Colman Domingo would have starred in “Boardwalk Empire,” but he had one problem — how he looked. Nothing was said about his talent or voice, but sadly, his skin color. Years after the heartbreaking news from his agent, he recalls how that set him on a new path.

Colman Domingo Thought His Boardwalk Empire Rejection Would End Him

As a newbie in the acting business, Colman was full of hope and dreams. He has no problem auditioning for under-five roles only to make a breakthrough in the future. In his statement to The New York Times, Colman said he auditioned for Boardwalk Empire and did his best to impress the panelists. The producers wanted the maitre d’ of a club owned by a Black man.

Fortunately, he got the call from his agent, but it was bad news. Colman was informed that Boardwalk Empire producers wanted a light-skinned man for the role. It did not matter his performance, he was not suited for it.

According to Variety, the setback made Colman feel less of himself. He admitted to losing his mind before telling the agent:

“I can’t take it anymore, I think this is going to kill me.”

Colman Domingo Is Living His Dreams

Thankfully, Colman Domingo did not hurt himself; instead, he managed to build his own Boardwalk Empire. A decade after being called too dark-skinned for a role, he has become one of Hollywood’s most wanted. In this year alone, he has starred in Rustin and The Color Purple. Apart from working with great minds, including Oprah Winfrey, who served as executive producer for The Color Purple, Colman can brag about the film being a hit. It debuted on Christmas Day, recording $18 million.

Colman can also hang his head high as he had been tapped for a few industry recognitions following his involvement in some films. For The Scottsboro Boys, he made it to the Tony nominee list. He won an Emmy for Euphoria, and now, for his Rustin performance, he might be nominated for an Oscar.