Djimon Hounsou-“I’m still fighting to make a living after two decades in Hollywood”
Djimon Hounsou, the acclaimed Beninese actor known for his roles in Blood Diamond and Gladiator, is shedding light on the challenges of navigating Hollywood as a person of color. Speaking on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, the 60-year-old actor shared candid insights into the financial and systemic inequities he has faced, despite his decades-long career and critical acclaim.
“I’m still fighting to make a living,” Hounsou admitted. “After over two decades in the industry, with major roles in blockbuster hits and two Oscar nominations, I’m still underpaid. It’s a constant battle.”
Reflecting on his breakout performance as Cinqué in Spielberg’s Amistad, he expressed disappointment at being overlooked by the Oscars, even though he earned a Golden Globe nomination for the same role.
“They saw me as someone who had just arrived from the streets, not worthy of their recognition,” Hounsou lamented, highlighting how his powerful performance failed to gain the respect it deserved.
Hounsou’s experiences underscore the ongoing challenges of diversity in Hollywood.
“This concept of diversity is still in its infancy. Systemic racism isn’t going to disappear overnight,” he remarked.
His struggle for fair pay mirrors those of other prominent Black actors. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, he shared similar frustrations, noting that despite his proven talent, he is often offered less than his worth.
“They always lowball me, saying, ‘We have limited funds, but we love you and believe you’ll bring so much to the role.’”
He echoed Viola Davis’s sentiments on wage inequality, drawing parallels to her well-documented battles for equitable pay despite her accolades.
Beyond Hollywood, Hounsou’s work on Amistad inspired him to establish the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, an initiative aimed at reconnecting the African diaspora with their ancestral roots.
“Researching for Amistad made me deeply aware of the disconnect Afro-descendants feel from their roots and culture. Without knowing where you come from, you can’t truly understand who you are,” he explained.
The foundation’s mission, Africa Reconnect, seeks to strengthen the identity and self-awareness of African descendants by bridging the gap between their heritage and modern lives.Driven by a passion for cultural reclamation and equality, Hounsou continues to use his platform to advocate for change in Hollywood and beyond.
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