Professor, Playwright, Performer, Director: Colman Domingo’s Next Act is Unforgettable

By: Renae Richardson

Colman Domingo is stepping into new creative territory with plans to make his directorial debut on a project that places the legendary Nat King Cole firmly at its center. According to recent press, the forthcoming biopic—titled “Unforgettable”—will mark a significant expansion of Domingo’s already formidable artistic footprint.

Domingo Ascends the Ladder

Since 1998, Domingo has been deliberately building a legacy defined by range, rigor, and commanding presence. His body of work across stage and screen has earned him a reputation as a mark of credibility and excellence—his name alone signaling quality in any production he joins. An extensive list of accolades backs that reputation. As noted by IMDb,

Domingo is a Tony®, Laurence Olivier, Drama Desk, Drama League, and NAACP Theatre Award nominee, as well as an OBIE and Lucille Lortel Award–winning actor, playwright, director, and producer.

Building the Future

Beyond performance, Domingo’s influence extends into education, where he has played a vital role in shaping the next generation of artists and industry professionals. IMDb further notes that he serves on the faculty of the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts as a professor of acting, following prior appointments as a Creative Associate at Juilliard and a faculty member at the Yale School of Drama.

Domingo Expanding His Borders

Despite already having an expansive résumé, Domingo continues to seek new avenues for growth. That next step, as reported by Blexmedia, brings him behind the camera.

While he was initially slated to make his directorial debut with Scandalous, a film centered on Sammy Davis Jr. and Kim Novak, that project has been postponed. As World of Reels confirms, Unforgettable will now serve as Domingo’s first feature as a director.

The Unforgettable: Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole’s impact on American music is both profound and enduring. His velvety vocals and musical sophistication carved out space where little existed before for artists like him. In 1941, Cole’s talents reached wider audiences when he fronted the King Cole Trio. According to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame,

Cole wrote, sang, and played piano on “That Ain’t Right,” recorded for Decca in 1941—a song that went on to top Billboard’s Harlem Hit Parade in early 1943.

These achievements unfolded during a period marked by national rebuilding and deeply entrenched racial inequities.

The King Cole Trio continued its remarkable run with hits such as “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You,” and “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons.” Cole’s undeniable artistry propelled him into the upper echelon of American music.  It is further noted,

In 1952, “Unforgettable” cemented his place among the era’s premier vocalists, positioning him alongside contemporaries like Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Dean Martin—a defining moment in his career.

Artistic Emphasis

The forthcoming biopic aims to move beyond the legend to explore the man himself. Domingo, who will not only direct but also star in and co-write the film, is set to examine the complexities that shaped Cole’s life and career. As Blexmedia reports,

“Unforgettable” will chart Cole’s journey as both a trailblazing artist and a “quiet revolutionary,” detailing how he navigated racial injustice, Hollywood sabotage, and personal self-doubt while forging a legacy that opened doors for future generations of Black entertainers.

Progression Equates to Promise

While the project has been in discussion for some time, recent updates confirm that production is moving forward—bringing audiences closer to witnessing Domingo’s vision realized. His record of excellence, built on discipline, talent, and a relentless work ethic, suggests that his transition into a multi-tiered creative role is a natural evolution rather than a departure.

Exceptional is as Exceptional Does

Domingo’s exceptionalism is well documented, and the qualities that have defined his success are inherently transferable. As such, anticipation is high, and the industry—and audiences alike—will be watching closely to see what emerges from this next chapter of his artistic journey.