Popular Djimon Hounsou, a Beninese-American actor, has admitted to having financial problems despite a lucrative two-decade career in Hollywood.
In a recent appearance on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, Hounsou admitted to being underpaid and struggling to make ends meet.
This discovery is surprising given his outstanding resume, which includes two Oscar nods for his roles in “Blood Diamond” and “In America.”
“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,” he said.
Hounsou also spoke out about his encounters with racism in Hollywood. He remembers getting passed over for an Oscar nomination after receiving a Golden Globe nomination for the same role.
The actor believes that structural racism still exists in the industry, and that diversity programs have a long way to go.
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.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
