In recent years, Colman Domingo has emerged as one of the most magnetic figures in Hollywood—not just for his powerful acting chops, but also for his daring, regal, and unapologetically bold fashion choices. Whether he’s commanding the screen or owning the red carpet, Domingo embodies a kind of elegance that blends old-school sophistication with modern Black excellence.
While many know him from award-winning performances in Euphoria, Zola, and Rustin, there’s a lot more to this trailblazer than meets the eye. Let’s explore six surprising facts about Colman Domingo—and how he’s redefined what it means to be a Black fashion icon in Hollywood.
1. He Started as a Theater Kid—And Wrote His Own Plays
Before Colman Domingo ever lit up our screens, he was writing and directing plays in off-Broadway spaces. He studied journalism at Temple University, but his heart was always in storytelling. He created and starred in the autobiographical play A Boy and His Soul, which won him a GLAAD Media Award. This strong foundation in theater gave him the narrative depth we now see in every character he plays—and it taught him how to command attention, whether in character or in couture.
2. He’s a Trained Dancer—and It Shows in His Red Carpet Confidence
Domingo studied tap and African dance styles in his early career, and that physicality is part of what makes his red carpet walk so compelling. He carries himself with a kind of grace and rhythm that turns every appearance into a moment. Whether he’s in hot pink Valentino or crushed velvet Etro, he doesn’t just wear fashion—he performs it.
3. He’s the First Openly Gay Black Man to Win the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited Series
In 2024, Colman made history by winning the Primetime Emmy for his performance as Bayard Rustin in Rustin. But it wasn’t just a win—it was a seismic cultural moment. As an openly gay Black man, Domingo has long been an advocate for inclusion and representation, and his rise is proof that Hollywood’s gatekeeping walls are slowly, finally, cracking.
4. He’s Designing the Future of Black Masculinity in Fashion
Colman Domingo’s style doesn’t just turn heads—it challenges norms. From his pastel suits to his bejeweled loafers, he dares to show that Black men can be soft, elegant, flamboyant, and regal—all at once. With stylists like Wayman + Micah helping him curate looks that feel more like visual statements than outfits, Domingo has carved a lane that others are only just beginning to step into.
His message? You can be strong and stylish. Masculine and magnificent. And most importantly, unapologetically Black.
5. He’s a Mentor Behind the Scenes
While many fans see his star power, few know how much work Domingo does to elevate others. He runs his own production company, Edith Productions, which focuses on storytelling from underrepresented voices. He’s also a regular mentor to young actors, particularly LGBTQ+ talent and Black creatives trying to break through in an often-unwelcoming industry.
6. His Style Inspirations Are Rooted in Black Excellence
From Sidney Poitier’s timeless suits to Prince’s fearless flamboyance, Colman Domingo pulls inspiration from a rich lineage of Black icons. Yet he’s never imitating—he’s evolving the conversation. His fashion choices pay homage to the past while pushing toward a future where Black men can be fully themselves in public spaces.
Colman Domingo: More Than an Actor—A Cultural Architect
What makes Colman Domingo a fashion icon isn’t just the designer labels or the camera flashes—it’s the way he shows up. In a world that often tells Black men to shrink themselves, he expands. With poise, presence, and purpose, Colman has become the embodiment of a new kind of elegance—one that says luxury doesn’t have to be quiet, and dignity doesn’t have to be dull.
He’s not just making a statement. He is the statement.
