Posted 29 minutes agoSubscribe to Screen Time NewsletterCaret Down"Wicked" Star Colman Domingo Is Already A Legend, Here's A Deep Dive Into His AccomplishmentsConsider us seated for his turn as the Cowardly Lion.by Nikita FrancoisBuzzFeed ContributorFacebookPinterestLink Recently, Wicked: For Good director John Chu teased that he sent an Instagram DM to the actor he wanted to portray the beloved Cowardly Lion. Kevin Mazur / Getty Images But with fan speculation running amok soon after, the official Wicked Instagram account quickly confirmed the casting announcement naming Colman Domingo in the role. @wickedmovie / Via instagram.com Colman has made a name for himself in Hollywood as a forceful dramatic actor in films like The Color Purple and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. HBO Max But did you know that he's a multi-talented creative with experience that extends beyond on-screen roles? Let's ease on down the yellow brick road and learn must-know facts you probably didn't know about the newest Wicked star. Jacopo M. Raule / Getty Images 1. He almost gave up acting completely, thanks to Boardwalk Empire. Fox / Getty Images After getting a callback for a role in the hit HBO show, Colman's agent later revealed that production decided not to give him the part. Why? A researcher informed the producers that the character would need to be portrayed by a light-skinned actor to accurately reflect the time period. At the time, Colman told his husband that he was ready to quit acting. Thankfully, he kept moving forward and eventually landed bigger roles like Father Frank in Lucifer. 2. Sing Sing showed us Colman's ability to connect his theater experience to the big screen. HBO Max He earned a Best Actor nomination in 2025 for Sing Sing. Highlighting just how important arts programs can be for those who are incarcerated, his performance in the film showcased his depth and versatility. 3. He's beyond talented at destroying our emotions in Euphoria. HBO Max On Euphoria, Colman's character, Ali, often appears right in the nick of time for Rue (played by Zendaya) with the guidance and support she needs as her sponsor. Amid all the chaos that often follows the characters in the show, his appearances are always a welcome break from the mayhem. Colman's able to convince us that a man with a troubled past is worth admiring. 4. Yet he can play an awful character and still move us through music. HBO Max Colman's portrayal of the abusive "Mister" in The Color Purple was anything but glamorous. However, there's no denying his ability to add an underlying charm and allure to any character. From singing and playing the banjo in the film, he's a verifiable triple threat. 5. Colman has terrifyingly good directing chops. Jesse Grant / Getty Images He portrayed the character Viktor Strand in Fear the Walking Dead and made his directorial debut in Season 4, Episode 12. Colman is the first actor in the Walking Dead franchise to ever direct an episode. And he also directed the "Ultimate Frisbee" episode of The Four Seasons, so it looks like we may continue to see more of his behind-the-camera work. 6. He's an official member of the Marvel universe. Disney+ At this point, who isn't? Colman voices Norman Osborn in the animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man on Disney+. And while he hopes to eventually join the MCU in a live-action role, for now, we can enjoy his animated portrayal of this Marvel villain. 7. Broadway is no stranger to Colman's talents. Walter Mcbride / Getty Images Colman had a leading role in the groundbreaking and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Passing Strange in 2008. Spike Lee later directed a documentary that followed the final two performances of this production's Broadway run. Colman also co-wrote the Off-Broadway production Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole, which we may soon see come to life on the big screen in the upcoming biopic. 8. He can also carry an entire solo stage performance. Ben Hider / Getty Images It's one thing to be a part of a full cast when performing onstage. It's an entirely different beast to put on a show by yourself. Colman showcased his ability to do just that with his 2009 one-man show A Boy and His Soul. In his 85-minute performance, he took audiences through his life with a musically-backed storytelling of the memories of his youth. 9. Comedy and Colman get along very well. Jason Mendez / Getty Images This year, we were treated to 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 delightful as his big-screen performances, and his comedic timing showcases his versatility. 10. Just one 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's well-known that the curated guest list is quite particular. So it was a