Colman Domingo Quotes

Powerful Colman Domingo for Daily Growth

About Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a multifaceted artist, born on February 28, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in a close-knit family with West African and American roots, Domingo's love for storytelling was nurtured from an early age. He discovered his passion for acting during his teenage years and pursued it professionally, earning a BFA in Theater from Temple University. Domingo's career blossomed on the stage, with notable roles in productions such as "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Jitney," for which he won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play. His versatility extends beyond theater; he has also left indelible impressions on the small screen, with appearances in shows like "The L Word," "Fear the Walking Dead," and "Euphoria." In film, Domingo's performances in "Selma," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and "If Beale Street Could Talk" have garnered critical acclaim. As a writer, he has penned plays such as "Dot" and "A Boy & A Man," exploring themes of identity, family, and the African diaspora. Throughout his career, Domingo has been recognized for his exceptional talent, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for "A Soldier's Play" (2021). His work continues to resonate deeply with audiences, reflecting the complexities of the human experience and amplifying underrepresented voices. Quotes by Colman Domingo often embody his passion for storytelling and his commitment to authenticity: "I want to create art that speaks to the soul," he says, "that is healing, transformative, and illuminates our shared humanity."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't believe in regret. I believe in moving forward."

This quote by Colman Domingo expresses a perspective that encourages progress rather than dwelling on past regrets. It suggests embracing a forward-looking mindset, which can be instrumental in overcoming challenges and fostering personal growth. By choosing to move forward, one can learn from mistakes, adapt, and continue to strive for success and fulfillment. Regret can be paralyzing; focusing on the future allows us to take charge of our lives and make positive changes.


"I learned that every single person has a story and every single story is valuable."

This quote highlights the intrinsic value each individual possesses, as every person carries unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives - their "story." Embracing these stories encourages empathy, understanding, and unity among people. It also implies that these personal narratives contribute significantly to our collective human experience, making them invaluable to society at large. Essentially, it's a reminder to respect and appreciate the diversity of human experiences, as each one offers insights into different aspects of the human condition.


"I think that when you see someone who is different from you, you should say 'hello' instead of 'what are you doing here?'"

This quote by Colman Domingo emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and respect in interactions with others, particularly those who are different from ourselves. Instead of questioning a person's presence or assuming they don't belong, we should embrace diversity and extend a friendly greeting to foster understanding and connection. By saying "hello," we acknowledge their existence, express our openness, and create opportunities for shared experiences and learning. This mindset helps build more harmonious communities where everyone feels valued and included.


"We all have the ability to change. We just have to be willing to look at ourselves honestly and take that step forward."

This quote suggests that everyone has the capacity for self-improvement and transformation, provided they are open to introspection and willing to act upon their findings. It encourages personal growth by emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the courage to take steps towards positive change. Essentially, it's a call to embrace one's ability to evolve and better oneself.


"The most important thing for me was to be true to myself, to always be authentic, and to try to find my own voice as an artist."

This quote by Colman Domingo emphasizes the importance of individuality and authenticity in artistic expression. He suggests that staying true to oneself and finding one's unique voice are crucial aspects of being a successful artist. This means creating work that reflects the artist's personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives, rather than trying to imitate or conform to others' expectations. By doing so, artists can make meaningful contributions to their respective fields and connect with audiences on a deeper level.


When you're doing exactly what you want to do, it's not tiring. You've been planting these seeds, and finally, you have a full garden in bloom; you're like, 'Oh, I just want to smell the flowers and play among the flowers all day.' That's what I'm doing. I'm playing among the flowers.

- Colman Domingo

Play, Doing, Been, Bloom

It's an experience I'd like to add to the chorus, that these blue-collar, macho men, like my older brother, had the capacity to say: 'I don't care, I love you anyway.' There are young kids thinking: 'I'll never come out because it's too hard in our communities.' But I'm saying maybe your story can be similar to mine.

- Colman Domingo

Love, Young, Older Brother, Blue-Collar

My only qualifications to be an actor were that I'm daring, and I'm a quick learner. I've always learnt by watching what other people do. It's the same with my writing. I write what I know. Structurally, I write in a very undisciplined way.

