Discovered on the rugged streets of Paris, France, African-born Djimon Hounsou was one never to give up on his dreams.

He lived life homeless before his modeling and acting dreams became a reality - first through runway work; then through music videos for the likes of Madonna and Janet Jackson; and ultimately through film.

 

Now, with almost two decades in the entertainment business, Djimon has been widely recognized for his acting ability, and is still in demand the modeling world for his splendid physique. He’s attained major star power through movies like Amistad, In America and Blood Diamond, and has earned a true place in Hollywood.

His new role - besides that of Kimora Lee’s beau - is in the action film Never Back Down, slated for release on March 14. We spoke with Djimon to discuss the challenging work in his new film, his strong will to believe in dreams and his new love.   

 

AllHipHop.com: In your new film Never Back Down you play a Mixed Martial Arts instructor. Describe the impact your character has in the film?

 

Djimon Hounsou: I think it’s a makeup of the main actor (Sean Faris). It’s going to reflect a little bit of my [personal] past as well, in that I have not dealt with it. Also, in the sense of what happened to my life, and how I propelled to be instrumental to men and women in terms of teaching them to learn how to deal with themselves and their own adversities.

 

AllHipHop.com: This is an action-packed film. How often did you have to train to get prepared physically?

 

Djimon: Well, I trained for about two months before we began shooting. I consulted with a lot of people. I went around to different Martial Arts schools and different teachers. It was grueling, and definitely very demanding. You really have to have a sorta mental toughness to survive it.  

 

AllHipHop.com: When people leave the movie theater, what lesson or feeling will they walk away with?

 

Djimon: Face your past. Deal with your past so you can move forward. Right or wrong, acknowledge it and know that you are responsible no matter what. You are responsible for the outcome of anything that happens to you.

 

AllHipHop.com: Is there a role out there you are yearning to play?

 

Djimon: Well, there are a lot of roles and characters I haven’t played yet. Specifically, I don’t know. You know once you see it. There are other projects that I’m working, two or three, that you’ll come to find out about.

 

AllHipHop.com: You’re a natural talent in front of the camera. Will you ever go behind the camera and direct, produce or even write a movie?

 

Djimon: To direct? As of now, no. Developing and producing a story, definitely, yes.

 

AllHipHop.com: Patience, discipline, willingness and reason within to succeed are characteristics that define the main character Jake (Sean Faris). How do these characteristics relate to your success?

 

Djimon: Dedication and toughness, and never giving up on your dreams are huge. I learned everybody and everything has its timing. You must be patient and learn the craft. Getting what you want has a lot to do with how you work on all the other areas, and how bad you want it.

 

AllHipHop.com: Homeless in Paris for so long, was there ever a time you thought you’d live the rest of your life on the streets? If not, what kept your dream going?

 

Djimon: Every single day occurrences are enough to discourage you from your dream or cause you to doubt your dream. So it’s a never-ending adjustment to yourself and the goals you have set for yourself. You must keep working and stay refreshed, and keep in mind that you don’t lose sight of that.

 

AllHipHop.com: It seems you’ve gone back to your modeling roots [with Calvin Klein]. If you were only able to choose one career, modeling or acting, which would you choose?

 

Djimon: Definitely acting. That’s more of the career that I wanted and liked. Yeah, definitely acting.

 

AllHipHop.com: You’re such a success story. What advice would you give to others?

 

Djimon: Dream big. Just have big dreams. You should never allow anyone to talk you out of your dreams or discourage you.

 

AllHipHop.com: You’re now a Global Ambassador for Oxfam, are there any other causes you strongly support?

 

Djimon: There are so many organizations and so much to do, but you can only follow one and hope to make a change and be instrumental and affect one’s life.

 

AllHipHop.com: It’s obvious that you’re dating Ms. Kimora Lee. How do you balance both your busy careers with your relationship?

 

Djimon: Well, the work is one thing, and once the work is done you become the family man. I’m not a movie star to my kids so…

 

AllHipHop.com: We’ve seen the pictures and heard the speculation, so I’m going to ask you directly… Is it true that you and Ms. Kimora Lee are expecting your first child together?

 

Djimon: No comment! [laughs]

 

AllHipHop.com:  If you’re not acting or modeling, what do you like to do in your spare time?

 

Djimon: I like to chill with the family. I love traveling overseas, different cultures. I love getting on my motorcycle and riding away.

 

AllHipHop.com: You’ve achieved so much but are there any goals you set for yourself that you have not yet achieved?

 

Djimon: I’m working on ‘em. [laughs] It’s a challenge, but I’m working on ‘em.

 

Never Back Down movie trailer