Colman Domingo made a memorable appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he talked about his career, fashion sense, and his latest movie Sing Sing. The Oscar-nominated actor, known for his incredible range and versatility, shared his experiences working on the film and his journey in the entertainment industry.
Domingo, who is known for his daring fashion choices, revealed that his sense of style is inspired by his Philadelphia roots. Growing up in West Philly, he was influenced by the stylish men in his community who wore pinking rings, had long, clean nails, and rocked high-waisted suits. He described his style as reminiscent of Teddy Pendergrass, The Stylistics, and the sound of Philadelphia itself.
During the interview, Kimmel showcased a picture of Domingo in a Balma Balma Bal gown from a Vogue fashion show. Domingo expressed his gratitude to his stylists, Wayan and Micah, for dressing him and elevating his fashion game.
Domingo also discussed the shift in his career. While he had been around for a long time, he gained widespread recognition in recent years. He attributed this shift to his roles in shows like Euphoria and films like If Beale Street Could Talk. He acknowledged that he has been a journeyman actor, taking on smaller roles before finally getting the opportunity to shine as a leading man.
Interestingly, Domingo’s first job was in the circus. He worked as an aerial web artist, juggling and tumbling his way through the circus world. He described his early career as raw and experimental, relying more on his instincts than formal training. Domingo mentioned that his shy nature and keen observation skills played a significant role in shaping his acting style, where he focuses on humanizing his characters and showcasing their authenticity.
The conversation then took a comedic turn as Kimmel asked Domingo about his experiences in drag. Domingo mentioned his appearances on The Big Gay Sketch Show, where he portrayed iconic figures such as Beyonce, Oprah, Fantasia, and even RuPaul. Domingo humorously revealed that to prepare for his RuPaul impression, he simply played it up and lip-synced with full confidence, embracing the show’s over-the-top nature.
Looking ahead, Domingo expressed his desire to explore more romantic comedies and have fun playing lighter roles. He revealed that he is about to embark on a comedy project called The Four Seasons, alongside Tina Fey and Steve Carell.
The highlight of the interview was Domingo’s new film, Sing Sing. He explained that the movie focuses on the Rehabilitation through the Arts program at Sing Sing prison, where incarcerated men put on plays to heal themselves and their communities. Domingo emphasized the importance of humanizing these individuals and breaking away from the stereotypes of toxic masculinity. He expressed his admiration for the program’s success, with less than 3% recidivism compared to the national average of 60%.
Domingo praised the cast, the majority of whom were formerly incarcerated men who had gone through the program themselves. He highlighted the tenderness and emotional growth portrayed in the film and emphasized its significance, especially for black and brown men.
In his closing remarks, Domingo touched on the importance of acknowledging and embracing emotions, sharing a personal anecdote about his upbringing and how his family nurtured his sensitivity. He concluded by expressing his belief in the power of healing and transformation, stating that the revolution begins with recognizing our humanity and fostering genuine connections.
Sing Sing is currently playing in select theaters and will have a nationwide release on Friday. With its powerful message and talented cast, the film is set to captivate audiences and shed light on the transformative power of the arts.
