Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou

Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Birthday

Apr 24, 1964(61 years old)

Place of Birth

Cotonou, Dahomey [now Benin]

Biography

Djimon Gaston Hounsou (born April 24, 1964) is a Beninese-American actor and model. He began his career appearing in music videos, made his film debut in Without You I'm Nothing and earned widespread recognition for his role as Cinqué in the Steven Spielberg film Amistad. As an actor, Hounsou has been nominated for two Academy Awards. Hounsou became a naturalized American citizen in 2007. He was reluctant to renounce his Beninese citizenship and therefore opted to become a dual citizen of both Benin and the United States, effectively rendering him a Beninese-American. Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, in 1964, to lbertine and Pierre Hounsou. He immigrated to Lyon in France at the age of thirteen with his brother, Edmond. In 1987, he became a model and established a career in Paris. He moved to the U.S. in 1990. One year before obtaining his college degree, he dropped out of school. In 1989, he appeared in a music video of Straight Up by Paula Abdul. Hounsou's film debut was in the 1990 Sandra Bernhard film Without You I’m Nothing, and he has had television roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and ER and a guest starring role on Alias, but received a larger role in the science fiction film Stargate. His first on-screen appearance was in the 1990 Janet Jackson video “Love Will Never Do (Without You).” He also starred in a 2002 Gap commercial directed by Peter Lindbergh, dancing to a rendition of John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" by Arrested Development's Baba Oje. He received wide critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role as Cinqué in the 1997 Steven Spielberg film Amistad. He gained further notice as Juba, in the 2000 film Gladiator. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for In America, in 2004, becoming the fourth African male to be nominated for an Oscar (along with Basil Rathbone, Cecil Kellaway and Omar Sharif). In 2006, he won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Blood Diamond; he received Broadcast Film Critics Association, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Academy Award nominations for this performance. In 2007, Hounsou began dating model/CEO of Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons. In 2008 Hounsou and Simmons visited Hounsou's family and while there, the two participated in a traditional commitment ceremony. On May 30, 2009, Simmons gave birth to their son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, reportedly named because Kenzo means 3 (Kimora's third child).

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Djimon Hounsou – Full Biography, Career, Life Story & Achievements

NameDjimon Hounsou
BirthdayFri Apr 24 1964
GenderMale
Place of BirthCotonou, Dahomey [now Benin]
Known ForActing
Also Known AsDjimon, Djimon Gaston Hounsou, Djimon Hounso, Djimon Housoun, 디몬 하운수, ジャイモン・ガストン・フンスー, Джимон Унсу, Джаймон Унсу, جیمون هانسو
Popularity2.8805
IMDB IDnm0005023

Biography

Djimon Gaston Hounsou (born April 24, 1964) is a Beninese-American actor and model. He began his career appearing in music videos, made his film debut in Without You I'm Nothing and earned widespread recognition for his role as Cinqué in the Steven Spielberg film Amistad. As an actor, Hounsou has been nominated for two Academy Awards. Hounsou became a naturalized American citizen in 2007. He was reluctant to renounce his Beninese citizenship and therefore opted to become a dual citizen of both Benin and the United States, effectively rendering him a Beninese-American. Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, in 1964, to lbertine and Pierre Hounsou. He immigrated to Lyon in France at the age of thirteen with his brother, Edmond. In 1987, he became a model and established a career in Paris. He moved to the U.S. in 1990. One year before obtaining his college degree, he dropped out of school. In 1989, he appeared in a music video of Straight Up by Paula Abdul. Hounsou's film debut was in the 1990 Sandra Bernhard film Without You I’m Nothing, and he has had television roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and ER and a guest starring role on Alias, but received a larger role in the science fiction film Stargate. His first on-screen appearance was in the 1990 Janet Jackson video “Love Will Never Do (Without You).” He also starred in a 2002 Gap commercial directed by Peter Lindbergh, dancing to a rendition of John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" by Arrested Development's Baba Oje. He received wide critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role as Cinqué in the 1997 Steven Spielberg film Amistad. He gained further notice as Juba, in the 2000 film Gladiator. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for In America, in 2004, becoming the fourth African male to be nominated for an Oscar (along with Basil Rathbone, Cecil Kellaway and Omar Sharif). In 2006, he won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Blood Diamond; he received Broadcast Film Critics Association, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Academy Award nominations for this performance. In 2007, Hounsou began dating model/CEO of Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons. In 2008 Hounsou and Simmons visited Hounsou's family and while there, the two participated in a traditional commitment ceremony. On May 30, 2009, Simmons gave birth to their son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, reportedly named because Kenzo means 3 (Kimora's third child).

Early Life

Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Dahomey [now Benin] and showed interest in the arts from a young age. Their journey into the entertainment industry began with early training, auditions, and small roles that laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Over time, their dedication, passion, and natural ability allowed them to rise into mainstream recognition.

Career Summary

Throughout their career, Djimon Hounsou has worked across multiple film genres and creative spaces, collaborating with renowned directors, producers, and co-stars. Their performances have often been praised for emotional depth, versatility, and commitment to characterization. Over the years, they have contributed to some of the highest-grossing and critically acclaimed works in the industry.

Achievements & Recognition

Over the years, Djimon Hounsou has earned numerous accolades for their outstanding performances, including nominations and wins across prestigious award platforms. Their influence extends beyond acting, contributing to cultural conversations, brand endorsements, and charitable causes.

Known For

Djimon Hounsou is widely recognized for their contributions in the field of Acting, building a legacy that continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Djimon Hounsou?
Djimon Hounsou is a renowned personality known for their work in Acting.

2. Where was Djimon Hounsou born?
They were born in Cotonou, Dahomey [now Benin].

3. What is Djimon Hounsou known for?
They are best known for their achievements in Acting.

4. When is Djimon Hounsou's birthday?
Fri Apr 24 1964

5. What awards has Djimon Hounsou received?
They have earned several awards and nominations for their exceptional performances.

6. What are some famous works of Djimon Hounsou?
They are associated with multiple critically acclaimed and popular projects across genres.

7. Is Djimon Hounsou active today?
Yes, they continue to work actively in various creative fields.

8. Does Djimon Hounsou support any charities?
Yes, they are known for involvement in social causes and charitable initiatives.

9. What are Djimon Hounsou's alternate names?
They are also known as Djimon, Djimon Gaston Hounsou, Djimon Hounso, Djimon Housoun, 디몬 하운수, ジャイモン・ガストン・フンスー, Джимон Унсу, Джаймон Унсу, جیمون هانسو.

10. How popular is Djimon Hounsou?
They hold a popularity rating of 2.8805, reflecting global recognition.

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