Colman Domingo Talks Fame and Fashion: "I Enjoy Looking Flirtatious 24/7" | Vanity Fair

Written by Chris Murphy

Images by Landon Nordeman

Fashion direction by George Cortina

“I have always aspired to embody a Bond villain,” Colman Domingo expresses. Only a year ago, such a role would have seemed far-fetched. Today, though, after years of playing secondary characters, Domingo has secured a place amongst the Hollywood upper echelon. The week after our dialogue, he'll go down in history as the first Afro-Latino man to receive a best actor Oscar nomination (for his role in Rustin) and only the second openly gay man to get the nod for a gay role.

“I’m exuberant,” he confides. “The realization is gradually sinking in that I’m now forever linked with this esteemed, highly respected organization I am part of. To be recognized in the leading man category, that’s extraordinary.” After his nomination was announced, Domingo received meaningful advice from Oscar winner Denzel Washington. “He shared some precious words of wisdom which I intend to keep private,” speaks out Domingo. “I’m aware he’s been down this path. It’s an opportunity for growth and transformation. I understand the immense responsibility it entails to represent many peoples. I aim to honor this and not take it lightly. I am glad we had a serene afternoon to just be.”

A week prior to his ground-breaking nomination, Domingo seemed at ease, savoring the moment and basking in the limelight. “I receive recognition now after working for more years than your age,” he jokingly confesses. “I’m ancient.” I try to contradict, but he interrupts me. “But it’s the truth. My career spans 33 years. The opportunity I am experiencing today is due to people recognizing my true talent.”

DIRECTION BY GORDON VON STEINER.

So, what is Domingo’s genius? Answer: everything. His accolades include a Tony nomination (for The Scottsboro Boys), an Emmy award (for Euphoria), co-writing the book to the Broadway musical Summer, that starred Ariana DeBose before her Oscar win; he was the initial actor from The Walking Dead series to direct an episode. Shortly after his nomination, Variety confirmed attending legend, Nat King Cole will be depicted by Domingo in a forthcoming film musical that he’s directing and co-wrote.

“I belong to the old school,” he reckons. “This was typical of old school actors. Bette Davis, Clark Gable, and James Stewart. They were versatile. They were trained to be this way. This determines my age. I belong to that generation.”

We are excited to include Domingo in our 2024 Hollywood issue.

Vanity Fair: What’s it like being unofficially the best-dressed man in Hollywood?

Colman Domingo: It’s the coolest. Funny, I’ve always had an innate understanding of my personal style. Teaming with my stylists, Wayman and Micah, we’ve maintained narrative throughout. No matter how I dress—and I’m always dressing—the attention it receives has grown lately. I assumed flamboyant, loud attire with frills and accessories gained more notice. I adhere to more muted—masculine silhouettes, fitting. My inclination is classic aesthetics, reminiscent of Teddy Pendergrass. I gravitate towards 1970s Italian design as they suit my tall, slender frame. I favor high-waisted trousers. I want to exude sensuality and humor. I choose attire that affords me a flirtatious demeanor at all times. I flirt daily.

While some celebrities steer away from limelight, you seem to bask in the glow of the spotlight.

Part of my personality thrives in public life, understands how to be the life of the party. I’m adept at hosting parties, I partnered with Natasha Lyonne and arranged one on New Year’s Eve—it was incredible! Alternatively, I am a suburbanite—residing in an extremely tranquil Los Angeles suburb—enjoying a serene, restful lifestyle. My dwelling is similar to a secluded island, or a spa retreat. A quiet retreat is necessary since I possess cat-like qualities, but I can display dog-like traits too. The perception may be perplexing, but I perceive myself as an introvert who overcame inhibitions. I was introverted through college.

Several queer people feel reserved during their youth, owing to constraints in fully expressing themselves.

I was self-conscious—not only due to being queer. I was anxious about my height, my features, my physique—I was quite thin. Eventually you need to make peace, and accept, Well, this is my identity. If I can’t find it attractive, no one else will. Starting to appreciate and recognize one's worth creates internal radiance and inner beauty. This results in appearing beautiful.

