plays Cutler, a religious jazz player and a member of the group that backs up singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis). As Cutler navigates the conflict between his love for the jazz life with his devout beliefs, Domingo gives the character a quiet strength and intensity that stands out even in a star-studded cast.

Rustin (2023)

Although Domingo had played lead roles in smaller films before, Rustin was his first lead in from a major studio. In this Netflix biopic, Domingo plays Bayard Rustin, a civil rights activist who took on a major role in organizing the March on Washington in 1963. This time, Domingo takes his deep emotional intensity to a physical level– he is a fiery figure who doesn’t back down from what he knows is right. Domingo received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his work in this film.

Euphoria (2019-present)

In this critically acclaimed HBO series, Domingo makes an appearance as Ali, a recovering addict who serves as a mentor to Rue (Zendaya). Ali serves as a moment of peace in the chaotic world of Rue’s addiction, and the conversations between the two characters are some of the most vulnerable in the series. Domingo won an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series” for his role as Ali, and it’s easy to see why—Domingo plays the role as a moral guide, but not a flawless one. Through Domingo, Ali is given human imperfections—struggles with addiction and doubts about his effectiveness included—which make the character believable and relatable.

Sing Sing (2023)

Domingo stars as John “Divine G” Whitfield, a man incarcerated in the Sing Sing correctional facility for a murder he did not commit. Despite his circumstances, Whitfield soon finds purpose in his new life by staging a comedy play with his fellow inmates. Domingo’s interest in theater is once again evident in this film, as he richly connects on-screen with his fellow castmates, who mostly consist of real-life, formerly incarcerated men.