Djimon Hounsou Biography: Djimon Gaston Hounsou is a Beninese-American actor, born on April 24, 1964. He began his entertainment career by appearing in music videos before making his film debut in Without You I’m Nothing (1990). Hounsou gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of Cinqué in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad (1997), earning a Golden Globe nomination.
Djimon Hounsou Biography
Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa, to Albertine and Pierre Hounsou, who worked as a cook. At the age of 13, he relocated to Lyon, France. After struggling to find work, Hounsou experienced homelessness, spending nights under bridges and scavenging for food. His fortunes changed when renowned fashion designer Thierry Mugler discovered him, launching his successful career as a fashion model in Paris and London.
Djimon Hounsou Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Djimon Gaston Hounsou
April 24, 1964 Cotonou, Dahomey
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| Years active | 1986–present |
| Partner | Kimora Lee Simmons (2007–2012) |
| Children | 1 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Djimon Hounsou
Djimon Gaston Hounsou is a Beninese-American actor. He began his career appearing in music videos and made his film debut in Without You I’m Nothing. He then earned widespread recognition for his role as Cinqué in the Steven Spielberg film Amistad, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Djimon Hounsou Achievements
He went on to receive Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in In America (2002) and Blood Diamond (2006). In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hounsou plays Korath the Pursuer, appearing in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Captain Marvel (2019), and the animated series What If…? (2021). Hounsou eventually transitioned from modeling to acting, earning critical acclaim for his performances in major films such as Amistad (1997), directed by Steven Spielberg, and Gladiator (2000), directed by Ridley Scott.
Djimon Hounsou Wiki
- Born: 24 April 1964 (age 61 years), Cotonou, Benin
- Upcoming movie: Shiver
- Children: Kenzo Lee Hounsou
- Awards: Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male ·
- Parents: Pierre Hounsou, Albertine Hounsou
Early Life
Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, to Albertine and Pierre Hounsou. At the age of 12, he moved to Lyon, France, with his brother Edmond. After struggling academically and becoming homeless, a chance encounter with a photographer led to a meeting with fashion designer Thierry Mugler, who encouraged him to pursue modeling. By 1987, Hounsou had launched a modeling career in Paris, discovered near Porte de Clichy. He relocated to the United States in 1990 to further his career.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Djimon Gaston Hounsou |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Cotonou, Benin |
| Nationality | Beninese-American |
| Parents | Pierre and Albertine Hounsou |
| Sibling | Older brother: Edmond |
| Education | Left school at age 13 |
| Career Start | Modeling in Paris (1987), acting in early 1990s |
| Notable Films | Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond, Guardians of the Galaxy, Shazam! |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Former Partner | Kimora Lee Simmons (2007–2012) |
| Children | Son: Kenzo Lee Hounsou (born 2009) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $4 million |
| Major Honors | Two Academy Award nominations |
| Philanthropy | Founder of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation |
Career Highlights and Milestones
Hounsou began modeling professionally in Paris in 1987 and later moved to the United States in 1990 to expand his career. He made his screen debut in Without You I’m Nothing (1990) and gained international recognition for his role as Cinqué in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad (1997), earning a Golden Globe nomination. His performance as Juba in Gladiator (2000) further elevated his profile, while his role as Solomon Vandy in Blood Diamond (2006) brought him his second Oscar nomination. Hounsou also received an Academy Award nomination for his role in In America. He has since appeared in major film franchises, playing Korath the Pursuer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Captain Marvel (2019), and voicing the character in What If…? (2021). He also portrays the wizard Shazam in DC’s Shazam! (2019), Black Adam (2022), and Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023).
Ongoing Influence and Recent Work
As of early 2025, Djimon Hounsou remains active in film. He most recently starred in Zack Snyder’s sci-fi epic Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, which premiered on Netflix in December 2023. He is set to appear in its sequel, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver. Despite his decades-long career and high-profile roles, Hounsou has spoken openly about ongoing disparities in pay and recognition, particularly for Black actors in Hollywood. He continues to call for greater representation, accountability, and equity within the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Relationships
From 2007 to 2012, Djimon Hounsou was in a relationship with model and fashion entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons. Together, they welcomed a son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, in 2009. While they never officially married in the United States, the couple took part in a traditional commitment ceremony in Benin, reflecting Hounsou’s cultural roots. Since their separation, Hounsou has remained largely private about his personal life, focusing instead on his career and philanthropic work.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Multilingual Talent: Hounsou speaks French, English, and several West African dialects, allowing him to take on a wide range of international roles.
- Cultural Advocacy: He founded the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, which aims to reconnect the African diaspora with their heritage and promote global awareness of African history and culture.
- Early Career in Fashion: Before becoming an acclaimed actor, Hounsou was a successful fashion model, working with top designers and appearing in major campaigns across Paris and London.
Philanthropy and Cultural Legacy
A dedicated humanitarian, Hounsou is deeply involved in philanthropic and cultural advocacy, particularly concerning African identity and representation. His Djimon Hounsou Foundation works to preserve African heritage, support community projects, and foster dialogue about the global African experience. Through this work, he champions the importance of cultural pride, historical education, and the empowerment of African communities worldwide. Hounsou has used his platform to address racial inequality, underrepresentation, and the challenges faced by minorities in Hollywood. His advocacy has helped bring critical conversations about diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the industry.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Djimon Hounsou remains an influential figure both on and off screen. In addition to acting, he has expressed a desire to move into producing and directing, with a focus on authentic African stories that reflect the continent’s depth, diversity, and complexity. His goal is to amplify African voices and expand the global narrative to include a more accurate portrayal of African history and culture.
He has also spoken about his interest in mentoring young talent, helping to develop the next generation of African actors, writers, and filmmakers. Through his work and advocacy, Hounsou continues to leave a lasting imprint on the entertainment world. Djimon Hounsou’s journey—from a humble upbringing in Benin to global recognition—is a powerful story of resilience, talent, and cultural pride. His legacy extends beyond his award-nominated performances to his efforts in advancing justice, equity, and representation in media. As both an artist and an activist, Hounsou stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring creatives around the world.
Djimon Hounsou Net Worth 2025
Djimon Hounsou’s net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million, earned through decades of work in both modeling and acting. However, despite his notable achievements and high-profile roles, Hounsou has openly acknowledged ongoing financial challenges. He has spoken out about systemic inequities in Hollywood, particularly around pay disparities affecting actors of color. His transparency has helped shed light on the broader issue of unequal compensation in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
Is Djimon Hounsou low pay?
Despite His Decades-Long Success In Hollywood, Djimon Hounsou Admits To Being ‘Underpaid’ And Lowballed. Actor Djimon Hounsou believes he has not been given his just dues.
Is Djimon Hounsou struggling with money?
maybe the first 10 years was trying to acclimate myself to the industry, to establish myself. But I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades and with two Oscar nominations and been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially to make a living. I’m definitely underpaid.”
Who does Djimon Hounsou play in Marvel?
Djimon Hounsou portrays Korath in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Captain Marvel (2019), and the Disney+ series What If…? (2021).
Was Djimon Hounsou a model?
Hounsou has graced the catwalks of Paris and London as a popular male model. He has since left his modeling career and has worked on Gladiator (2000) by Ridley Scott and Amistad (1997) by Steven Spielberg.
Is Djimon Hounsou an American citizen?
Hounsou became a naturalized American citizen in 2007. He was reluctant to renounce his Beninese citizenship and therefore opted to become a dual citizen of both Benin and the United States, effectively rendering him a Beninese-American.