Marvel and DC Actor Djimon Hounsou Says He Is 'Struggling To Make A Living' in Hollywood Despite 2 Oscar Nods

Djimon Hounsou, a versatile actor known for his roles in films across Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has revealed that he is "still struggling to make a living" in Hollywood. Despite his extensive career and two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," Hounsou shared with CNN that he feels "definitely underpaid" within the film industry.

"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, highlighting the disparity between his achievements and his financial situation.

These sentiments are not new for Hounsou, who in 2023 told The Guardian, "I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well off and have very little of my accolades. So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well."

Hounsou, who hails from Benin and is a prominent black actor, has also spoken about the impact of racism and xenophobia on his career. He recounted studio meetings where executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in the industry, saying, "I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like, ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor.'"

He added, "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."

Despite these challenges, Hounsou's recent work includes roles in "A Quiet Place: Day One," the two "Rebel Moon" films on Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," and "Fast and Furious 7," among others, showcasing his enduring presence in the film industry.