Emmy award-winning actor Colman Domingo made a memorable appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he discussed his latest projects and opened up about his journey as an artist. With critically acclaimed films like “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Zola,” and “Euphoria” under his belt, Domingo now stars in “Rustin,” a film that explores themes of inadequacy and the search for meaning.
Domingo, who refers to Colbert as his good luck charm, shared the story of his own artistic struggles. Surprisingly, just nine years ago, he contemplated giving up his career. However, he persevered and encouraged aspiring artists to trust their purpose and keep pushing forward.
In “Rustin,” Domingo portrays Bayard Rustin, a key figure in the civil rights movement. Rustin, who inspired Martin Luther King Jr.’s ideologies on passive resistance, was a black, openly gay man from Westchester, Pennsylvania. Despite his significant contributions, Rustin was often overshadowed by other leaders and faced discrimination from both within and outside the civil rights community.
Playing a real person can be challenging, but Domingo found solace in connecting with individuals who had intimate relationships with Rustin. He expressed the importance of gaining their approval and sought guidance from them throughout the process.
To accurately portray Rustin’s unique vocal style and cadence, Domingo delved into recordings of Rustin’s speeches. He worked on adjusting his own deep and resonant voice to match Rustin’s higher pitch and Mid-Atlantic standard accent.
The conversation took an exciting turn when Colbert shared photos of Domingo with former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Domingo attended the Obama’s holiday party and found himself dancing and joking around with the former president. He spoke highly of the Obamas, describing them as supportive and lovely individuals.
With his successful career and incredible experiences, Colman Domingo proves that persistence and authenticity can lead to great achievements. “Rustin” is now streaming on Netflix, showcasing Domingo’s exceptional portrayal of an unsung hero in the civil rights movement.
Colman Domingo‘s interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was both entertaining and insightful, shedding light on his journey as an artist and the importance of honoring historical figures like Bayard Rustin. As Domingo continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, audiences can look forward to more stunning performances and captivating stories.
