Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Gaston Hounsou (born April 24, 1964) is an African actor, dancer and fashion model, born in the West African country of Benin. Hounsou immigrated to Paris at the age of 13, and lived on the streets, until he was discovered by fashion designer Thierry Mugler, who made him a model.

Modeling led to acting. His film debut was in Without You I'm Nothing, and he had a parts on Beverly Hills, 90210 and ER, but his first major role was in the science fiction film Stargate. In 1994, he starred in Amistad.

In 2004, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for In America. He is the first African to be nominated for the award.