Your career has been extensive and enriching. What contributed to your evolution as an artist?

When it comes to who I am, I would say I'm very in touch with my feelings, and that has been my strong suit and my special ability. I've learned everything I do not from any formal education, but from natural experience. I was educated to be a journalist. I have a deep curiosity about others and a need to adapt to new situations. In my opinion, acting, writing, and directing all serve the same objective and we're all essentially trying to tell a story.

How did your professional life start?

I attended Temple University. Despite having only 20 credits remaining, I was struggling as I had to work while studying, which became too much. I planned to take a break for a semester before returning, but my mind was clouded. My close friend, Guy Talley, graduated and relocated to San Francisco. We shared a small apartment with a third person in a lively neighborhood in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. He invited me to come stay with him, and without any real ties left in Philadelphia, I decided to give it a try for a few weeks. However, my short visit turned into a decade. In those years, I found my calling as an actor and identified myself as an artist.

How did you utilize your time during your decade in San Francisco?

I first started with roles in Shakespearean productions at Shakespeare Santa Cruz, the American Conservatory Theater, and the Berkeley Rep, which I considered my hub. But, my repertoire also included the circus.

The circus?

Yes, I was part of Make*A*Circus, an offshoot of the Pickle Family Circus. This unusual venture was a political circus for children. We inspired the younger generation to be politically aware. I played the role of an evil salamander monster who was spreading misinformation. This was when I was about 23. I had seen an ad one day asking for circus performers with or without experience but with a readiness to learn. I was an active, out-of-the-box thinker, and thought this would be perfect. I learned to work with aerial webs and stilts, clown around, and perform gymnastic stunts. Now I often tell people about my circus stint and they somehow find it explanatory. I have always had a clown's heart and I continue to nurture that persona in everything I do.

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Having a diverse set of talents often causes typecast problems in an actor's career, as the industry tends to limit and categorize them.

That would explain why my career is unique and doesn't resemble anyone else's. From working on projects like If Beale Street Could Talk to Zola to Ma Rainey to Rustin to Fear the Walking Dead to The Color Purple, I have kept my work varied. I have managed to step out of the mould time and time again, without disturbing my progression.

As for Sam Levinson's work on season three of Euphoria, what can you tell us?

All I can say right now is that I will be part of it. From what I gather, the upcoming season will be challenging but in the best possible way. Sam is known for exploring hope and faith, especially in the context of those who are lost and hopeful. Having worked closely with him, I can say that he's one of the nicest persons around.

In light of losing fellow cast member Angus Cloud and producer Kevin Turen this year, how has the Euphoria team managed?

The losses have been terrible; it felt like losing one of our own to an illness. It had a significant effect on the creative process of the upcoming season, as Angus was expected to play a major role. It's difficult to comprehend such losses. We, as a team, got together numerous times to grieve, share laughter, and reminisce over the moments spent with Angus. He was a unique personality whom I loved. Now we also mourn the loss of our producer, Kevin. These losses have compelled us to review our work. We shouldn't be just satisfied with our achievements but continually strive to improve our work and question the purpose behind our activities.

There have been rumors about you and a particular Marvel character.

I know what you’re going to ask. You’re going to talk about the MCU. It’s funny how people are online talking about this. And the moment it started happening, literally, I think I was on my couch. And I was like, What rumor? Who? Where’s this coming from? I just didn’t think about it. The next day I woke up, it’s everywhere.

So, is there any truth to the rumor about you potentially stepping into the role of Kang the Conqueror?

You know, listen. My team has had conversations with Marvel about some aspect of the MCU for years. Do I know this to be true or not? I actually don’t know. I feel like my team doesn’t bring me something unless it’s real. So I don’t know. I could be in conversation, but I’m not sure. I would welcome a conversation around it. Whatever they’re working out with Jonathan [Majors] and his legacy in the MCU, I feel like I just have to be in my own lane, whatever that is. There’s hearsay, there’s conversations, but I’m not even sure because I feel like nothing comes to me until something’s real. But I’d be down with it.