Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has opened up about his financial difficulties, revealing that, despite more than 20 years in Hollywood and numerous high-profile roles, he still faces economic hardships.
In an interview with CNN African Voices, the Gladiator star shared his frustration: “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, yet I’m still struggling to make ends meet. I’m definitely underpaid.”
Hounsou also addressed the issue of racism in Hollywood, reflecting on the systemic challenges he has faced throughout his career. “I was nominated for a Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, thinking I had just come off the boat and the streets,” he said. “Even though I accomplished that, they didn’t see me as an actor deserving of respect.”
The actor emphasized that the industry’s concept of diversity still has a long way to go, adding that “systemic racism won’t change overnight.”
