People
Djimon Hounsou – biography, wife, son, height, body characteristics, net worth
The Republic of Benin’s favorite exporter, Djimon Hounsou is an award-winning actor and model who has appeared in numerous films like Gladiator in 2000 and Blood Diamond in 2006, he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hounsou continues to be a source of inspiration for African kids who want to make it big in Hollywood. Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Djimon Hounsou’s bio
Djimon Hounsou was born on Djimon Gaston Hounsou24. April 1964 in Cotonou, the largest city and economic capital of the Republic of Benin. He is his parents’ fifth child; Albertine and Pierre Hounsou, who worked as chefs in Ivory Coast.
Hounsou had a difficult upbringing growing up without his parents. He didn’t meet his father until he was about 10 years old. At age 13, he and his older brother Edmond moved to France on student visas. However, shortly after her arrival, Hounsou dropped out of school and was forced to live on the streets, scavenging for food from the garbage. He was also no longer legal in the country, meaning he had to avoid being noticed or caught by police to avoid deportation.
What came to his aid was his good looks, noticed by a photographer who saw in him the potential to become a model. The photographer invited him to an audition where he met famed French designer Thierry Mugler, who helped him establish himself as a high-end model.
Hounsou traveled the world as a model. His collaboration with Mugler took him to the United States in 1990, where he continued his longstanding ambition of becoming an actor. He first appeared in music videos such as Janet Jackon’s “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” and Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” before landing his first film role in Sandra Bernhard’s “Without You I’m Nothing.” A few appearances in some popular television series such as “ER” and “Beverly Hills” followed before he celebrated his big break in the 1994 science fiction film “Stargate” by Roland Emmerich.
Another Oscar, Screen Actors Guild and Broadcast Film Critics Association nominations came in 2006 for his performance in Blood Diamonds. However, he only won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Since then, Djimon Hounsou has been working on more than 20 different screen projects as well as continuing his lucrative modeling career. He does a lot of charity work and is also a well-known and outspoken activist in the fight against climate change.
What is his net worth?
Djimon Hounsou’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. In his inspirational rags to riches story, he built a modeling career working with internationally renowned brands such as Calvin Klein. He also became a respected Hollywood actor, starring in more than a few notable productions.
Djimon Hounsou’s wife & son
Djimon Hounsou was married to former fashion model Kimora Lee Simmons, who was previously married to Def Jam founder Russell Simmons. However, some reports, as well as statements from the duo of Djimon and Kimora, insist that they were not legally married. They only performed a traditional engagement ceremony in Hounsou’s home country, which they clearly stated was not a wedding ceremony.
The couple, who separated in November 2012, were blessed with a son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, who was born on May 30, 2009.
Quick facts – body statistics, height
Birth name: Djimon Gaston Hounsou
Place of birth: Cotonou, Benin
Date of Birth: April 24, 1964
Body Type : Athletic build
Hair Color: Black
Eye color: dark brown
Height: 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
Weight: 90kg
Marital Status : Separated (Kimora Lee Simmons)
Nationality: Beninese, American
Cast: actor, model
Net worth (income and earnings): $12 million
