Guide Note

Djimon Hounsou is an actor, dancer and fashion model. He was born on April 24, 1964 in Cotonou, Benin. At the age of thirteen, Housou immigrated to Paris with his brother, Edmond. Housou was homeless for awhile until he was discovered by fashion designer Thierry Mugler. Mugler turned Hounsou into a model which led to his successful acting career. Hounsou is now a U.S. citizen and is romantically linked to model Kimora Lee. Lee recently filed for a divorce from her record producer husband Russell Simmons. It has recently been announced that Lee is pregnant with Hounsou's child.

Fast Facts

1. Actor and model
2. Born: April 24, 1964
3. Birthname: Djimon Gaston Hounsou
4. Birthplace: Cotonou, Benin
5. Current Residence: Playa del Rey, Los Angeles, California
6. Dating Kimora Lee Simmons
7. Expecting a child with Lee

Hounsou made his acting debut with the film Without You I’m Nothing. He has played in the television series Beverly Hills 90210 and ER. He landed a larger role in the scifi film Stargate. Hounsou received a Golden Globe Award nomination for the part of Cinque in the 1997 film Amistad. He gained even more notoriety for playing the role of Juba in the 2000 film Gladiator.