Djimon Hounsou Says ‘I’m Definitely Underpaid’ and ‘Still Struggling to Make a Living’ Despite Two Oscar Noms and Many Blockbuster Roles

variety.com:

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Djimon Hounsou said in a recent interview with CNN that he continues to struggle as a working actor in Hollywood despite several roles in studio blockbusters under his belt and two Oscar nominations to his name.

The actor noted that his continued struggles in Hollywood points to the “systemic racism” that prevails in the film industry. “I am still struggling trying to make a living,” Hounsou said. “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’m definitely underpaid.” “That’s a sign for you that systemic racism is not something you can deal with lightly,” he added. “It’s so deeply inserted in so many things we do across the board.