Zay Domo Artist is a young and versatile actor, known for impactful roles in both film and television. Zay has starred in notable projects such as A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) and The Last of Us (2023), showcasing the ability to handle diverse and challenging roles. Zay’s career began as a voice artist in video games like Call of Duty: WWII and Overwatch 2, where dynamic vocal performances brought characters to life.
You have had significant roles in both film and television. Which of these formats do you find more challenging, and why?
At one point, I would have said television due to the sheer amount of dialogue to memorize and the time spent filming a series. But now, with the creativity of today’s directors, I find film more challenging. Shows have time to build suspense and gradually develop a story, whereas films need to grab the viewer’s attention right away. In the films I’ve worked on, this often means non-stop action from day one on set, which can be intense. There’s also a heightened sense of scrutiny in films, adding pressure to deliver your best performance every time.
What can you tell us about your experience working on A Quiet Place: Day One and The Last of Us? Was there anything that stood out during these productions?
Both projects were incredibly fun but also very challenging. In A Quiet Place, you have to rely entirely on non-verbal communication—it’s all about expression. Telling a story through just body language and facial expressions, while keeping the audience engaged, is no easy task. On the other hand, with The Last of Us, I had an advantage because I was a huge fan of the games. It was a dream to act in the show, even in a smaller role, and understanding the source material helped me know exactly what was expected of my character.
How do you choose the roles you want to play? Is there a particular type of project or character that you dream of portraying?
My team knows the types of roles I gravitate toward and the ones I’m not willing to take on, especially those that conflict with my values. I’m open to trying new things, but I’m also selective about projects that align with who I am. A dream role for me would be in a Black Panther film. Chadwick Boseman was a huge inspiration, and I’ve even practiced his accent from the films in hopes that one day an audition will come my way. So, yeah, Black Panther would be the dream.
You started your career as a voice artist in video games. How did this experience help shape your skills as an actor?
Most actors begin in film or TV and transition into voiceover, but I started the other way around. Voice acting was essential for me because it taught me how to convey emotion through tone, pitch, and rhythm. That experience gave me an edge, especially with accents and impressions, which I use a lot in my on-screen roles today.
Along with Euphoria, The Last of Us was one of HBO’s major hits. Did you anticipate the level of success the show would achieve?
I had a strong feeling it would be a hit. From my experience in video game voice work, I know how passionate fans are about the games they love. Bringing The Last of Us to life in a TV series naturally attracted that loyal fanbase, and the show’s stunning visuals brought in even more viewers from the film community.
You’ve worked as a voice artist in video games like Call of Duty: WWII and Overwatch 2. What were those experiences like, especially in terms of conveying emotion purely through voice?
They were amazing experiences. The great thing about games is that they live on forever. Even years later, people are still playing and talking about them. Voice acting in games can be tricky because it’s all about conveying emotion through your voice, but it comes down to understanding the nuances in tone and pitch. Those elements can tell an entire story.
What was it like working with director Michael Sarnoski on A Quiet Place: Day One and portraying Bryan in his youth?
Michael is an incredibly talented and innovative director. He’s the kind of person who’s willing to adapt the vision alongside the actors, and that creates a dynamic atmosphere on set. It felt like the script was alive, evolving as we worked. Portraying a young character in the middle of an apocalypse was surreal—it was like being part of a story I’d only ever imagined growing up. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone, but in the best way possible.
You’ve been an advocate for foster children, and you were the first foster child to break into the acting industry at 16. Can you tell us more about your journey and how you use your platform to inspire others?
I entered foster care at 12, and acting wasn’t even on my radar until I was about 15. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot, but we always had movies. I must have watched over 2,000 films, and they became my escape. When I was placed in foster care, I couldn’t have imagined becoming an actor—it felt impossible. But one night, the idea hit me, and I couldn’t let it go.
What people don’t realize is how tough it is to pursue acting while in foster care. There’s little to no support—no funding, no mentorship. But I had a plan. I graduated high school at 16 worked full-time at McDonald’s for two years, and invested everything I earned back into my career. I haven’t had formal acting classes, but watching so many films helped me develop my own understanding of acting.
I want to inspire other foster kids to believe that their situation can be an advantage. We’re some of the most creative and resourceful people, but we lack the platform to express that. I want to open doors for kids from Section 8 and foster families to chase their dreams. If I can make it, that shows it’s possible, and I’ve always prayed for the opportunity to create real change. We may have been dealt a tough hand, but that doesn’t mean we’re any less capable of achieving greatness.
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*Partnership: Andrezza Barros