Colman Domingo Shares His Intensive Preparation for Film Roles

Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo reveals his rigorous preparation process for film roles, emphasizing the importance of understanding a character's inner life. In a recent interview, he discussed his portrayal of Joe Jackson in the biopic 'Michael,' detailing the extensive research and physical transformations he undertook. Domingo's commitment to authenticity and depth in his performances highlights the challenges and rewards of acting. He reflects on the film's narrative approach and the significance of Michael Jackson's legacy in the music industry. Discover more about Domingo's insights and experiences in this engaging article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 23:57 IST

Colman Domingo's Commitment to Character Preparation

Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo has disclosed that his journey into character preparation starts as soon as he is cast. He dedicates several weeks to thorough research, aiming to fully grasp the essence of the character before arriving on set.

During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Domingo emphasized his deep dive into every aspect of the character he is set to portray.

He explained, "I begin my research the moment I am cast, dedicating around 40 hours a week to prepare for my time on set. I immerse myself in videos and any available information about the character and their context. I absorb everything I can."

Domingo highlighted that his method focuses on exploring the character's inner life rather than merely imitating their behaviors. He stated, "It’s essential to engage in soul work. I aim to uncover the essence of a person and represent that authentically."

Discussing his role as Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, in the biopic Michael, Domingo mentioned the significant physical transformation he underwent, which included spending approximately two-and-a-half hours in prosthetic makeup each filming day and wearing colored contact lenses. He remarked, "Those two-and-a-half hours of prosthetics were a unique experience, and I truly cherished that role."

After the film's release, Domingo reflected on the challenging nature of the production, stating, "This was not an easy shoot, and I won’t downplay that."

Although he did not employ method acting, Domingo maintained his character while interacting with the young actors portraying the Jackson family. The screenplay was also adjusted during filming to enhance Joe Jackson's role in the narrative.

Despite the hurdles, Domingo expressed pride in the film's narrative approach, saying, "Michael serves as an exploration of how Michael became who he was, before addressing anything else. Many believe there’s a singular way to tell his story, but that’s not the case. Michael's genius and remarkable legacy in music cannot be overlooked."