Colman Domingo on his Emmy nod and the power of character actors

The Limits with Jay Williams

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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