In the latest Variety’s Actors on Actors special, Kieran Culkin and Colman Domingo shared a fascinating and candid conversation, offering a rare glimpse into their personal lives and acting philosophies. Culkin, best known for his portrayal of Roman Roy in HBO’s Succession, and Domingo, an award-winning actor celebrated for his roles in Rustin and The Color Purple, touched on a range of topics, from career experiences to more personal discussions, including astrology and aging.
Memorable Moments
One of the standout moments in their interview occurred when astrology became a lighthearted topic of discussion. Culkin, who is famously skeptical about astrological signs, expressed some doubt about their relevance, questioning whether they truly impact a person’s behavior and life choices. “There’s no such thing as signs. You actually believe in this hocus pocus?” he asked, as reported by CNN. On the other hand, Domingo, a proud Sagittarius, defended astrology, insisting that it offers valuable insights into personality traits and motivations. This playful debate showcased the actors’ contrasting perspectives while keeping the tone humorous and engaging.
The two actors also reflected on the topic of aging, a subject that often comes up in Hollywood as stars navigate the realities of growing older in a youth-centric industry. Culkin asked Domingo about how he approaches health and maintaining his appearance as he gets older. Domingo responded with a light-hearted quip, saying, “I’m Black”.
Thoughts on Acting
Beyond personal anecdotes, Culkin and Domingo offered their thoughts on the craft of acting. Culkin reflected on his experience portraying Roman Roy in Succession, noting how challenging and fulfilling it was to bring such a complex and often contradictory character to life. He spoke about the difficulty of balancing Roman’s wit with his vulnerability, and how the role pushed him to explore new depths in his acting.
Culkin also criticized fellow Succession co-star Jeremy Strong’s view of the actor as the storyteller, saying “Sorry, Jeremy. I don’t think I’m telling the story.” Strong’s controversial acting methods have long been a source of controversy, as reported by Us Weekly.
Variety of Roles
Domingo, on the other hand, discussed the variety of roles he’s taken on throughout his career, particularly his transformative performance in Rustin, where he portrayed the civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. He also touched on his role in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, sharing how important it was for him to step into roles that reflect the multifaceted nature of Black characters in the entertainment industry. Both actors spoke passionately about how the roles they choose to take are a reflection of their desire to bring diverse and complex characters to the screen and stage.
Their conversation also delved into the importance of representation, with both actors emphasizing the need for diverse stories and characters in Hollywood. Culkin, who has been part of major franchises and critically acclaimed series, discussed the responsibility that comes with fame and the privilege of being able to choose meaningful roles. Domingo echoed this sentiment, sharing that he’s always gravitated toward roles that not only challenge him as an actor but also provide a platform for underrepresented voices and stories.
The interview concluded with both actors expressing admiration for each other’s work and the impact they’ve had on their respective fields. Their conversation, full of humor, insight, and mutual respect, was a testament to their friendship and shared passion for acting. Fans of both stars will no doubt appreciate the chance to see such an intimate and genuine conversation between two of Hollywood’s finest talents.
