Colman Domingo Reveals the Intense Preparation Behind His Role as Joe Jackson in 'Michael'

Colman Domingo's Transformation for 'Michael'

Colman Domingo, the actor nominated for an Oscar, has opened up about the extensive physical and emotional training he underwent to portray Joe Jackson in the biopic 'Michael'. During a recent guest appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', Domingo shared that achieving a convincing likeness to the Jackson family patriarch involved a demanding two-and-a-half hours of prosthetic makeup each day on set. He expressed his excitement for the role and its personal significance to him.

In addition to the physical changes, Domingo immersed himself in comprehensive research to authentically represent Joe Jackson. He stressed the importance of grasping the character's essence rather than simply imitating his behavior. "You’re watching videos, conducting all the research you can about the character... the surrounding years, everything," he noted. Domingo dedicated around 40 hours weekly to his preparation, beginning his research right after he was cast.

The actor emphasized the need for "soul work" in his performance, aiming to capture the true spirit of Joe Jackson. "You want to uncover the soul of a person and advocate for that," Domingo remarked, highlighting his commitment to delivering a layered portrayal. His approach reflects a profound respect for the complexities of the character he was tasked with embodying.

After the film's release, which has achieved the status of the second-highest-grossing biopic ever, Domingo discussed the production challenges in an interview with a prominent media outlet. He candidly admitted that the shoot was quite demanding, stating, "This was not an easy shoot, and I won’t shy away from that." Interestingly, he did not rely on method acting but stayed in character while filming alongside younger actors who played the Jackson family.

Despite the hurdles, Domingo expressed pride in the final outcome, describing 'Michael' as a deep dive into how the legendary artist evolved into who he became. "People often think there’s only one way to narrate his story, but that’s not the case," he said, highlighting the intricate nature of Michael Jackson's legacy in the music world. Domingo's dedication to his craft and the depth of his portrayal significantly enhance the film's narrative and emotional resonance.