Djimon originated from Africa and has graced the catwalks of Paris and London as a popular male model. IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous Spouse - www.imdb.com

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 video - www.answers.com

Model-turned-actor Djimon Hounsou was seemingly plucked from obscurity by producer Debbie Allen and director Steven Spielberg in 1997 to portray Joseph Cinque, the leader of a slave ship mutiny, in "Amistad." His critically acclaimed performance led to supporting roles alongside Hollywood A-listers in historic dramas like "Gladiator" (2000) and the African-set adventure "Blood Diamond" (2006), which earned the actor significant awards and nominations. Unsurprisingly, Hounsou - movies.yahoo.com