How Fear the Walking Dead Rescued Coleman Domingo’s Career

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Summary

  • Fear the Walking Dead elevated Coleman Domingo’s career, leading to an Oscar nomination.
  • Domingo initially considered turning down the role, but was impressed by the script.
  • The show’s success showcases the transformative power of genre TV on actors’ careers.

The spin-off series, Fear the Walking Dead, enlarged upon the universe established in AMC’s initial program, and it seems that its success may have played a significant role in revitalizing the career of a prominent Hollywood actor. Being a derivative of the highly acclaimed The Walking Dead, the show garnered immense popularity during its impressive eight-season journey.

When “Fear the Walking Dead” debuted in 2015, it aimed to expand the universe of its precursor, delving into the initial phases of the epidemic from fresh perspectives, such as those of characters like Lennie James’ Morgan Jones and Colman Domingo’s Victor Strand. Despite experiencing fluctuations in ratings and reviews throughout its run, Colman Domingo’s performance as the mysterious Strand has consistently shone brightly. The portrayal of Strand struck a chord with both audiences and critics. However, what many viewers might not have understood is how significant this role was for Colman Domingo personally.

In a recent chat on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Domingo acknowledged that the spinoff significantly revamped his professional journey. He expressed, “[Fear the Walking Dead] truly altered my entire career.” Talking about his complex character, Strand, he admitted, “Just prior to that, I felt I had accomplished what I was meant to achieve, and I was ready to bid farewell to the entire industry.” Facing difficulties in securing roles and grappling with the instability of his career, Domingo, now an Academy Award-nominated actor for Sing Sing, was seriously contemplating leaving showbiz. However, the character of Victor Strand offered him a new beginning and solidified his position in the entertainment industry.

It seemed nothing was moving as I expected, logic dictated. I wasn’t earning income, I wasn’t employed, I had no control or influence, and I found myself in my mid-forties. I thought, “I can’t keep going like this. I need a stable job.

Coleman Domingo Nearly Turned Down The Career Defining Role

Domingo also remembered being offered a role in ‘FTWD’ but initially considered turning it down because of his past as a stage actor and his self-professed theater elitism. “At first, I thought, Of course she doesn’t know me, she’s going to send me some genre or TV project that I wouldn’t be interested in,” the actor confessed. However, upon reading the script, he was thoroughly impressed. “It was deep, it was superb storytelling, and a character with real depth. I had an idea for this character, so I sent in my audition tape without giving it much thought. And then, within just a few days, I received an offer … to become a series regular on ‘Fear the Walking Dead’.

Ever since Domingo’s appearance on “Fear the Walking Dead”, his acting career has soared to new heights. He’s landed notable roles in “Euphoria”, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, and most recently, “Rustin”, earning him a second consecutive Academy Award nomination in 2024. Fans of the “Walking Dead” universe have long admired his performance, and it comes as no surprise that this role served as a stepping stone for greater success. His transformation from the brink of retirement to A-list fame is an inspiring demonstration of the unpredictable twists and turns in show business.

Domingo’s journey highlights a broader truth in show business: occasionally, chances actors initially turn down might transform into pivotal moments for their careers. This lesson underscores that genre and cable television, often underestimated as mainstream entertainment, can provide captivating narratives and multidimensional roles that can catapult careers. His rise to fame demonstrates that television, particularly within popular franchises, continues to hold immense influence in molding the industry’s most prominent figures.

As Domingo takes on a new role as Norman Osborn’s voice in “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman”, the “Walking Dead” universe remains vibrant with fresh spin-offs such as “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and another prequel series, “Fear The Walking Dead: Stranded at Sea”. Although “Fear the Walking Dead” ended in 2023, its impact lingers—not only within the universe it enlarged but also in the careers it fostered.

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2025-02-18 20:34