From foraging for detergent sacks in Benin to sleeping on Parisian park benches, the remarkable odyssey of Shazam! star Djimon Hounsou has been fraught with adversity. But now, with a slew of roles under his belt, can Hollywood finally recognize the astonishing talent of this Academy Award-nominated actor? Or will the systemic racism that permeates the industry continue to hold him back?
Djimon Hounsou's cinematic dreams began during his childhood in Cotonou, Benin, where he would scavenge for Omo detergent sacks to exchange for cinema tickets. After a tumultuous journey that saw him living on the streets of Paris, he eventually found himself in Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming an actor, despite speaking limited English.
Now, with a string of critically acclaimed dramas and big-budget blockbusters to his name, the 58-year-old actor has certainly made a mark on the film industry. But as his experiences reveal, the shadow of racism still looms large over Hollywood. Hounsou has been cast as a slave three times in just five years, and even after two Academy Award nominations, he admits to feeling "seriously cheated" by the limited roles offered to Black actors.
Despite his accomplishments, Hounsou still faces a constant uphill battle. The industry's entrenched racism and undervaluing of his talent mean that he is often lowballed on pay and relegated to bit parts or sidekick roles. As Hounsou says, "Film after film, it's a struggle. I have yet to meet the film that paid me fairly."
With the release of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Hounsou hopes that Hollywood will finally begin to appreciate his worth. However, his story serves as a stark reminder that, despite progress, the film industry's systemic racism remains a significant barrier for talented actors like him.
Djimon Hounsou's path to Hollywood success is a powerful tale of perseverance and triumph against adversity. Despite facing the systemic racism of the film industry, he has made a name for himself through iconic roles and unforgettable performances. Now, with a major part in the upcoming Shazam! Fury of the Gods, it's time for Hollywood to recognize the talent that has been in front of them all along.
"I've gone to studios for meetings, and they're like, 'Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn't know you were here as a true actor,'" Hounsou says. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people's vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting."
Hounsou has fought hard for every opportunity he's been given, making his accomplishments all the more impressive. The acclaimed actor has faced limited roles and unfair pay throughout his career, a clear indication of the systemic racism prevalent in Hollywood.
"Film after film, it's a struggle. I have yet to meet the film that paid me fairly," Hounsou laments. "Viola Davis said it beautifully: she's won an Oscar, she's won an Emmy, she's won a Tony and she still can't get paid. [She added a Grammy in February.]"
Despite the challenges, Hounsou remains optimistic about the future. With his expanded role in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, he is finally receiving the recognition he deserves. "Out of them all, the DC universe has a level of respect," he says. "There wasn't much to the role at first and I did it, and it was fun. But the second time around, it was a little more respectful."
As Hounsou's star continues to rise, so too does the awareness of the systemic racism that has held back countless talented actors of color. "From time to time, they themselves make the point of saying, 'We should give him more; he's a little underappreciated.' I think they recognize that themselves," he shares.
Djimon Hounsou's incredible journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome Hollywood's systemic racism. As he takes on more significant roles and continues to break barriers, Hounsou's success will be a beacon of hope for actors of color around the world.
"Hey, it's the struggle I have to overcome!" Hounsou exclaims. And with his talent and determination, there's no doubt that he will continue to defy the odds and inspire others in the process.