Djimon Hounsou is a Beninese-American actor and model, born on April 2, 1964, in Cotonou, Benin. He gained fame for his roles in films such as Blood Diamond and In America, showcasing his talent and versatility. Hounsou has received several award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor. Before his acting career, Hounsou worked as a model and appeared in music videos for artists like Madonna and Janet Jackson. He is also known for his voice work in animated films, including How to Train Your Dragon and The Legend of Tarzan. Hounsou continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry.