How ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ Revived Colman Domingo’s Career: A Shocking Transformation!

Colman Domingo, who is known for his roles in series such as Euphoria and films including The Color Purple and If Beale Street Could Talk, has revealed that taking on the role of Victor Strand in the spin-off series within the Walking Dead universe, titled Fear the Walking Dead, significantly transformed the entire trajectory of his career.

As a seasoned movie reviewer, I must say that when it comes to Dominigo’s role in “Fear the Walking Dead,” he was hardly a newcomer to the small screen. Prior to this gripping series, he had graced our television sets with numerous appearances on the long-running legal drama, “Law & Order.” However, post his stint on the silver screen, Dominigo found himself more at home on stage, essaying various characters in theater productions of timeless classics such as “A Christmas Carol,” “Henry V,” and “The Taming of the Shrew.”

Fast forward to 2015, this trend seemed poised to continue until something extraordinary happened. That year marked a significant shift for Dominigo, as he boldly stepped into a new realm, leaving behind the comforts of the theater stage and embracing the unpredictable world of television once more. The result? A captivating performance that left audiences spellbound and critics raving about his transformation from the Bard’s characters to a survivor in the zombie apocalypse.

On the podcast titled “Happy Sad Confused“, Domingo admitted he initially turned down the idea of starring in a TV show, saying, “I had a bit of a snobbery for theater. I thought, ‘Definitely not.'” However, after some persuasion from his agent, he eventually agreed to the role.

Initially, my thought was, “Clearly, this person doesn’t know me well because they’re going to send me something I wouldn’t be interested in, perhaps a genre or TV show.” But when she sent over the script excerpts (sides), they were exceptional. I hadn’t realized that TV could be so engaging. It was full of depth, compelling storyline, and an intriguing character. Since I had ideas for this role, I submitted my audition tape without much hesitation. And astonishingly, within just a few days, I received an offer – solely based on my self-tape submission – to join the main cast of Fear the Walking Dead as a series regular.

[Fear the Walking Dead] significantly altered the course of my professional life. Prior to its arrival, I believed I had fulfilled my career objectives and was considering leaving the industry altogether. The trajectory didn’t seem logical to me; I wasn’t landing roles, I wasn’t working consistently, I felt disconnected, and I was approaching middle age. I found myself thinking, “I can’t keep going like this. I need a stable job, or at least one that aligns with reality.

As an ardent movie enthusiast, I found myself at a crossroads where the turbulent life of an artist was becoming too much for me. I yearned to escape before the harsh realities of this industry hardened my heart or left me embittered. But then, surprisingly, Fear the Walking Dead offered me a fresh start within its ranks, rekindling my passion for the industry in an entirely new context.

Colman Domingo Is at the Prime of his Career

During the 2020s, Domingo experienced a significant boost in his acting career with notable roles in movies such as “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and the reboot of “Candyman.” After wrapping up his work on “Fear the Walking Dead” in 2023, Domingo continued to shine in critically acclaimed performances that garnered him several Academy Award nominations. His portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in “Rustin” was particularly noteworthy, but the year 2024 belonged to Cillian Murphy and his domination on the awards circuit. Most recently, Domingo took on the role of Divine G in the prison drama “Sing Sing,” a part that earned him his second Oscar nomination. The outcome of the ceremony taking place on March 2, 2025, remains to be seen.

Domingo’s television career has blossomed as well. While Netflix’s series “The Madness” was polarizing, Domingo’s acting stood out significantly. The Disney+ animated series “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man“, where Domingo lends his voice to Norman Osborn, has received positive critiques.

Despite causing a stir when he announced he wouldn’t step into Jonathan Majors’ shoes in the MCU, there’s plenty to look forward to with Domingo’s upcoming roles. He’s teaming up with the Russo Brothers for their Netflix movie, “The Electric State,” and will breathe life into Joseph Jackson in the Michael Jackson biopic, titled “Michael.” Recently, he wrapped up filming for Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel, “The Running Man.

We’re particularly looking forward to Domingo’s role in the upcoming Spielberg film, which has an intriguing UFO theme. Besides Domingo, Wyatt Russell, Emily Blunt, and Josh O’Connor are also part of the star-studded cast. In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz on his podcast, Domingo shared some insights about the project. When asked whether the film leans more towards “War of the Worlds” or “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” he replied, “I believe it’s something fresh and unique. However, let me tell you one thing. It’s filled with so much emotion. I get the feeling it’s a tender tribute to our humanity. This project certainly embodies ‘Stephen Spielberg.’

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2025-02-17 19:32