Djimon Hounsou Reveals Financial Struggles Despite Hollywood Success
Renowned Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has opened up about his ongoing financial struggles despite a career spanning over two decades in Hollywood.
Hounsou, known for his standout roles in films like Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond, and Guardians of the Galaxy, shared his experience during an interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers. The actor, who boasts two Academy Award nominations, revealed that he remains underpaid despite his contributions to blockbuster hits.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” Hounsou said. “I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”
Hounsou also recounted how he was overlooked by the Oscars because of preconceived notions about his background, highlighting the persistent challenges of systemic racism in the entertainment industry.
“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect,” he explained.
The actor emphasized that while Hollywood has made some strides in diversity, much work remains to be done. “This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
Hounsou’s candid revelations shed light on the inequities faced by actors of color in Hollywood, sparking further conversations about pay disparities and the need for systemic change.
