“I’m underpaid, still struggling to make a living” – Actor Djimon Hounsou cries out

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“I’m underpaid, still struggling to make a living” – Actor Djimon Hounsou cries out

Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has acknowledged that he continues to face financial difficulties, even after more than twenty years in the film industry.

During his appearance on African Voices Changemakers, a well-known program on CNN, the ‘Gladiator’ star expressed that he feels he is not adequately compensated for his work.

“I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid,” he said.

On racism in Hollywood, Hounsou said, “I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.

“So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”