Djimon Hounsou, a seasoned actor known for his roles in a diverse range of films from Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has publicly shared his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite his extensive career, which includes two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," Hounsou revealed to CNN that he feels "definitely underpaid" and is "still struggling to make a living."
Hounsou's candid remarks reflect a broader issue within the industry. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, he expressed feeling "cheated" financially and in terms of workload, particularly when comparing his situation to that of some of his peers who, he noted, are "absolutely well off" with fewer accolades.
As a black actor from Benin, Hounsou has also faced challenges related to racism and xenophobia. He recounted experiences in studio meetings where executives seemed surprised by his continued presence in the industry, suggesting a limited perception of his capabilities and role as an actor. "I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like, ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor,'" Hounsou shared, highlighting the restrictive views some hold about him.
Despite these hurdles, Hounsou remains active in the industry, with recent appearances in high-profile projects such as "A Quiet Place: Day One," the "Rebel Moon" films on Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," and "Fast and Furious 7," among others. His resilience and determination to "redeem" his career underscore his commitment to overcoming the systemic barriers he faces.