- Colman Domingo

Other, Quick, Very, Qualifications

From afar, I have cried watching my nation, sore with prejudice, slowly heal itself. I hurt along with America, my phantom pains only alleviated by work I do every day - art.

- Colman Domingo

Work, Art, Nation, Heal

Maybe what I'm trying to do is heal others. I think what we're trying to do in theater is heal someone.

- Colman Domingo

Think, Someone, I Think, Heal

When I first moved to New York, I had some colleagues who said I should be my straightest self - whatever that means - when I went into casting offices, but I didn't want to put on an act of what I thought was heterosexual. I just wanted to be myself, and I'm very grateful because I feel like I've been embraced for that.

- Colman Domingo

Some, Been, Very, Casting

It is true that as people, we tend to remember only the positive. With time, the grim details fade away, and as a species we survive on this notion. In our desire to gloss over the undeniable macabre parts of our American history, we forget. That amnesia manifests itself, especially when dealing with the plight of black men.

- Colman Domingo

American, Away, Undeniable, Fade

I recently did a play, Athol Fugard's 'Coming Home' at Long Wharf Theatre, where I played one character throughout - I sat at a table and didn't have any costume changes. Following one character's arc from beginning to end is a whole different mindset.

- Colman Domingo

Beginning, Changes, Play, Arc

I got my Equity Card from Berkeley Rep when I was 22 years old. I was cast in David Saar's 'The Yellow Boat.'

- Colman Domingo

Yellow, Old, Got, Berkeley

I missed my entrance in a production of 'Blade to the Heat' at Thick Description in San Francisco. I came into the scene very late and hugged the punching bag. I had no idea what to do! Unfortunately, that mishap was recorded for archives at UC Berkeley. It goes down in history.

- Colman Domingo

Heat, Very, Francisco, Berkeley

I have been constantly shaping and reshaping my career. I laid a foundation by doing respectful work in all media. And I am happy with what I have done.

- Colman Domingo

Career, Been, Laid, Shaping

Doing multiple character work is athletic in every way - vocally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. With a show like 'Passing Strange,' I usually lose about 12 pounds.

- Colman Domingo

Work, Doing, Like, Passing

I hired a publicist once I got cast in 'Passing Strange,' and one of the first conversations we had was about how I wanted to handle talking about my sexuality. I said, 'It's never been an issue for me. I want to talk about my work, but if something about myself relates to my work, of course I'll talk about it.'

- Colman Domingo

Sexuality, Been, Relates, Passing

My mother sent me to speech classes, but the other kids still teased me. I was shy. I stooped. Instead of talking, I kept journals. That's where my love of words comes from. I majored in journalism.

- Colman Domingo

Love, Shy, Other, Journalism

I can't fall apart every time I mention that my mother's gone. I actually laugh about stories or things or situations. Of course there's a wound that will never be patched up, but I approach it with humor. Of course, I don't overlook it and go straight for the humor, but I think we have to have humor to move forward.

- Colman Domingo

I Think, Approach, About, Apart

My brothers and sister and me grew up making fun of each other, the way we'd speak or move. When we get together, everyone's funny, quick, loud, and speaks on top of each other. It was like a great comedy school; nothing is precious.

- Colman Domingo

Other, Quick, Brothers, Sister

I was nervous about doing 'Scottsboro Boys' because I'm not a trained dancer, and there is a lot of very athletic dancing involved.

- Colman Domingo

Dancing, Doing, Very, Athletic

I'm a head-shot photographer. I have people come to my apartment, and I take their head shots.

- Colman Domingo

Photographer, Head, Take, Apartment

Other people can write grown-up, political plays about the troubles in the world. My plays deal with magic and hope.

- Colman Domingo

Magic, Deal, Other, Troubles

I had no inclination to perform as a kid. I was a shy child - I always had my nose in a library book. I didn't start acting until I went to college. Once I started, it seemed to fit like a glove. I felt completely at home on stage. It was the perfect way for me to express myself, even better than writing.

- Colman Domingo

College, Shy, Perfect, Inclination

I am proud being an artist who takes risks, who would walk off a cliff artistically. I won't settle for commercial reasons.

- Colman Domingo

Proud, Commercial, Reasons, Cliff

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