Even in a jaded world, some love stories can still capture our hearts. For example, there’s Paris and Helen of Troy, the famed relationship in Greek Mythology that sparked the decade-long Trojan War—Helen’s beauty was so legendary that she’s often described as “the face that launched a thousand ships.” In American history, we can find John and Abigail Adams, a couple who exchanged over 1,000 love letters. Then there’s Shah Jahan, India’s fifth Mughal emperor, whose deep love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, led him to commission the monumental Taj Mahal as a tribute to her after her death. Each tale sweeps us up in romance, showcasing unique forms of devotion and sacrifice.
An immortal temple of love.
Photo by Bobbie M on Unsplash
Now, we have a contemporary addition to this collection: Colman Domingo and his husband, Raúl.
Walk down memory road
At the 2025 Academy Awards, Colman Domingo was nominated for “Best Actor” for his role in the movie Sing Sing. That night, he walked the red carpet with his famously private husband, Raúl. Though Raúl rarely makes public appearances, their stunning moment prompted the Internet to resurrect a viral video from 2024 in which Colman remembered the charming story of how he met Raúl.
“I love this story; I want to share it,” began host Graham Norton on The Graham Norton Show. During this particular episode, which aired in February 2024, Domingo was joined by Sterling K. Brown, Dakota Johnson, and Domhnall Gleeson. “You know those ‘Missed Connections’ columns? We love reading them, but we assume nothing ever comes of them," Norton adds.
That is, unless you are Colman Domingo.
Missed connections
The year was 2005 in Berkeley, California. Domingo, visiting from New York City, was walking into a Walgreens to buy a face mask when he saw someone walking out with “beautiful hair down to here,” he says, gesturing to his shoulder. And “lip piercings. Beautiful, beautiful.”
Shocked, he continued into Walgreens. When he exited, to his delight, the mystery man was still there. They exchanged glances, but a lot was happening: Colman was on the phone, and the beautiful stranger seemed to be arguing with a woman outside the store. Just as Colman decided to hang up and make his move, the mystery man walked away.
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He had missed the connection.
“Saw you outside of Walgreens”
“Cut to three days later, and I’m trying to buy a used computer while scanning Craigslist,” Domingo continues. “I thought maybe I would place one of those ‘Missed Connections’ ads, since I had read them on the subway.” He scrolled through a few ads and clicked ‘Next’ for page two. Then, he saw it: “Saw You Outside of Walgreens, Berkeley.”
“He had posted an ad for me two hours before,” Domingo says, surprised. Raúl described him perfectly, including his faux-hawk style (“It was 2005,” Domingo reminds, laughing). Fast forward another three days, and the duo found themselves on their first date.
An eternal love story
Colman and Raúl met up. “I was trying to be a good boy and just go home,” he recalls. But at his future husband’s request, he went upstairs to Raúl's apartment. “We cuddled. I thought he was asleep; it was 4 a.m., and I couldn’t sleep,” Colman shares. “Then I said, ‘I think I love you, and you’re about to change my life.’” The couple has been together for almost 19 years now.
The video shows the audience erupting into applause, and the panel is in awe. “You are the most magical being on the planet!” exclaims Dakota Johnson. “I believe magic happens. I truly do,” Domingo responds.
The comment section reflects this awe, with one person tweeting, “I’ve never heard this story before, and I just got chills at the end. Such a beautiful couple.” Another person commented on YouTube, “Those who refuse to believe in magic will never find it. THIS man BELIEVES!”
A different commenter added, “He and his husband are such a perfect couple. Sometimes, you just know this is my one person. They look incredible together.”
Nearly two decades later, their love continues to flourish. Isn’t it heartwarming how chance encounters can lead to lifelong love?
Watch the full clip from The Graham Norton Show below.
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