Colman Domingo: Career Advice From Denzel Washington

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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The Importance of Preparation and Discipline

Denzel Washington's emphasis on rigorous preparation and unwavering self-discipline is a recurring theme in Colman Domingo's accounts of their interactions. Washington's philosophy underscores that true acting mastery isn't about innate talent alone; it's about dedicated craft. This dedication manifests in several key areas:

• Knowing your lines cold and understanding the subtext: Washington stressed the importance of not just memorizing lines, but truly internalizing the character's motivations and the unspoken emotions underlying the dialogue. This goes beyond simple memorization; it involves deep analysis and understanding of the script's nuances.

• The value of consistent rehearsal and practice: Domingo often speaks about Washington's insistence on consistent practice. This includes not just rehearsing lines but also working on physicality, vocal projection, and emotional range. Consistent effort, according to Washington, is crucial for honing one's skills.

• Maintaining physical and mental fitness for demanding roles: The demands of acting, especially in physically challenging roles, require peak physical and mental fitness. Washington's advice highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support the rigorous demands of the profession.

• The significance of studying the craft beyond just acting: Washington emphasized continuous learning and growth, encouraging the study of acting techniques, theatre history, and other relevant fields to broaden one's understanding and expand one's creative potential. Domingo has often credited this holistic approach to his success.

In several interviews, Domingo has quoted Washington directly, emphasizing the need for tireless preparation. This dedication, he says, is the cornerstone of a successful acting career.

The Power of Collaboration and Mentorship

Beyond individual discipline, Washington instilled in Domingo the importance of collaboration and mentorship. He emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the value of building strong relationships.

• Learning from experienced professionals and seeking mentorship: Washington's own career serves as a testament to the power of mentorship. He encouraged Domingo to actively seek guidance from experienced professionals and to learn from their expertise.

• Building strong relationships with fellow actors and crew members: The collaborative nature of filmmaking means that success depends on teamwork. Washington's advice stressed the importance of building positive relationships with everyone involved in the production process.

• The value of teamwork and mutual respect on set: Respect and mutual understanding are crucial for a productive and creative environment. Washington's guidance emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

• Understanding the collaborative nature of filmmaking: Filmmaking is a team effort, involving actors, directors, writers, cinematographers, and many other professionals. Washington taught Domingo the importance of understanding each role and how they contribute to the overall success of the project.

Domingo's numerous successful collaborations, many fostered through Washington's guidance, are a testament to the power of this collaborative approach.

Embracing Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

The entertainment industry is notoriously competitive, and rejection is inevitable. Washington's advice to Domingo emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Handling rejection and maintaining a positive attitude: Washington emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite setbacks. He encouraged Domingo to view rejection not as a failure, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.

• Learning from mistakes and using criticism constructively: Washington taught Domingo to use constructive criticism as a tool for improvement. He emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and using them to refine one's skills.

• The importance of self-belief and maintaining passion: Maintaining self-belief and passion is crucial for navigating the challenging aspects of the industry. Washington's unwavering belief in his own abilities is a lesson that resonated deeply with Domingo.

• Building a support system to navigate difficult times: Having a strong support system is vital for overcoming challenges and maintaining perspective. Washington encouraged Domingo to surround himself with people who supported his goals and provided encouragement.

Domingo’s career, marked by its longevity and diverse achievements, exemplifies the application of Washington's teachings on resilience.

The Value of Authenticity and Finding Your Voice

Washington's advice also stressed the importance of authenticity and developing a unique artistic voice.

• The importance of portraying characters with authenticity: Washington emphasized the importance of bringing genuine emotion and truth to every performance, urging Domingo to find the authenticity within each role.

• Developing a personal acting style and approach: He encouraged Domingo to develop his unique style and approach to acting, fostering individual expression and creative freedom.

• Expressing your individuality through your craft: Washington stressed the importance of allowing one's individuality to shine through in their performances.

• Finding and highlighting your unique strengths: He advised Domingo to identify his unique strengths and leverage them to create memorable and impactful performances.

Domingo's performances consistently demonstrate an authenticity and unique style that resonates deeply with audiences, a clear reflection of Washington's mentorship.

Conclusion

Colman Domingo's insights into Denzel Washington's career advice illuminate essential principles for success in the performing arts and beyond. From meticulous preparation and collaborative spirit to unwavering resilience and genuine authenticity, these lessons emphasize the importance of dedication, hard work, and a deep-seated passion for one's craft. These are timeless principles applicable to any field.

Call to Action: Inspired by Colman Domingo and Denzel Washington's wisdom? Learn more about the power of mentorship and dedicated effort in achieving your career goals. Explore the inspiring journey of Colman Domingo and discover how his perseverance and commitment exemplify the lessons learned from the master, Denzel Washington. Embrace this invaluable advice and embark on your own path to success!