PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Temple University's 139th commencement ceremony received a jolt of star power on Wednesday — with a speech from actor Colman Domingo.
The two-time Best Actor Academy Award nominee (for “Rustin” and “Sing Sing”) and West Philly native addressed the university’s 2026 graduating class at the Liacouras Center.
“Graduates, success is lovely, awards are shiny, titles are impressive, but character, character is the legacy,” he told students.
Domingo attended Temple in the late 1980s as a journalism major, though he didn't graduate. However, he was awarded an honorary doctorate at the ceremony.
The actor, who currently stars in the box office hit “Michael” as Joe Jackson, said going back to Temple, talking with old friends and getting the honorary degree was an amazing homecoming.
“I'm able to see and look back and see those building blocks. It was built from a lot of love,” he said.
Domingo also reunited with some of his old friends from his Temple days — including this reporter.
When asked how he felt about seeing them — and how well he recognized them — he said, “The funny thing is you recognize people by their eyes, by their laugh. I noticed you immediately, John. We’ve known one another for 40 years!”
The “Michael” star also reunited with old friends, including a certain reporter
The “Michael” star also reunited with old friends, including a certain reporter
