Biography
Who is Djimon Hounsou?
Early life and background
Djimon Hounsou Gaston Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, to parents Albertine and Pierre Hounsou. At the age of twelve, he immigrated to Lyon in France alongside his brother Edmond. Following his arrival, he dropped out of school and experienced a period of homelessness while living in the city.
A chance meeting with a photographer eventually led to an introduction to fashion designer Thierry Mugler. This connection encouraged Djimon to pursue modeling. In 1987, he established a successful modeling career in Paris after being found at Porte de Clichy. He later moved to the United States in 1990 to expand his professional horizons.
Music videos and film debut
Before establishing himself as a prominent film actor, Djimon appeared in several well-known music videos between 1989 and 1991. He was featured in Paula Abdul's song Straight Up, Tina Turner's I Don't Wanna Lose You, Janet Jackson's Love Will Never Do (Without You), and Madonna's Express Yourself. He also appeared in En Vogue's music video for Hold On.
His feature film debut occurred in the 1990 production Without You I'm Nothing, starring Sandra Bernhard. He subsequently secured television roles in programs such as Beverly Hills, 90210, ER, and a guest starring role on Alias. He also gained a larger role in the science fiction film Stargate.
Career highlights and awards
Djimon achieved widespread critical recognition for his role as Cinqué in the 1997 Steven Spielberg film Amistad, which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination. He gained further notice as Juba in the year 2000 historical drama Gladiator. In 2004, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his work in In America, making him the fourth African male to receive an Oscar nomination.
In 2005, he played a mercenary in The Island alongside Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson. He won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for Blood Diamond in 2006, picking up additional nominations from the Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild, and Broadcast Film Critics Association. He later joined major franchises, portraying Korath the Pursuer in Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel, and appearing as the wizard Shazam in Shazam! And Black Adam.
Directorial work and personal life
Expanding his career behind the camera, Djimon made his directorial debut with the 2018 documentary film In Search of Voodoo: Roots to Heaven. The project examines the history, nature, and religious practices of West African Vodun, premiering at the Miami International Film Festival in March of that year. He also narrated commercials for ESPN during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and spoke at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in September 2009.
Regarding his personal life, he began dating model Kimora Lee Simmons in 2007. The couple participated in a traditional commitment ceremony in Benin during the summer of 2008 in the presence of his family, though they were never legally married in the United States. Simmons gave birth to their son in 2009, and the couple ultimately announced their separation in November 2012.
Birthday and age
Djimon Hounsou was born on April 24, 1964, which makes Djimon 62 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Djimon shares the date with 37 other famous people.
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