Renowned actor Djimon Hounsou, a prominent figure in Marvel, DC, Netflix, and numerous other film productions, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite a distinguished career spanning over two decades, including two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and starring roles in countless blockbusters, Hounsou confessed to CNN that he remains "underpaid" and "struggling to make a living."
"I’m still struggling to make a living. 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," Hounsou stated.
These disheartening comments reiterate sentiments Hounsou expressed in 2023 to The Guardian, where he voiced feelings of being "cheated" regarding both compensation and workload compared to some equally successful, yet wealthier, colleagues.
Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, further attributed aspects of his career challenges to racism and xenophobia. He recounted instances where studio executives perceived him as a newcomer to the industry, even after significant contributions. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that," he commented.
His recent projects 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. His candid remarks highlight persistent inequalities within the entertainment industry.
