Passion or Profession: Actor

Period: 1964–

As a teenager, Hounsou emigrated from Benin to France, where he was discovered by a photographer and began working as a fashion model. This eventually led to a career in acting, and in 1997 he appeared in his first major role in the film Amistad. His film credits have since included Gladiator, Blood Diamond, and In America, for which he received a 2004 Academy Award nomination in the best actor in a supporting role category.