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.

Related Topics:
April 24 - 1964 - Africa - Fashion model - West Africa - Benin - Paris - Fashion designer - Thierry Mugler

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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 and a guest starring role on Alias, but his first major role was in the science fiction film Stargate. In 1997, he starred in Amistad and in 2000 played a major supporting role in Gladiator.

Related Topics:
Without You I'm Nothing - Beverly Hills, 90210 - ER - Science fiction - Stargate - 1997 - Amistad - 2000 - Gladiator

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In 2004, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for In America. Along with Charlize Theron (who is South African), Hounsou was the first African to be nominated for an Oscar.

Related Topics:
2004 - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor - In America - Charlize Theron - South African

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He is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Related Topics:
Naturalized - U.S. citizen

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