Djimon Hounsou (pronounced Jie-mon Hahn-soo) was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in In America in 2004, and then again for his performance in Blood Diamond, in 2007.

Born in Benin, West Africa, on April 24, 1964, Hounsou moved to Paris when he was thirteen. He couldn't find work, and slept on the streets until he was discovered by a fashion photographer, and ended up becoming a popular male model in Paris and London. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, CA, and was cast in music videos for Paula Abdul, Madonna and Janet Jackson. He was cast in the recurring role of Mobalage Ikabo in the TV series ER and went on to play in several films. His break-out performance was in Steven Spielberg's Amistad, playing Cinque. He was also in Gladiator, The Four Feathers, Lara Croft: The Tomb Raider, Biker Boyz, The Island and Eragon.

Last updated: December 15, 2008.

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