Colman Domingo’s heartfelt tribute to Chadwick Boseman has rekindled memories of the late actor among fans who still feel the weight of his loss.
Domingo recently opened up about the sacred bond he shared with Boseman, recalling how the “Black Panther” star believed in him and publicly affirmed his talent long before his ongoing career resurgence.
After spending years as a respected but under-the-radar performer, the “Euphoria” actor says he is now in an “incredible harvest period,” with his name continuing to rise across major circles in Hollywood.
Domingo recently reflected on the powerful words Boseman shared with him before they starred together in the 2020 film adaptation of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar-nominated actor recalled reconnecting with Boseman at a Hollywood party after the late actor had already become a global star through “Black Panther,” which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.
Domingo said they had previously done a few play readings together, so they knew each other, though not very closely. When he saw Boseman at the event, he walked over to congratulate him on his success.
Domingo told Boseman that he was proud of everything he had achieved and that it was beautiful to watch his rise. However, Boseman immediately turned the attention back to him.
According to the “Euphoria” star, Boseman pointed him out and told the room that people needed to know his name, calling him “the truth” and urging others to keep their eyes on him.
Domingo’s Tribute Stirs Chadwick Boseman Grief
On social media, fans have been moved by Domingo’s comments about Boseman, with many saying the tribute brought back the grief they still feel over the late actor’s death.
Writing on X, one fan admitted the moment caught them off guard late at night, writing, “It’s. 1 am and now I’m crying.”
Another user was reminded of the pair’s shared screen history, commenting, “I forgot they was in Ma Rainey together.”
Someone else shared that Boseman’s memory still hits hard years later, adding, “I still start crying if I sit and think about Chadwick too much.”
Colman Domingo Believes His Co-Star Is Helping From Above
Elsewhere in the interview, Domingo recalled learning about Boseman’s death while he was grilling burgers, after receiving a text from playwright Robert O’Hara.
Boseman died in 2020 from colon cancer at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape many of the artists who worked with and admired him.
For Domingo, the loss was deeply personal. He explained that Boseman occupied a rare space in Hollywood as someone who understood his background, his experience, and the specific pressures that come with being a Black man navigating the industry.
He added that he believes Boseman is still lifting actors like him and Michael B. Jordan “from the other side,” describing the late star as a “beautiful angel” in his life.
The Actor Once Thought He’d Never Be A Leading Man
Domingo also opened up about the years he spent doing respected work without receiving the kind of leading roles he hoped for.
After more than three decades in the industry, the actor admitted he once began to believe that being a leading man might not be part of his story.
He said he had experienced many moments where his work was respected and recognized, but the spotlight still seemed to go elsewhere. Over time, he began to make peace with the idea that he might always be the performer standing beside the lead rather than the one at the center.
Domingo explained that he imagined himself continuing to support stars such as David Oyelowo, Viola Davis, and even Boseman himself, in ensemble roles.
However, that has changed dramatically in recent years, as he received back-to-back Best Actor Oscar nominations for “Rustin” in 2024 and “Sing Sing” in 2025.
Colman Domingo Says He Is In His ‘Harvest Period’
At 56, Domingo now appears to be in one of the busiest and most visible chapters of his career.
The actor has been attached to major projects including “Euphoria,” the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” the second season of Netflix’s comedy “The Four Seasons,” and Steven Spielberg’s upcoming thriller “Disclosure Day.”
When asked whether he wished success had come earlier, Domingo joked that his finances probably would have preferred that. Still, he said he would not change the way things unfolded.
Domingo explained that, after years of planting seeds as an artist, he now feels he is entering the third act of his career with a sense of reward and perspective.
For him, the current wave of recognition feels like an “incredible harvest period” after decades of steady work in Hollywood.
