‘I’m underpaid, still struggling to make a living’ – American actor Djimon Hounsou

Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has revealed that he is still facing financial struggles despite being in the film industry for over two decades.

In an interview with CNN African Voices, the Gladiator actor shared: “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.”

Addressing racism in Hollywood, Hounsou added: “I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, thinking I had just come off the boat and the streets. Even though I accomplished that, they didn’t see me as an actor deserving of respect.

So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change overnight.”