Colman Domingo Wants to Feel and Smell ‘Yummy’ Every Day

Colman Domingo has been nonstop. From starring in some of this year’s biggest films, including his role as Joe Jackson in Michael, to his Emmy-nominated performances as Ali in HBO’s Euphoria and Danny in the Netflix comedy The Four Seasons, Domingo has proved that there is no character that he can’t master. Now, he is taking on a new one as the face of Valentino’s Born in Roma Ruby fragrance duo.

The limited-edition launch introduces two new fragrances: Born in Roma Donna is an ambery floral scent with notes of strawberry, jasmine, and vanilla, and Born in Roma Uomo is a sultry, woody gourmand with notes of raspberry and lavender. Domingo says he would wear either of the scents anywhere, and cites Uomo as his own daily pick. “Some scents can at times feel too heavy, powerful, or potent,” he says. “This is an everyday scent. I notice that when I wear it, it makes people around me feel good. It makes you feel yummy. Maybe that’s the feeling I want to feel on the daily: yummy.”

Below, ELLE caught up with Domingo to talk about all things fragrance, architecture, love, and belly laughs.

What is your fashion philosophy as it relates to scent?

With every character that I play, whether he’s a blue-collar man, a historical figure, or the father of one of the most incredible legends who ever lived, every one has a specific scent, and only I know it. It’s my own little secret. I’m very specific about it because I’m a hugger. I want people to feel something when I embrace them. I want to give them a little gift as well. I’m always scented. I’m obsessive about how, too. I’m like, Oh, this is a person who puts on one spray and goes out in the world. Or, This is someone who’s a little bit more crisp and clean or even romantic. I make choices like that. That’s my thought process.

What red carpet outfit would pair best with the new Born in Roma Ruby scent?

I would say my Oscars outfit from two years ago, when I was nominated for Sing Sing. I wore a red Valentino outfit, a red jacket. Valentino does a beautiful red, and I think paired with Born in Roma, you can’t miss. It’s like wearing one big, beautiful heart.

Many people believe that scent is connected to memory. Is there a certain smell that sparks a special memory for you?

Fresh-cut grass. It takes me back to my childhood, to Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. I love the outdoors, so I think that’s why I love grassy scents a lot. Anything with rosemary or lavender or fields makes me feel like I’m outdoors.

In a recent interview with NPR, when asked about the characters you’ve played, you referenced the Abbey Lincoln song lyric, “I’ve got some people in me.” When you spray this fragrance, which of those “people” do you feel like you are channeling? Why?

When I spray this on, the person who lives in me is my mother, to be honest. She’s my north star when it comes to being kind, warm, funny, and sweet.

You have said that you are an avid learner with a curiosity that you bring to every role. In your personal life, what is something that you are currently learning?

I’m a student of architecture. I’ve been so fascinated with buildings and how we live in space. Wherever I go, I want to feel like I live in a place and not like I’m just traveling to it. The first thing I do when I travel somewhere new is go out and discover the city, usually on foot or bicycle, to look at architecture. I’ll go into buildings, ask questions, see how things were designed, and try to understand the why of it all.

What is the last thing that made you belly laugh?

My husband and I have a habit whenever we’re traveling: When we see a crazy picture of an animal or anything with a crazy face, we’ll stand next to it and mimic it, and take a picture. It always makes me laugh so hard because it’s the silliest thing, and it’s a little tradition that we do.

Your upcoming role in the Netflix thriller The Headlands House follows a couple whose dream house hides a secret. What are some non-negotiables that you have to have in your dream home?

I need lots of windows—floor-to-ceiling—and fireplaces. I moved into a new home a couple years ago. It didn’t have any fireplaces, and I added two. It’s so cozy and romantic. Another non-negotiable is a swimming pool. I’m planning to put in a swimming pool, hopefully in a couple years. I love the idea of floating in the pool and letting that be part of your ritual. So, fire and water.

Last year, you co-wrote the Broadway musical Lights Out: Nat King Cole alongside Patricia McGregor. Why is Nat King Cole a figure and an artist that you find yourself drawn to?

Nat King Cole was the ultimate American. He is sewn into the fabric of who we are musically with all that he represented. I love the idea of deconstructing American icons to really look at the soul of who they are, the struggles of an artist, and the successes of an artist. I really admire how he made a place for himself at a time when everything was stacked against him, and how he succeeded with grace, love, rigor, and great music.

Do you have a favorite song of his?

My favorite song is one of his last recordings that he did before he passed, called “More.” It’s not very long; I believe it’s one of the shortest songs in his catalog. It is such a beautiful and simple song. It just talks about loving someone more and loving them forever.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.