Actor and playwright Colman Domingo shared a nostalgic look back at his upbringing during an appearance on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast on November 3, 2026. Speaking with hosts Benny Blanco and Lil Dicky, the Academy Award nominee revealed that he attended Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia at the same time as fellow Hollywood A-lister Will Smith, recalling their contrasting social dynamics during their teenage years.
Domingo explained that Smith was one grade ahead of him at Overbrook, a historic institution known for educating several prominent figures in sports and entertainment. The two shared gym and science classes together in the 1980s. While they were not close personal friends at the time, Domingo recalled that Smith was already widely known throughout the neighborhood for his burgeoning music career alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, earning him a reputation as the school's ultimate cool kid.
Describing his own high school persona, the 56-year-old actor lightheartedly characterized himself as the studious nerd focused primarily on navigating his classes quietly. Domingo noted that while Smith exuded effortless charisma and local stardom long before starring in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, he was immersed in academics and early artistic interests that would eventually lay the foundation for his own expansive body of work on stage and screen.
Over the past two decades, Domingo has established himself as one of Hollywood's most versatile performers. After gaining prominence on television as Victor Strand in Fear the Walking Dead, he earned a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role in HBO's Euphoria. His career reached new heights with back-to-back Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in Rustin and his leading role in the independent drama Sing Sing.
The podcast conversation quickly went viral among film enthusiasts, offering a rare glimpse into the shared origins of two of Philadelphia's most celebrated actors. As Domingo continues press rounds for upcoming projects, his stories highlight how his West Philadelphia roots continue to shape his artistic journey and connection to storytellers of all backgrounds.
