Djimon Hounsou is getting candid about his struggles in Hollywood.
Sitting down with CNN Africa, the actor opened up about struggling financially despite decades in the spotlight.
Speaking with Larry Madawo, the 60-year-old cited systemic racism, being underpaid for the length and breadth of his career, and the broader struggle for genuine diversity in Hollywood as the cause.
Full story below…
Hounsu said of his journey:
“I’m still struggling to make a living. 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.”
Continuing, he said:
“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.
So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
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I feel sorry for him. He’s a great actor. S***** L. Jackson has had far more diverse roles throughout his career. I hate to say it, but I guess it’s his accent. Diversity has improved but there so many actors / actresses who have been left by the wayside. I’ve always been surprised Queen Latiya hasn’t had more roles over the years. I will say it’s the picking and choosing over which people of colour who have more substantial / lead roles in film and series—this applies so many ethnic minorities. Of course, diversity has improved, but there’s still a long way to go. South Asian, Latino, Hispanic, East Asian, Indigenous … the list could go on. Hollywood has its favourites, that’s obvious to anyone willing to accept the truth.
I like Latifah’s filmography. I discovered Djimon in one of her movies (BeautyShop). I’d say she had a decent run for a darker, heavier, former-rapper alleged lesbian. With her, quality vs. quantity.
There’s racism + bad/no investments and there’s turning down studio Diddlers. Guy lucked out modeling for Mugler + Klein, starring in iconic music vids, and cast in cool movies. Not bad for a French junior high dropout; he’d have a decent performers’ pension (and free weekly groceries via a generous food stamp system) had he stayed in France. Write a memoir and plaster its publicity all over Paris—the French ADORE expat success stories. . .however abysmal.
I get where hes coming from, but from the first two to three movies something should’ve clicked.
He could’ve invested, started a business etc. Ppl blame this and that but he got a check he cashed it and came back, so.
Well, obviously he needs to stop wasting money on cracks, hookers and gambling…. 💅🏽 keep blaming and you are still a broke ass n I g g a 😂🤣😂🤣
Whatever Ling Lang, girl, you live in a Styrofoam Ramen Noodles cup. Girl please. Get your own money up, Boo. Sell more eggrolls.
Hunnie, I don’t sell egg rolls but suck on them. I sell my magic touch and my clients usually giving me some good tips after a happy ending. 💅🏽🙌
wow, you would never know until someone speaks out.
Well with all his tenture, he could team up with Idris Elba to help stabilize Africa’s film industry..
ie.
India
China
Korea
No excuse. Tyler Perry started bought his own studio. And many BP are too good for him. Oh well!