Colman Domingo is an American actor, playwright, and director renowned for his versatile performances across theater, film, and television. Born on November 28, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades throughout his career.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 28, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Colman Jason Domingo was raised in a working-class household. His mother, Edith Bowles, was a homemaker and bank employee, while his stepfather, Clarence Bowles, sanded floors for a living. Domingo’s biological father hailed from Belize, with family roots in Guatemala. Growing up as the third of four children, Domingo faced challenges, including a speech impediment—a lisp—for which his mother enrolled him in speech therapy classes.
He graduated from Overbrook High School in 1987 and pursued higher education at Temple University, majoring in journalism. It was during his time at Temple that Domingo discovered his passion for the performing arts, leading him to participate in theater productions. After completing his degree, he relocated to San Francisco, California, to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant theater scene, marking the beginning of his acting career.
Personal Life and Family
Domingo is openly gay and has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the arts. He married Raúl Aktanov in 2014, and the couple has been together since 2005. Their partnership extends into their professional lives, with Raúl contributing as a producer and writer on various projects. Domingo often speaks about the importance of authenticity and representation, drawing from his experiences to inform his work and advocacy.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colman Jason Domingo |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Parents | Edith Bowles (mother); father’s name not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Temple University (BA in Journalism) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
| Spouse | Raúl Domingo (married in 2014) |
| Occupation | Actor, Playwright, Director |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Notable Works | “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Euphoria,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Rustin,” “Sing Sing” |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award; nominations for Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $5 million to $8 million as of 2025 |
Career
Domingo’s career is distinguished by a series of dynamic roles and creative endeavors across multiple platforms.
Theater
Domingo’s theatrical journey began in San Francisco, where he honed his craft in various stage productions. His breakthrough came with the rock musical “Passing Strange,” in which he portrayed multiple characters, including Mr. Franklin Jones and Mr. Venus. The production opened on Broadway in 2008 and was later adapted into a film by Spike Lee in 2009.
In 2010, Domingo premiered his autobiographical one-man play, “A Boy and His Soul,” Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre. The performance earned him a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show. That same year, he starred as Mr. Bones in “The Scottsboro Boys,” a role that garnered him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He reprised this role in the West End production, earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination.
Domingo continued to showcase his versatility by writing the book for “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” which debuted on Broadway in 2018. His contributions to theater have solidified his reputation as a dynamic force both on and off the stage.
Film
Domingo’s film career features a range of compelling performances. He appeared in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” (2012) as Private Harold Green and portrayed civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy in Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” (2014). In 2020, he starred alongside Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” delivering a memorable performance as Cutler. His role as X in “Zola” (2021) earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male.
In 2023, Domingo took on the lead role of Bayard Rustin in the biopic “Rustin,” a performance that garnered critical acclaim and nominations for the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor. He also starred in “Sing Sing” (2023), portraying John “Divine G” Whitfield, further showcasing his range and depth as an actor.
Television
On television, Domingo is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Victor Strand in AMC’s “Fear the Walking Dead” (2015–2023). His character, introduced in the first season, became a fan favorite, leading to his promotion to series regular. Domingo also directed several episodes of the series, becoming the first actor in the franchise to do so.
In HBO’s “Euphoria” (2019–present), Domingo plays Ali, a recovering drug addict who serves as a mentor to the protagonist. His nuanced performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2022.
Beyond acting, Domingo has ventured into directing and producing. He established his production company, Edith Productions, through which he develops television, film, theater, and animation projects. His commitment to storytelling extends to his roles as a professor and mentor, having taught at institutions such as the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts and the Yale School of Drama.
Throughout his career, Colman Domingo has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his craft, bringing authenticity and depth to every role he undertakes. His contributions to the arts continue to inspire audiences and aspiring artists alike.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @kingofbingo | Instagram Profile | |
| @colmandomingo | Twitter Profile | |
| Colman Domingo | Facebook Page | |
| Website | Colman Domingo Official | Official Website |
Latest News
As of February 2025, Colman Domingo’s performance in “Sing Sing” has garnered significant attention. The film received critical acclaim, with Domingo’s portrayal of John “Divine G” Whitfield earning him nominations for the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. His compelling performance has been praised for its depth and authenticity, solidifying his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters), Colman Domingo possesses a commanding presence. He has a slim build, with distinctive black hair and eyes. His charismatic demeanor and expressive features have contributed to his versatility as an actor, allowing him to embody a wide range of characters across different genres.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Colman Domingo’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million to $8 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive work in theater, film, and television. His recent high-profile roles and critical acclaim have further elevated his earning potential, making him one of the prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
- What made Colman Domingo famous?
Colman Domingo became famous for his roles in Fear the Walking Dead, Euphoria, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, as well as his acclaimed performances in theater, including The Scottsboro Boys and Passing Strange. - Is Colman Domingo in a relationship?
Yes, Colman Domingo is married to Raúl Aktanov. They have been together since 2005 and got married in 2014. - What is Colman Domingo’s ethnicity?
Colman Domingo is of African American and Belizean descent, with family roots also tracing back to Guatemala. - What movie did Ronald Colman win an Oscar for?
Ronald Colman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in A Double Life (1947).
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