Colman Domingo says Will Smith was the ‘popular kid’ in high school: “I was the nerd”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 17: Colman Domingo attends the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 17, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Win (Getty Images)
Colman Domingo has revealed that the last time he saw Will Smith was not at a Hollywood event, but while Domingo was working as a waiter at El Torito in Philadelphia, and Smith did not recognise him at first.
Speaking on the Friends Keep Secrets video podcast episode on Tuesday (3 November), Domingo, 56, introduced himself with: “West Philly, born and raised,” before looking back on their school days.
“I went to high school with Will… We had gym class and science class together,” he said, recalling that they attended Overbrook High School in Philadelphia at the same time. Smith, now 58, was enrolled one year above Domingo.
Domingo said Smith “really was the most popular kid in high school,” adding that he was already “a local rapper with Jazzy Jeff” and that “all the cool kids went to see them”.
He also stressed that sharing classes did not mean they were close. “We were never friends,” Domingo said. “He was the cool kid and I was the nerd.”
What did Colman Domingo say about meeting Will Smith again?
Domingo said the last time they crossed paths was years later, when Smith had already become “very successful” in music and acting.
“I was working at El Torito restaurant in Philadelphia as a waiter,” Domingo recalled. He said Smith did not recognise him at first, but once his memory was jogged, the moment was brief.
They “hugged and that was it,” Domingo said.
Domingo added: “The weirdest thing is throughout our careers now, I’ve never run into him.”
He also suggested there is still warmth between them, saying he is sure they will see each other again “at some point”, with “a shared history from Philadelphia”.
From Overbrook High School to Hollywood
Domingo has since built a major career across film, TV and theatre, and has become known for roles including Ali in HBO’s Euphoria and acclaimed performances in films such as Rustin and Sing Sing. He is gay and married to Raúl Domingo, and has spoken about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation and queer visibility in Hollywood.
