John Doman carved a unique path to acting success, embarking on his screen career later in life after a prominent stint in the advertising industry. His journey is a testament to the idea that passion can ignite at any age, leading to unexpected and fulfilling career changes. Before becoming the acclaimed Actor John Doman we know today, he spent years honing his skills in a completely different field.
Doman’s foray into acting began after a transformative period in his life. Following his service as a Second Lieutenant with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam, he returned in 1969 and experienced a cinematic awakening. Watching Asphalt Cowboy and The Graduate back-to-back, captivated by Dustin Hoffman’s performances, sparked a desire to explore acting. However, this aspiration wouldn’t materialize immediately. As Doman himself stated in an interview, “It took me 20 years to actually get around to doing it.” These intervening decades were dedicated to the world of advertising. He excelled in this domain, ultimately reaching the executive level as Executive Vice President, Head of Business Development at TBWA. His strong academic background, including a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing from Pennsylvania State University, undoubtedly contributed to his advertising success.
Despite his achievements in advertising, the allure of acting remained. Doman’s initial steps into the acting world were gradual. He engaged with the craft through reading and taking acting classes. His perseverance paid off in 1991 when he secured a role in a commercial for AT&T. This marked his official entry into screen acting and paved the way for further opportunities in television. The following year, he landed a small part in the soap opera Guiding Light. With his commanding presence and distinctive deep voice – a legacy from his days as a football player for the Penn Quakers – Doman naturally gravitated towards roles portraying strong, authoritative figures, particularly in the realm of crime dramas.
His career trajectory saw him become a familiar face in the Law & Order franchise, where he impressively portrayed eleven different characters. However, it was his role as William Rawls in HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. For five seasons, Doman embodied the uncompromising Maryland State Police Deputy Commissioner of Operations, later Superintendent, leaving an indelible mark on the series and establishing himself as a formidable character actor.
Beyond The Wire, John Doman’s versatility is evident in his diverse range of roles. He has appeared as a Bajoran militia colonel in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the infamous Pope Alexander VI in Borgia, the calculating Bishop Charles Eddis in House of Cards, and the morally complex Senator Ross Garrison in Person of Interest. His portrayal of mob bosses Don Carmine Falcone in Gotham and Patrick “Paddy” Doyle in Rizzoli & Isles, alongside roles like the protective Police Chief father in Longmire and the American Ambassador Richard Hanes in Berlin Station, further showcase his ability to embody complex and powerful characters. More recently, he took on the role of Boston District Attorney Guy Dan in City on a Hill.
In addition to his screen work, actor John Doman has also demonstrated his talent on stage, participating in off-Broadway productions and performances for the prestigious New York Shakespeare Festival. From his late start in acting to his impactful roles across television, film, and theatre, John Doman’s career is a compelling narrative of reinvention and enduring success. He has solidified his place as a respected and recognizable figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his compelling portrayals of authority figures and complex characters.
