Colman Domingo on his Emmy nod, overcoming grief and the power of character actors | The Limits

On today's episode of The Limits, Jay speaks with Colman Domingo, star of stage and screen. He's the ultimate character actor, known for stealing scenes in films like Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Selma, and If Beale Street Could Talk. He embodies every character he takes on, most recently earning an Emmy nod for his role as father-figure Ali to Zendaya's Rue on HBO's Euphoria.

Colman is a triple threat in Hollywood, with experience as a producer, director, and writer. He just wrapped shooting the film adaptation of the musical version of The Color Purple, where he plays the villain, Mister. Through the conversation, Jay could not believe that a man so full of reflection and empathy could tap into that kind of darkness so convincingly. As Colman puts it, he "chooses the light," channeling negative energy into making poignant art. He also has this wisdom for aspiring Black artists: "No one can tell you not to create. So just create the thing--and don't wait."

Alongside his extraordinary talent as an actor, Colman's depth as a human being is every bit as impressive. In this moving conversation that brought both men to tears, he and Jay discuss expressing needs and boundaries in relationships, finding identity in fractured families, and grieving the loss of beloved parents.

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VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro to Emmy-nominated star Colman Domingo’s career
2:21- Denzel Washington’s take on awards
8:34- Sharing his estranged father’s name
12:01- Inspiration for his short film, New Moon
23:52- On his beloved late mother, and her belief in him
31:00- Tapping into darkness to adapt to character roles
35:14- Advice for young Black actors in the acting industry
39:16- The impact of art in invoking social and political change

[EenaJay]

The incomparable Colman Domingo, one of Philly's finest!

[nikkipooh]

This is such a beautiful interview. The questions are so full of intention. The answers are poetic and drip with truth. Love this. Coleman Domingo has a new fan.

[merediththompson]

I'm here after watching his stellar performance in Rustin. WOW, this guy is really something special - not only as an actor but as a person. ❤

Great job, Edith.🕊

[dreadee]

So beautiful how he honors his Momma during this interview 🙏🏾💜

[lemuelmalik]

Bravo bravo bravo Coleman Domingo! There's so much I want to say but you may not even see this nonetheless your play Dot I will keep singing It's praise along with the rest of us that seems your praise with all of the great pieces of Art did you do on film on in theater and now animation but that play it felt like I was getting a hug from you like when I held you and you I just lost your grandmother and two things I know for certain is a person with a purpose can never be stopped and an individual with passion will never give up so seeing you with purpose and passion from back in the early 90s to seeing you today I am so elated to know that we were peas in a pod we overstood our purposes and we had passion about what we loved with that being said I am so glad that I had an opportunity to meet you on our Journeys but I'm even more elated at the fact that we lived and still live in our purpose and Passions and I'm so proud of you for sharing with me in those Early Times. I recall us doing characters and making each other laugh and I always knew when you moved to New York I always knew and I will hear Buzz as I'm raising family in accomplishing my purposes and goals but I always knew and when I saw you when the Oscar for best actor I cried elated not because I knew you win but because I saw you there and where you are now so I am sending x's and o's your way healing and joy and enlightenment that you continue not only to bring me yourself but to your craft so that we can see The Human Experience well done Negus

[nicole]

This was so powerful. Thank you for the conversation.

[beautyfullar]

This was a great interview. He is such an underrated genius

[Angela-pizc]

Intelligent, respectful, vulnerable, genuine, heart-felt conversation...
Thank you!

[dreadee]

My Momma is from WP. She graduated from West Catholic in the 1970's. 💜💜💜💜 I love him.

[tinamurray]

No one can tell you not to create!! So just create the thing and don't wait!! Golden Nuggets!!

[tinamurray]

Beautiful Powerful interview!! filled with such inspiration and insight and great great great advice!! Love you Colman Domingo!!Shine the brightest light!!

[TyMcKinnie]

This was such a great interview! Thank you Colman for sharing your gifts but most importantly, your heart 💛

[diaphanouswaffle]

Thanks for posting this-enjoyed the conversation.

[Guitarist]

Dude could’ve played Jax from Mortal Kombat!