Biography - Djimon Hounsou

Who is Djimon Hounsou?

Djimon Hounsou is an actor who rose from early life struggles with poverty.

Djimon Hounsou – Age, Parents, Siblings

Djimon Hounsou was born on April 24, 1964, in Cotonou, Dahomey (now called Cotonou, Benin). His birth name/full name is Djimon Gaston Hounsou. His parents are Pierre Hounsou, who worked as a cook, and Albertine  Hounsou. He has an older brother named Edmond Hounsou.

At the age of 12, Djimon Hounsou and his brother left their home country and immigrated to Lyon, France. But life was not easy for Hounsou in the European state as he struggled to find a job. 

Education, Siblings

He dropped out of school and soon became homeless. Luckily, a meeting with a photographer gave him a shot in the world of fashion. He was introduced to designer Thierry Mugler. Mugler saw potential in Hounsou and encouraged him to pursue a career as a model.

His ethnicity is Beninese.

Djimon Hounsou – Girlfriend, Children, Wife, Divorce

Hounsou and model Kimora Lee Simmons started to date in 2007. He welcomed his first child, a baby boy, with his long-time girlfriend on May 30, 2009. They named him Kenzo Lee Hounsou.

The couple visited Hounsou’s home country in 2008 taking part in a traditional ceremony that solidified they are "dedicated to each other 100%". But the ceremony was not a wedding and assured that they are not married. However, the two had gotten engaged.

Hounsou and Simmons, who were never husband and wife announced their separation in November 2012. Both have found love again. 

Simmons went on to marry Tim Leissner, a former Goldman Sachs banker whereas Hounsou is dating a mystery beauty, whom he introduced in December 2018.

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Djimon Hounsou – Career

Modeling

In 1987, when Djimon Hounsou was 23 years old, he became a model by profession. Gradually, he became an established model in fashion capital, Paris.

In 1990, seeking further success, Hounsou moved to the United States. There he was featured in music videos for “A-list” celebrities such as Paula Abdul’s Straight Up by, Janet Jackson’s Love Will Never Do (Without You), Madonna's Express Yourself, and En Vogue's Hold On.

While he was represented by Los Angeles modeling agent, Omar Alberto, an announcement was made on February 24, 2007, that Djimon Hounsou would be the new Calvin Klein underwear model.

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Acting Career

The same year in 1990, Djimon Hounsou took up acting as well. His debut role was in the film Without You I'm Nothing, followed by appearances in Beverly Hills, 90210, ER, Alias, and Stargate.

His big break came in 1997. He was cast as Cinqué in the film Amistad. This was followed by supporting roles in Gladiator (2000), In America, Blood Diamond, and Agent Henry Carver in Push, Forces spéciales (2011).

Other famous roles of Djimon Hounsou are in Baggage Claim (2013) alongside Paula Patton,  Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) as Korath the Pursuer, Seventh Son (2014) as Radu, Furious 7 (2014) as Mose Jakande, The Legend of Tarzan (2016) as Chief Mbonga, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) as Bedivere, Aquaman as The Fisherman King, Shazam! as Wizard Shazam, Captain Marvel (2019) as Korath, Serenity (2018), Charlie's Angels (2019) as Bosley, Blazing Samurai as Sumo.

Djimon Hounsou has also lent his voice in animated movies including How to Train Your Dragon 2 as Drago Bludvist, and Black Panther series as Black Panther. Moreover, he has appeared in the series Wayward Pines (2016). 

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Co-stars

On the set of Charlie's Angels, Hounsou has worked with Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Chris Pang, Luis Gerardo Mendez, and Jonathan Tucker.

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Djimon Hounsou – Awards, Nominations

Although Hounsou has never had a lead role, he has been nominated for his outstanding work as a supporting actor. Over the years, he has had nominations for two Academy Awards, two Black Reel Awards, a Broadcast Film Critics, a Golden Globes Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, an Independent Spirit Awards, a National Board of Review, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.

He was the fourth African male to have been nominated for Academy Awards. Among the nominations, he has won two Black Reel Awards, an Independent Spirit Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a National Board of Review.

Djimon Hounsou – Net Worth, Salary

The net worth of Hounsou is estimated to be around $12 million while the figure in his annual salary is unknown.

Djimon Hounsou – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

On Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, Djimon Hounsou is followed by millions of followers.

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