Who Is Ali Muhammad in ‘Euphoria’? Colman Domingo’s Underrated Role Explained
While ‘Euphoria’ features numerous flashy characters with dramatic arcs and vibrant wardrobes, many fans believe that the true moral heart of the series is embodied by Ali Muhammad. This recovering addict, portrayed by Colman Domingo, delivers one of the most quietly powerful performances on television today.
Ali Muhammad, originally named Martin, is a recurring character introduced in the first season of ‘Euphoria’. In a series characterized by chaos and visual excess, Ali stands out as a beacon of hard-earned wisdom, gained through personal loss rather than luck.
Ali’s backstory is rooted in a childhood marked by domestic abuse and addiction, with a father who drank heavily and abused his mother. This troubled upbringing led Ali to seek solace in alcohol and drugs, a cycle of trauma that persisted into adulthood.
He eventually became a firefighter, married, and had two daughters, but substance abuse continued to disrupt his family life, resulting in volatile arguments and physical confrontations. His daughter Marie has cut off contact with him, forbidding him from seeing his grandson due to the pain his actions have caused.
During his recovery, Ali converted to Islam, adopting a new name that signifies his journey of rebuilding his identity after addiction nearly destroyed him. Notably, he is the only Muslim character on ‘Euphoria’, sparking important discussions about the representation of Muslim men in high-profile television.
Ali first encounters Rue Bennett at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, where he quickly sees through her facade of having her life together. Recognizing that she is high, he encourages her to confront her truth, leading her to admit that without drugs, she would have considered taking her own life.
Domingo’s portrayal of Ali as a recovering addict who becomes a mentor to Zendaya’s Rue forms the emotional backbone of the series. Ali serves as a grounding presence for Rue, bringing her back to reality when she needs it most. He holds her accountable without placing blame, recognizing her goodness amidst her struggles.
One of the standout moments in the series occurred during a pandemic-era special episode that focused on Rue’s addiction. This episode stripped away the show’s multi-narrative style, centering on a powerful two-hander between Zendaya and Domingo, where Ali delivers poignant monologues about racism, religion, and his own struggles with addiction.
In this pivotal episode, Rue confesses to Ali her suicidal thoughts and her dependence on drugs to feel alive, marking a deeply vulnerable moment for her character.
Domingo’s performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2022, a recognition that came as no surprise to those who witnessed his ability to navigate the show’s emotionally complex scenes.
Reflecting on his unexpected rise as a “54-year-old heartthrob” due to his role in ‘Euphoria’, Domingo expressed amazement at the attention he received from younger viewers. His performance resonates with audiences because of its subtlety; in a series that often screams, Domingo’s portrayal whispers.
Beyond ‘Euphoria’, Domingo has received consecutive Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for his roles as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the biopic ‘Rustin’ and a prison inmate in ‘Sing Sing’. This recognition affirms what fans of ‘Euphoria’ have long known about his talent.
As ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 progresses, the narrative has jumped five years into the future, transforming the lives of all characters in unexpected ways. Ali’s role in this time jump has been one of the most anticipated aspects of the new season.
In the penultimate episode titled “Rain or Shine,” Ali’s Emmy-winning performance takes center stage, offering a glimpse into his past and revealing the darker aspects he has previously hinted at. Flashbacks depict Ali’s struggles with addiction, anger issues, infidelity, and the turmoil he brought home to his family.
A surprising addition to this episode is Natasha Lyonne, who appears as Ali’s fellow addict in the flashbacks. Domingo shared that Lyonne had long desired to join ‘Euphoria’ and pushed to collaborate with him, making their scenes feel authentic due to her own well-documented struggles with addiction.
In the season trailer, Ali is seen reminding Rue that she needs to have faith, indicating that his role as her moral compass remains crucial even after five years. His presence in Rue’s life serves as both a mentor and a mirror, reflecting her choices and their consequences.
Ultimately, whether Ali symbolizes hope or serves as a warning depends on Rue’s decisions moving forward, adding to the complexity that makes him one of the most compelling characters in contemporary drama. For those following Ali’s journey throughout all three seasons of ‘Euphoria’, which moment has resonated with you the most?