Colman Domingo will be awarded an honorary degree during Temple University’s 139th commencement ceremony, which will be held May 6, 2026. —INVISION/AP PHOTO/SCOTT A. GARFITT Oscar-nominated actor, director and playwright Colman Domingo has been named the keynote speaker for Temple University’s 2026 commencement ceremony. He will also receive an honorary degree during the university’s 139th commencement, set for May 6 at the Liacouras Center. Temple awards honorary degrees each year to distinguished figures whose work reflects the university’s values. Past recipients include award-winning actress and producer Quinta Brunson, Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley, Bishop Desmond Tutu and R&B icon Patti LaBelle. Domingo said he feels both grateful and humbled to be recognized by the institution that helped shape his early academic and creative journey. A West Philadelphia native, Domingo graduated from Overbrook High School before attending Temple University in the 1980s, where he majored in journalism. “As a journalism student who struggled with the balance of working two jobs and supporting himself through school from 1987-1990, eventually dropping out with a good 50 credits to go, this degree is very meaningful to me,” Domingo said in a statement. “The foundation that Temple University has given me in my early years, awakened my curiosity to pursue a life in the arts,” he added. Domingo said a drama professor at Temple was the first to recognize his potential and steer him toward the arts. “Chris Wolfe, my Acting 1 teacher in my sophomore year, pulled me aside and expressed that he believed that I had a gift,” he said. “That teacher changed my whole life, and it started right there. “There used to be a commercial shouting out the school in the 90s. ‘They could have chosen anywhere, they chose Temple.’ Well, I am glad Temple chose me,” he added. Domingo first rose to prominence in the theater, eventually making his way to Broadway, where he earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Mr. Bones in “The Scottsboro Boys.” He later gained widespread recognition as Victor Strand on AMC’s “Fear the Walking Dead,” a series in which he also directed several episodes, and as Ali on HBO’s “Euphoria.” He received an Emmy in 2022 for his role in “Euphoria.” He also earned two Oscar nominations, one for portraying civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in “Rustin” and another for playing prison inmate John “Divine G” Whitfield in “Sing Sing.” Last year, he was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. He also received the 2025 Lumiere Award from the Philadelphia Film Society in recognition of his artistic excellence. Domingo can now be seen in “Wicked: For Good,” in which he plays the cowardly lion. He will also star as Joe Jackson in the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” which is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026. “An accomplished actor, director, producer and playwright, Colman Domingo’s creative achievements reflect so positively on both Temple University and the City of Philadelphia,” Temple President John Fry said. “As Coleman’s career has taken off, he has never forgotten where he came from, as he has frequently shared that it was at Temple where he developed his passion for acting. It is fitting that we will be able to honor him in this way, as Colman illustrates what it means when we say ‘Temple made,’” he said. Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! Click Here Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.
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