Summary
Fear the Walking Deadexpanded on the world of AMC’s original series, but it turns out it may have also saved the career of a Hollywood A-lister. As a spin-off of the widely successfulThe Walking Dead, the show was a fan favorite throughout its entire eight-season run.
WhenFear the Walking Deadpremiered in 2015, it set out to widen the universe of its predecessor, exploring the early days of the outbreak through the eyes of new characters like Lennie James’ Margan Jones and Colman Domingo’s Victor Strand. WhileFear the Walking Deadhasseen its ups and downs in ratings and reviews, Domingo’s performance has been a consistent standout. His portrayal of the enigmatic Strand resonated with audiences and critics alike. Yet, what many fans may not have realized is just how pivotal the role was for Domingo himself.
In a recent interview on theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, Domingo credited the spinoff with completely transforming his career. “[Fear the Walking Dead] literally did change my entire career,” he stated about his role asthe deeply complicated character of Strand. “Just before that, I thought I had achieved what I was supposed to achieve, and I was kindly ready to step away from the whole industry.” Struggling to book roles and facing the harsh realities of an unstable career, the now Academy Award-nominatedSing Singactor was seriously considering leaving Hollywood. The role of Victor Strand, however, gave him a fresh start and cemented his place in the industry.
“Things were just not progressing the way I thought that made sense. I wasn’t booking, I wasn’t working, I had no access or agency, and I was entering my mid-forties. I was like, ‘I can’t sustain this. I need to get a real job.”
Coleman Domingo Nearly Turned Down The Career Defining Role
Domingo also recalled being approached for theFTWDrole and having the urge to decline due his previous life as a stage actor and being a self-proclaimed theater snob. “Immediately, I thought, Obviously [my agent] does not know me because she’s going to send me some genre thing, some TV thing I’m not interested in,” the actor admitted. However,once he read the script, he was blown away. “It was rich, it was great storytelling and a really provocative character. I had a take on the character, so I sent that tape in without even thinking about it. And then, literally, a couple days later, I got an offer … to be a series regular onFear the Walking Dead.”
Since his time onFear the Walking Dead, Domingo’s career has skyrocketed. He has taken on critically acclaimed roles inEuphoria,Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and, more recently,Rustin, which earned him a second consecutive Academy Award nomination in 2024. Fans of theWalking Deadfranchise have long praised his performance, and many are not surprised that the role becamea launchpad for bigger opportunities. His journey from near-retirement to A-list stardom is an inspiring testament to the unpredictable nature of show business.
Domingo’s story underscores a larger reality in the entertainment industry: sometimes, the opportunities actors initially dismiss can become career-defining moments. His experience reminds us that genre and network television, often overlooked by some as mainstream entertainment, have the potential to offer rich storytelling and dynamic roles that can propel careers forward. His rise to prominence proves that television—especially within beloved franchises—remains a powerful force in shaping the industry’s biggest stars.
While Domingo makes a return to television as the voice of Norman Osborn inYour Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman, theWalking Deaduniverse continues to thrive, with recent spin-offs likeThe Walking Dead: Daryl Dixonand even anotherprequel spinoff Fear The Walking Dead: Dead In The Water.Fear the Walking Deadmay have concluded in 2023, but its legacy endures—not just in the universe it expanded but in the careers it helped to shape.
