Djimon Hounsou's net worth: Why is an Oscar-nominated actor still struggling financially?
Djimon Hounsou's net worth in 2025 is estimated at $2 million. He landed his Hollywood breakout role in the 1997 film Amistad and went on to appear in blockbuster movies like Gladiator and Guardians of the Galaxy. Despite his fame, the Benin-born Oscar-nominated actor claims he is underpaid.
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Key takeaways
- Djimon Hounsou's net worth of $2 million comes from his Hollywood career that spans over three decades.
- Hounsou, who mostly portrays supporting roles, has publicly stated he feels "tremendously cheated" in terms of pay, which does not match his workload.
- Djimon Hounsou's salary in films like Gladiator and Blood Diamond has not been revealed, but the projects he has appeared in have generated a total of over $9 billion at the worldwide box office.
- The actor has rented out his California home amid alleged financial struggles.
Djimon Hounsou's profile summary
| Full name | Djimon Gaston Hounsou |
| Date of birth | April 24, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years old (as of August 2025) |
| Place of birth | Cotonou, Benin, West Africa |
| Current residence | California, United States |
| Citizenship | Beninese and American |
| Height | 6 feet 1.5 inches (1.87 m/187 cm) |
| Children | Kenzo Lee Hounsou, Fela Hounsou |
| Parents | Albertine Hounsou, Pierre Hounsou |
| Siblings | Edmond Hounsou |
| Profession | Actor, model, humanitarian |
| Social media | InstagramX (Twitter) |
Inside Djimon Hounsou's career earnings and net worth
With a net worth of $2 million, Djimon has portrayed supporting roles in 27 films whose worldwide aggregate box office earnings exceed $7.7 billion, according to The Numbers.
He has been a leading man in 11 films, which have earned about $330 million and as a lead ensemble member in four movies, which have generated over $1.3 billion at the global box office. The specific figures for Djimon Hounsou's pay per movie have not been disclosed.
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Hounsou's Hollywood career spans over three decades
Djimon made his Hollywood debut in 1990 with a small part in the film Without You I'm Nothing. He gained international attention in 1997 for his role as Cinque in Steven Spielberg's film Amistad, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Hounsou has also had roles in superhero movies, including his portrayal of Korath the Pursuer in the MCU films Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Captain Marvel (2019). He played the wizard in the DC Extended Universe films 'Shazam!' (2019) and Black Adam (2022).
The actor has two Academy Award nominations for Supporting Actor. He received his first Oscar nomination in 2004 for his role as Mateo in 'In America' and his second nomination in 2007 for portraying Solomon Vandy in Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
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Djimon Hounsou got his start in modelling
In the 1980s, a young Hounsou made a living as a male model in Paris, France, where he crossed paths with supermodels like Naomi Campbell. He later moved to Los Angeles at the age of 22. He modelled in music videos of American artists like singer Madonna, Paula Abdul, and Janet Jackson while looking for acting work.
The actor eventually got his big break in Hollywood in the 1990s, but continued to model. Djimon Hounsou and Calvin Klein famously collaborated in 2007 on their new underwear line called Calvin Klein Steel. He also worked with French designer Thierry Mugler, photographer Herb Ritts, and the Tommy Hilfiger brand.
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Djimon Hounsou claims to be struggling financially
In a January 2025 interview with journalist Larry Madowo on CNN's African Voices Changemakers, Hounsou revealed that he is still not financially stable despite his Hollywood status and longevity in the industry. The actor said he is "definitely underpaid."
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.
The Guardians of the Galaxy star went on to say that systemic racism is still a problem in Hollywood. This was not the first time the actor has spoken against unfair pay. In his March 2023 interview with The Guardian, he said he had to take a lot of smaller roles to prove his value.
I still have to prove why I need to get paid. They always come at me with a complete low ball: 'We only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much'... I have yet to meet the film that paid me fairly.
Source: Getty Images
Djimon Hounsou is renting out his houses
The Gladiator actor purchased a $2.1 million mansion in Westchester, California, in early 2020. The house was originally built in 1990 and features 4,150 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms.
Djimon placed the Westchester home on the rental market in September 2023 for $12,500 per month before reducing the rent to $11,750 monthly in October, according to Realtor. He reduced the rent again to $10,500 monthly before finding a tenant in February 2024.
Hounsou has another real estate property in Playa Del Rey, California, which he bought in 2004 for $1.12 million. He reportedly listed it on the rental market in May 2019.
Source: Getty Images
Who is Djimon Hounsou's partner?
The Blood Diamond actor is engaged to his long-term partner, Ri'Za Marie. They share two children, including son Fela Hounsou and live together in Atlanta, Georgia.
Djimon was previously engaged to model Kimora Lee Simmons from 2007 to 2012. They welcomed son Kenzo Lee Hounsou in May 2009 and maintained a cordial co-parenting relationship after their break-up.
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Final word
Djimon Hounsou's net worth today may not reflect his prominence on the silver screen, but he has helped shape cinematic history as an African immigrant. His low pay claims continue to raise questions about pay equity and bias in Hollywood.
READ MORE: Alan Ritchson's net worth: how much does the Reacher star earn?
Briefly.co.za highlighted how much Alan Ritchson makes from his successful career as an actor. His portrayal of Jack Reacher in the Prime Video series Reacher has made him a recognisable action-hero star.
Ritchson was a model in the early 2000s before landing the recurring role of Aquaman/Arthur Curry on Smallville (2004-2010). He has also appeared in blockbuster films like The Hunger Games, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Fast X.
Source: Briefly News
