Acclaimed actor Djimon Hounsou, known for his roles in Marvel, DC, Netflix, and numerous other high-profile films, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and a prolific career spanning decades in blockbuster movies, Hounsou claims he remains "underpaid" and struggles to make ends meet.
"I’m still struggling to make a living," Hounsou told CNN. "I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid."
This echoes sentiments Hounsou expressed in 2023 to The Guardian, where he voiced feelings of being "cheated" regarding both his financial compensation and the sheer workload he undertakes.
Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, further suggests that racism and xenophobia have negatively impacted his career trajectory. He recounted instances where studio executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in Hollywood, implying a perception of him as a fleeting presence rather than a seasoned and established actor.
"When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting," Hounsou stated. "But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that."
His recent film credits include A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon duology (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, Fast and Furious 7, and many more.
