Djimon Hounsou Says He Is ‘struggling To Make A Living’

I just spoke to Djimon Hounsou about systemic racism, underpayment, and then the lack of diversity and lack of respect for black actors in the entertainment business.

The actor, popular for his performances in the Hollywood films such as Gladiator and Blood Diamond, has acknowledged that he is still able to pay his bills in Hollywood, though he has worked for more than 2 decades with Academy Award nominations twice. Even Hounsou has admitted that he has been paid less, and he still struggles to get past barriers in the industry.

Collapsed: Djimon Hounsou Confesses He Is ‘Suffering From Money Issues’

The actor still found it difficult to earn a livelihood, he said in an interview with CNN African Voices Changemakers. Not only am I struggling financially now – this is my 21st year in this industry making films, I’ve been nominated for two Oscars, I have starred in many blockbuster films, and yet… I am paid way below what I feel I deserve,” he went on further. Hounsou’s Hollywood career started in Amistad, where they got a memorable role and got critical acclaim. But he failed to secure an Oscar nomination, though he won a number of awards, which he said was quite painful.

The native African wanted to spill the beans about the Oscars, but the Golden Globe-nominated him. They never took him seriously, saying that they thought I had just come off the boat and off the streets, he said. However, that’s something that I managed to do with that film, and they just felt like I wasn’t an actor they should show any respect to. This concept of diversity still has a long way to go.

Among famous Hollywood actors, Djimon Hounsou did not remain silent speaking about ‘systemic racism’. Incorporating references to ‘system racism’

Looking at the systemic issues within the film industry, he said that it angered him to be side-lined and paid less while he was featured in some of the best-known big films. He also bitterly criticized the current ‘systemic racism’ that affects the sector.

And that is your clue that racism is a system that is not to be taken lightly.” It’s so deeply intertwined with what we do that it is present virtually in every domain.”

Advocacy And Social Change

Beyond acting, Hounsou is dedicated to social change through initiatives like the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, which aims to reconnect Afro-descendants with their cultural roots. Inspired by his work on Amistad, this foundation reflects his commitment to addressing issues of identity and representation.