Colman Domingo’s Top 8 Roles: From ‘The Madness’ to Must-Watch Performances

In “The Birth of a Nation”, Colman Domingo delivers a gripping performance as Henry, a fellow slave and trusted confidant of Nat Turner. Set against the backdrop of Nat Turner’s historic rebellion in 1831, Domingo’s portrayal of Henry is both poignant and powerful, offering a deeply emotional exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the brutal realities of slavery. Though his character has a smaller role compared to the central figure of Nat Turner, Domingo brings depth and nuance to Henry, serving as a source of both wisdom and moral support for Turner.

In “First Match”, Colman Domingo plays the role of Marlon, a tough but compassionate father figure to Monique, a talented but troubled teenage girl striving to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of high school wrestling. Domingo’s portrayal of Marlon is both complex and empathetic, capturing the character’s tough exterior and deep, though sometimes reluctant, love for Monique. His performance anchors the film’s themes of redemption, resilience, and the difficult paths to personal growth, making his role in “First Match” one of the film’s emotional touchstones.

In “Euphoria”, Colman Domingo delivers a standout performance as Ali, a former addict and mentor to Zendaya’s Rue. His portrayal of Ali is deeply empathetic, providing a sense of stability and wisdom in a series filled with turmoil and emotional chaos. As a recovering addict himself, Ali becomes a guiding figure for Rue, offering tough love and invaluable insight into the challenges of sobriety and self-worth.

Domingo’s performance resonates with quiet intensity, as he navigates the complexity of a man wrestling with his own demons while striving to help someone else find their way. His portrayal of Ali was universally praised, earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2022.

In “Zola” Colman Domingo brings an unsettling yet magnetic energy to the character of X, a charismatic yet dangerous figure who becomes entangled in the chaotic and exploitative world that the film explores. Based on the viral Twitter thread by Aziah “Zola” Wells, the film follows a young woman as she is pulled into a wild, unpredictable road trip involving stripping, betrayal, and manipulation.

Domingo’s portrayal of X is both captivating and menacing—his character exudes a chilling charm that masks his darker intentions. He skillfully walks the fine line between being a source of comic relief and a looming threat, contributing to the film’s surreal and unpredictable tone.

In “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, Colman Domingo delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Cutler, a seasoned trumpet player and one of the members of Ma Rainey’s band. Set against the backdrop of racial tensions and exploitation in the 1920s music industry, Domingo’s Cutler is a man caught between his loyalty to Ma Rainey, the unapologetically bold blues singer, and the harsh realities of being a Black artist in a system designed to exploit him. His work in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” further cements his ability to bring depth and authenticity to complex, layered characters.

In “Rustin”, Colman Domingo delivers an Academy Award-nominated performance as Bayard Rustin, the visionary civil rights leader and architect of the 1963 March on Washington. Domingo masterfully captures the complexity of “Rustin”, a man whose pivotal role in one of the most significant events in American history was often overshadowed by his sexuality and the racial prejudices of his time.

Through his portrayal, Domingo brings to life Rustin’s unshakable determination, intellectual brilliance, and personal struggles, including his fight for both racial justice and the right to love openly as a gay man in a society that sought to silence him. His performance is both tender and commanding, showing Rustin’s resilience in the face of adversity, while also showcasing the emotional toll of navigating a world that rejected him on multiple fronts.

In “Sing Sing”, Colman Domingo delivers a mesmerizing performance as Paul, a former inmate who returns to a maximum-security prison to work as a counselor for incarcerated individuals. The film, set within the confines of the prison, explores themes of redemption, personal transformation, and the complex relationships that develop in such a harsh environment. Domingo’s portrayal of Paul is both grounded and deeply empathetic, capturing the inner turmoil and resilience of a man who is both an authority figure and a product of the system he’s trying to help others navigate.

His nuanced performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of rehabilitation and the human capacity for change, making Paul a figure of both wisdom and emotional vulnerability. “Sing Sing” has generated major Oscar buzz, with critics praising Domingo for his ability to bring profound humanity to a role that could have easily veered into cliche. His performance is widely seen as one of the standout elements of the film, further cementing his reputation as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

In “The Madness”, Colman Domingo stars as Muncie Daniels, a media pundit who must clear his name after unwittingly stumbling upon a murder in the Poconos. To survive and protect his future, Muncie is forced to confront his past, reconnect with his estranged family, and grapple with the loss of his ideals. Domingo brings depth and intensity to the role, capturing Muncie’s complex emotional journey as he navigates both external threats and inner turmoil. The series has become a hit, reaching number one on Netflix’s U.S. charts over the weekend, thanks in part to Domingo’s gripping performance.