Profile
Djimon Hounsou Biography
Djimon Hounsou is an American-Beninese actor who attained fame for starring as Cinqué in Amistad in 1997. For his performance as Cinqué, he received a nomination for a Golden Globe Award. He began his career when he appeared in music videos and had his film debut in Without You I’m Nothing.
Djimon Hounsou Height
Hounsou stands at a rough height of 6 feet and 2 inches.
Djimon Hounsou Age
Hounsou is 34 years old in Cotonou, Benin. He was born on April 24, 1964, in Cotonou, Republic of Dahomey. Hounsou annually celebrates his birthday on April 24th.
Personal Life
Djimon Hounsou Family and Relatives
Hounsou was born to Albertine and Pierre Hounsou. He relocated to Lyon in France when he was 13 years old. He has a brother named Edmond. After arriving in Lyon, he dropped out of school and was homeless briefly.
Djimon Hounsou Spouse and Children
Hounsou manages to keep his marital and relationship status private. Previously, he had dated Kimora Lee Simmons. They started dating in 2007 and split in November 2021. She gave birth to their son, Kenzo Lee Housou in 2009. He is 15 years old. Kimora works as a model, fashion designer, venture tycoon, entrepreneur, TV personality, and author.
Djimon Hounsou Kimora Lee
Hounsou was previously in a relationship with Kimora. They went to Benin in the summer of 2008 where they partook in a traditional dedication ceremony in the presence of his family. During the ceremony, they adorned traditional clothing. However, they said that the ceremony was not a wedding but a confirmation of their dedication. During the launch of her show, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, he was slated as her husband. They were not legally married in the U.S.
Djimon Hounsou Education
Hounsou studied in Benin till he was 13 years old when they relocated to Lyon, France. After arriving in Lyon, he dropped out of school and was homeless briefly.
Professional Life
Djimon Hounsou Net Worth
Hounsou has garnered a net worth ranging from $1 million to $6 million during his successful acting career.
Djimon Hounsou Career
Hounsou started his career when he appeared in music videos. In 1990, he debuted in film when he starred in Without You I’m Nothing. Next, he appeared in the role of Cinqué in Amistad in 1997 which earned him recognition and a nomination for a Golden Globe Award. Further, he appeared in In America and Blood Diamond. He received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Hounsou has appeared in the MCU where he portrayed Korath the Pursuer in Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, and What If…?
Aside from the MCU, he has appeared in the DC universe where he played the role of Fisherman King in Aquaman and the wizard Shazam in Shazam!, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Black Adam. Moreover, he has appeared in Constantine, The Island, Stargate, Gladiator, How to Train Your Dragon 2, Furious 7, A Quiet Place Part II, and The Legend of Tarzan. In 2018, he debuted as a director when he directed the documentary film, In Search of Voodoo: Roots to Heaven. The documentary follows the nature, history, and religious practices of West African Vodun.
Apart from appearing in film, he narrated ESPN’s series of “32 Teams, 1 Dream” ads for FIFA World Cup in 2010. On September 22, 2009, he spoke at the Summit on Climate Change at the United Nations. He told French media that developed countries need to be held responsible for their contribution to climate change on December 1, 2009.
Modeling
He met a photographer by chance who introduced him to Thierry Mugler, a fashion designer. Thierry encouraged him to start a modeling career. In 1987, he established his career as a model in Paris. In 1990, he relocated to the United States. He was announced as the new Calvin Klein underwear model on February 24, 2007. Omar Alberto represented him at the time.
Djimon Hounsou House
According to newstimes.com, Hounsou put his Westchester property for rent at $11,750 per month. The house has four bathrooms, four bedrooms, a fireplace, and over 4,000 square feet of living space.
Movies and TV Shows
Djimon Hounsou In America
In 2003, Hounsou played the role of Mateo Kuamey in the drama, In America. Mateo is a detached Nigerian artist/photographer dying of AIDS. He contracted the disease from hospital blood banks. For his performance, he received nominations for the Academy Best Supporting Actor Award and won the Black Reel Best Supporting Actor Award. Further, he received a nomination for the NAACP Image Outstanding Supporting Actor Award and won the Independent Spirit Best Supporting Male Award. Additionally, he received a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture Award.
