Djimon Hounsou Biography

Fast Facts

• Was sent to France by his parents at the age of 13 to live with his older brother and get an education
• After dropping out of school and spending a year living on the streets of Paris, was spotted by a fashion photographer who helped him secure a job modeling for French designer Thierry Mugler
• Appeared in several high-profile music videos early on, including Madonna's "Express Yourself," Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" (both directed by David Fincher) and Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do Without You
• " In 1990, landed a minor role on Beverly Hills, 90210 and made his feature-film debut with a small part in Sandra Bernhard's little-seen Without You I'm Nothing
• Won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards for his role as Cinqué in 1997's Amistad
• Won Best Supporting Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards, the San Diego Film Critics' Awards and the Satellite Awards for 2002's In America
• Attended a 2009 United Nations summit and spoke about climate change and his concern for Africa's environment