Benin-born American actor, Djimon Hounsou has revealed that despite his impressive resumé, he is still struggling to make a living.
During a recent interview with an American TV channel, the 60-year-old opened about his financial woes, which he attributed to what he described as systemic racism in the film industry.
“I’m still struggling trying to make a living.
After 30 years, maybe the first 10 years was trying to acclimate myself to the industry, to establish myself.
But I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades and with two Oscar nominations and been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially to make a living.
I am definitely underpaid,” Hounsou remarked.
This revelation left fans confused while others empathized with the multi-talented actor, especially considering the number of blockbusters he has to his name.
Hounsou’s accolades include co-starring with Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2007 movie, Blood Diamond, as well as other major studio productions like Fast & Furious, Gladiator and Marvel among others.
The movie star says his efforts of fighting for equal pay and treatment from some productions were fruitless.
“I still have to prove why I need to get paid.
They always come at me with complete low ball, we only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much.
Film after film it’s a struggle.
I have yet to see the film that paid me fairly,” bemoaned the actor.
Meanwhile, the debate on pay disparity in Hollywood has gone on for years, regardless of protests by some unions. Acrimony star Taraji P. Henson last year expressed hopelessness over the resolution of pay inequality in the industry, particularly among black actors.
