“kept down by systemic racism,” Djimon Hounsou “struggles to make a living”

[Anonymous]

Oscar-nominated actor and producer Djimon Hounsou is worth an estimated $4 million dollars.

Yet he claims he “struggles to even make a living,” and he blames “systemic racism” for his alleged poverty.

Do you feel his claim is ridiculous? Does he deserve an Oscar ?

https://nypost.com/2025/01/12/entertainment/oscar-nominee-djimon-hounsou-is-still-struggling-to-make-a-living/

[Anonymous]

He is almost certainly underpaid for an actor with his resume and success, especially compared to white actors with similar skills. It is has been well documented that black actors make less than white actors even playing similar roles in similar movies. I think this is especially true for actors considered "serious" because it eliminates some of the bigger money-making options for a black actor. You can't to Amistad and a Tyler Perry movie. But white actors are allowed to move between low comedy and high drama (see, for example, Johan Hill).

When he says he struggles to make a living, he means he is struggling for roles. He is struggling to make a living in his chosen profession, which is film acting. That is valid even if of course he could leave acting and find other ways to make money. But actually, as a black man from West Africa, he would also face discrimination in almost any job he chose to pursue in the US or UK.

He does not say he lives in poverty. But he is very likely underpaid and based on the experiences of other highly successful black actors, it IS a systemic issue that is almost certainly attributable to racism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He is almost certainly underpaid for an actor with his resume and success, especially compared to white actors with similar skills. It is has been well documented that black actors make less than white actors even playing similar roles in similar movies. I think this is especially true for actors considered "serious" because it eliminates some of the bigger money-making options for a black actor. You can't to Amistad and a Tyler Perry movie. But white actors are allowed to move between low comedy and high drama (see, for example, Johan Hill).

When he says he struggles to make a living, he means he is struggling for roles. He is struggling to make a living in his chosen profession, which is film acting. That is valid even if of course he could leave acting and find other ways to make money. But actually, as a black man from West Africa, he would also face discrimination in almost any job he chose to pursue in the US or UK.

He does not say he lives in poverty. But he is very likely underpaid and based on the experiences of other highly successful black actors, it IS a systemic issue that is almost certainly attributable to racism.

Thoughtful response, thank you.

[Anonymous]

Racism is absolutely a problem in Hollywood and he brings up many good points that have been brought up before regarding treatment and pay of those who are not White. However, something about that article just felt off to me. They almost made him come across a mix of whiny, angry, and entitled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Racism is absolutely a problem in Hollywood and he brings up many good points that have been brought up before regarding treatment and pay of those who are not White. However, something about that article just felt off to me. They almost made him come across a mix of whiny, angry, and entitled.

It's the NY Post. All their articles are like that. They aren't even reporting news here -- they are taking comments he made in an interview with another outlet out of context in order to stir up controversy and try and get people mad. "Hey this rich actor says he's poor and it's racism's fault! But he makes a lot more money than me!" But he didn't say he was poor and his argument was about how hard it can be for even a highly lauded black actor to find roles and work in Hollywood. It's a tough career for anyone but it is harder for black actors because of the racism of the industry (and, to some degree, audiences). It's hard. He's allowed to complain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Racism is absolutely a problem in Hollywood and he brings up many good points that have been brought up before regarding treatment and pay of those who are not White. However, something about that article just felt off to me. They almost made him come across a mix of whiny, angry, and entitled.

It's the NY Post. All their articles are like that. They aren't even reporting news here -- they are taking comments he made in an interview with another outlet out of context in order to stir up controversy and try and get people mad. "Hey this rich actor says he's poor and it's racism's fault! But he makes a lot more money than me!" But he didn't say he was poor and his argument was about how hard it can be for even a highly lauded black actor to find roles and work in Hollywood. It's a tough career for anyone but it is harder for black actors because of the racism of the industry (and, to some degree, audiences). It's hard. He's allowed to complain.

Oh thanks. I didn't know that about that site, I tend to stay away from it in general so I've never given it much thought. That makes sense then why the article was the way it was.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Racism is absolutely a problem in Hollywood and he brings up many good points that have been brought up before regarding treatment and pay of those who are not White. However, something about that article just felt off to me. They almost made him come across a mix of whiny, angry, and entitled.

NP. It's possible to experience real discrimination and still be whiny, angry, and entitled.

I face gender bias issues at work. They have subtly impacted my career progression. Nobody is deliberately doing anything to me. But I have gotten some textbook ridiculous feedback in my day that wouldn't pass a blind read.

When I bring it up, it does come across as whiny. I am just not one of the boys nor will I ever be. And I'm well paid enough. It can't be proven...only commented on. And I am angry. I get paid to accurately analyze social and market phenomena. I know what I see.

Sometimes when you hit the ceiling you talk about it just to remind people that it's an issue. If you feel chill about it, why are you talking about it?

[Anonymous]

According to google his net worth is 2 million. If true he should definitely be worth more than 2 million (assuming he hasn’t squandered it).

He isn’t always easy to understand with his accent and that could be part of the problem for not getting better roles.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, lots of actors struggle. The stereotype of the "rich actor" really applies to a very, very select few. I think it's more the norm than the exception

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oscar-nominated actor and producer Djimon Hounsou is worth an estimated $4 million dollars.

Yet he claims he “struggles to even make a living,” and he blames “systemic racism” for his alleged poverty.

Do you feel his claim is ridiculous? Does he deserve an Oscar ?

https://nypost.com/2025/01/12/entertainment/oscar-nominee-djimon-hounsou-is-still-struggling-to-make-a-living/

Struggles to make a living at acting and directing
He needs to shut up

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He is almost certainly underpaid for an actor with his resume and success, especially compared to white actors with similar skills. It is has been well documented that black actors make less than white actors even playing similar roles in similar movies. I think this is especially true for actors considered "serious" because it eliminates some of the bigger money-making options for a black actor. You can't to Amistad and a Tyler Perry movie. But white actors are allowed to move between low comedy and high drama (see, for example, Johan Hill).

When he says he struggles to make a living, he means he is struggling for roles. He is struggling to make a living in his chosen profession, which is film acting. That is valid even if of course he could leave acting and find other ways to make money. But actually, as a black man from West Africa, he would also face discrimination in almost any job he chose to pursue in the US or UK.

He does not say he lives in poverty. But he is very likely underpaid and based on the experiences of other highly successful black actors, it IS a systemic issue that is almost certainly attributable to racism.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmmm, lots of actors struggle. The stereotype of the "rich actor" really applies to a very, very select few. I think it's more the norm than the exception

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmmm, lots of actors struggle. The stereotype of the "rich actor" really applies to a very, very select few. I think it's more the norm than the exception

NP. Thank you for saying this. It's absolutely true. So is the excellent post above by the person noting that, yes, systemic racism really is an issue in getting roles in television and film. And considering Hounsou's resume, yes, he surely is underpaid when he does work, and getting less work overall than he probably should.

To the OP and others, the "$4 million" worth is not a number to take seriously. None of those online "how much is This Actor worth" numbers have any real meaning. They're made up based on figures, often old figures, of what someone was paid for certain roles, but don't ever take into account things like assets tied up in ways they can't be spent, and don't account for any real-life expenses and debts people have. Actors have kids who need college tuition and braces, parents who need help paying bills, and health issues draining their money, just like the rest of us do.

[Anonymous]

Gmab. He is doing far better than the vast majority of actors. Would love to see where he lives, what kind of car he drives etc.

[Anonymous]

People also have to understand that movie actors are almost a company themselves. They require agents, publicists, and a lot of staff to do all the events and promotion they need to do and to find their next acting gig.