Djimon Hounsou Amistad
In 1997, Hounsou played the role of Joseph Cinqué/Sengbe Pieh in the drama, Amistad. Joseph is a captive who heads a successful revolt against the crew of La Amistad. For his performance in the film, he received a Golden Globe Best Actor – Drama Award in 1998. In the same year, he won an NAACP Image Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Award.
Djimon Hounsou Blood Diamond
Hounsou played the role of Solomon Vandy in Blood Diamond in 2006. Solomon is a local fisherman from Shenge who is captured to harvest diamonds. He discovers a big pink diamond. He is approached by Danny Archer, a smuggler, who presents him with an enticing proposition. Hounsou offers him the chance to find his lost son in exchange for finding the diamond.
For his performance, he received a nomination for the Academy Best Supporting Actor Award and won a Black Reel Best Supporting Actor Award. In 2006, he received a National Board of Review Best Supporting Actor. The following year, he Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role Award.
Djimon Hounsou Guardians Of The Galaxy
In 2014, Hounsou played the role of Korath the Pursuer in Guardians Of The Galaxy. Korath was a member of the Starforce before he became Ronan the Accuser’s enforcer. In this capacity, he revolts against Thanos, engages in a confrontation with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and meets his demise at the hands of Drax. He recurred the role of Korath in What If…?, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain Marvel.
Djimon Hounsou Black Adam
In 2022, Hounsou played the role of Shazam/The Wizard in Shazam!, Black Adam, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. He chooses Billy Batson as the “pure of heart” champion after spending centuries looking for one after his last champion released the seven deadly sins.
Djimon Hounsou Marvel
Hounsou played the role of Korath the Pursuer in Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, and What If…?
Did Djimon Hounsou Appear in Black Panther?
No, he did not appear in the film. However, Hounsou said that he would like to play Black Panther on the big screen. Director Tim Story told IGN that if there was a 3rd installment of a third Fantastic Four film, he would love Hounsou to play Black Panther. In November 2008, it was declared that Hounsou would provide the voice-over for Black Panther in the animated series Black Panther.
Djimon Hounsou Gladiator
In 2000, Hounsou appeared in Gladiator where he played the role of Juba. In the film, Juba is a former Nubian hunter turned gladiator. He becomes Maximus’ friend after tending to his wounds. His handler said that Juba hailed from a salt mine in Carthage during an inspection by Próximo. However, the film suggests that he was captured and sold into slavery, leaving behind a wife and child. Eventually, he’s freed from slavery as one of Maximus’ last wishes before his demise. Hounsou is scheduled to recur the role of Juba in Gladiator 2.
Djimon Hounsou Rebel Moon– Part One: A Child of Fire
Hounsou will star in Rebel Moon– Part One: A Child of Fire in the role of General Titus. Rebel Moon premieres on December 22, 2023, on Netflix. Titus is an Imperium general who underwent a traumatic experience that made him abandon his position and turn into a gladiator. Kora seeks him for help to defend Veldt. At first, he was reluctant but later joined the group after being persuaded. In the film, she starts alongside her fellow actors and actresses;
- Sofia Boutella
- Charlie Hunnam
- Michiel Huisman
- Staz Nair
- Bae Doona
- Ray Fisher
- Cleopatra Coleman
- Jena Malone
- Ed Skrein
- Fra Fee
- Corey Stoll
- Alfonso Herrera
- Ray Porter
- Cary Elwes
Djimon Hounsou Upcoming Movies
Hounsou will appear in A Quiet Place: Day One as Man On Island, Gladiator 2 as Juba, Rebel Moon: Part Two – The Scargiver, and Last Breath.
Djimon Hounsou Other Films and TV Shows
During his career, Hounsou has appeared in many films and TV shows like
- Unlawful Entry
- Ill Gotten Gains
- Le Boulet
- The Wild Thornberrys
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life
- Never Back Down
- Elephant White
- Same Kind of Different as Me
- Serenity
- Special Forces
- Baggage Claim
- King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
- The King’s Man
- The Longest Day in Chang’an
- Gran Turismo
Djimon Hounsou Social Media
Hounsou has active social media platforms i.e. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. He has a following of over 681K on Facebook, a following of over 394K on Instagram, and a following of over 73.8K on Twitter.