Before Wicked, The Cowardly Lion Was Breaking Barriers: A Deep Dive On His Greatest Victories
Recently, Wicked: For Good director Jon M. Chu teased that he sent an Instagram direct message to the actor who wanted to play the beloved Cowardly Lion.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
But with fan speculation running wild soon after, the official Wicked Instagram account quickly confirmed the casting announcement by naming Colman Domingo for the role.

Colman has made a name for himself in Hollywood as a hard-hitting dramatic actor in films such as The Color Purple and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

maximum HBO
But did you know that he is a multi-talented creative with experience that goes beyond on-screen roles? Let’s continue calmly down the yellow brick road and learn essential facts that you probably didn’t know about the new star of Wicked.

Jacopo M. Raule/Getty Images
He almost stopped acting completely thanks to Boardwalk Empire.

News/Getty Images
After receiving a callback for a role on the hit HBO show, Colman’s agent later revealed that the production decided not to cast her in the role. Because? A researcher informed the producers that the character would have to be played by a light-skinned actor to accurately reflect the time period. At that point, Colman told her husband that she was ready to quit acting. Fortunately, he continued to advance and eventually landed bigger roles such as Father Frank in Lucifer.
Sing Sing showed us Colman’s ability to connect his theatrical experience with the big screen.

maximum HBO
He earned a Best Actor nomination in 2025 for sing sing. Highlighting how important arts programs can be to those who are incarcerated, his performance in the film showcased his depth and versatility.
He is more than talented at destroying our emotions in Euphoria.

maximum HBO
In EuphoriaColman’s character Ali often shows up just in time for Rue (played by Zendaya) with the guidance and support she needs as a sponsor. Amid all the chaos that often follows the show’s characters, their appearances are always a welcome break from the chaos. Colman manages to convince us that a man with a troubled past is worth admiring.
However, he can play a horrible character and still move us through the music.

maximum HBO
Colman has terribly good directing skills.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images
He is an official member of the Marvel universe.

Disney+
Broadway is no stranger to Colman’s talent.

Walter Mcbride/Getty Images
You can also perform a full solo theatrical performance.

Ben Hider/Getty Images
It’s one thing to be part of a full cast when you perform on stage. It’s a completely different beast to put on a show by yourself. Colman demonstrated her ability to do just that with her 2009 one-man show. A child and his soul. In his 85-minute performance, he took the audience through his life with a musical narration of memories from his youth.
Comedy and Colman get along very well.

Jason Mendez/Getty Images
This year, we were able to enjoy Colman’s comedic side in the Netflix series. The four seasons. The show follows three couples who meet four times a year for a group getaway where chaos inevitably ensues. His charm on the small screen is as charming as his performances on the big screen, and his comedic timing shows off his versatility.
Just a year after attending his first Met Gala, he became co-chair in 2025.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images
While attending the Met Gala is a dream opportunity for many celebrities, it is well known that the guest list selected is quite particular. So it was a tremendous surprise to hear that Colman would be one of the co-chairs of the 2025 Met Gala, even though she had only attended for the first time in 2024. She clearly made a big impression on the Vogue team.
Circus work laid the foundation for some of Colman’s many skills.

Variety/Getty Images
Colman is no stranger to the actor’s struggle. Early in his career, performing in the circus was one of the different jobs he took on while living in San Francisco. From aerial net work to stilt walking, he had to learn a wide set of skills. Your talents are truly a magic hat full of surprises.
Their cologne collection is out of this world.

Noam Galai/Getty Images
Colman made history at the 2024 Academy Awards.

Jason Armond/Getty Images
Which of Colman Domingo’s projects are your favorites?

Eric Thayer/Getty Images


