Actor Colman Domingo has revealed the remarkable story of how he connected with the love of his life and his now husband through a Craigslist ad – after the two crossed paths outside a Walgreens store in a fleeting encounter.
The 54-year-old actor – who most recently starred in Oprah’s new rendition of The Color Purple – opened up about the heartwarming and unexpected way he first met his now husband, Raúl, on an episode of The Graham Norton Show.
He revealed that he first saw Raúl in 2005 when he walked into a Walgreens store in Berkeley, California – and was immediately struck by his good looks.
Colman said that although the two didn’t get a chance to talk at the grocery store, they later found their way back to each other with the help of a “Missed Connections” ad on Craigslist before admitting that he knew he was in love with Raúl . on their first date.
Colman Domingo has shared the breathtaking story of how he connected with the love of his life and his now husband through Craigslist ad
The 54-year-old Rustin star opened up about the heartwarming and unexpected way he first met his now husband Raúl on an episode of The Graham Norton Show (airing in 2024)
During the show, he described the magical moment he was surprised to see the love of his life.
“You’re in Berkeley, California in 2005 and you’re eyeing your business going to a Walgreens. I’m just going to Berkeley to get an overnight mask, you know, a face mask.
“So I walk in and I see someone walking out, with beautiful hair down to here, lip piercing, beautiful. I see this man and we look at each other.
‘I’m like, “Oh my God.” And I’m on the phone and I come out and we look at each other and he’s talking to this young woman and she seemed angry about something,” he said.
He then explained that although he and Raúl did not speak, they exchanged many glances.
“They’re walking down the street, but he keeps looking back and I’m waving, but he just keeps going and then I’m just stunned,” Colman said.
The actor then walked across the street to a Blockbuster and even revealed that as he left, he did a quick scan of the parking lot to see if the mystery man was there.
Without success, Colman left and told himself he would return at the same time next week in the hope of seeing the man again.
He revealed that he first met Raúl in 2005 when he walked into a Walgreens store in Berkeley, California (from left to right: Sterling K Brown, Dakota Johnson, Colman, Domhnall Gleeson and host Graham Norton during filming)
Colman said that although the two didn’t get a chance to talk at the grocery store, they later found their way back to each other with the help of Craigslist.
Three days later, Colman decided he was going to place a Missed Connections ad on Craigslist.
He said: ‘I thought I might do one of those Missed Connections ads. I wondered if they work because I would read them on the subway. I’m going to go to page two of it. As I’m reading, I see, “I saw you outside Walgreens. Berkeley.”
“He placed an ad for me two hours earlier. I jumped up and thought, “Are you kidding me? I am!” He described me with my fauxhawk – it was 2005.”
Colman and Raúl had their first date three days later.
The actor added: “I tried to be a good boy and go home. He said, “Can you stay over?” I said, “Sure, but let’s just cuddle.”
‘We hugged. I thought he was asleep: four o’clock in the morning. I couldn’t sleep and said, “I think I love you and you’re about to change my life.” And we’ve been together for almost 19 years.’
Colman also noted that he is someone who “believes in magic” – adding that if he thinks something will happen, it will.
Colman also noted that he is someone who ‘believes in magic’ – adding that if he thinks something will happen, it will (featured in The Color Purple)
Late in the show, he also discussed playing the title role of 1960s civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in Rustin.
Late in the show, he also discussed playing the title role of 1960s civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in Rustin.
He said: ‘He’s not that well known in the US because he’s been pretty much erased from history for being openly gay…
“His story is amazing, and he was an amazing person in every way. I really hope this movie puts him back in the history books. I think the more I become empowered, he becomes too and that’s a beautiful thing.”
Dakota Johnson and Sterling Brown also appeared in the episode. The Fifty Shades Of Gray actress, 34, revealed her unusual caliber of fandom when actor Sterling K. Brown revealed he has been praised by fans for ‘changing their lives’.