Djimon Hounsou says he's 'struggling' to make a living as a Hollywood actor

Djimon Hounsou's impressive resumé of Oscar-nominated roles and appearances in blockbuster films has not translated to financial stability, the actor has revealed.

In a new interview with CNN, the "Shazam!" star, 60, shared that he is struggling financially despite decades of work in the entertainment industry, including performances in major Hollywood franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"I've been in this business and making films now over two decades, and still, with two Oscar nominations, many big blockbuster films, and yet I'm still struggling financially to make a living," he said. "I'm definitely underpaid."

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After CNN correspondent Larry Madowo said this is "mind-boggling" to hear because Hounsou was "one of the first big Black actors I saw in big-budget films," the star replied, "Well, that's a sign for you that systemic racism is not something you can deal with lightly. You have to cope with it and survive the best way you can."

Hounsou has appeared in Marvel films as Korath, who pursued Chris Pratt's Peter Quill in "Guardians of the Galaxy" and returned in "Captain Marvel." He also had a key part as a powerful wizard in DC's "Shazam!" series.

Hounsou has starred in the "Quiet Place" franchise, appearing in "A Quiet Place Part II" and last year's "A Quiet Place: Day One."

One of Hounsou's first films was Steven Spielberg's 1997 movie "Amistad," which earned him a Golden Globe nomination but not an Oscar nod. He told CNN he felt the film Academy didn't think at the time that he was an "actor for whom we should pay any respect to."

Hounsou later received two Oscar nominations for best supporting actor, first in 2004 for "In America" and then in 2007 for "Blood Diamond." He was also part of the cast of "Gladiator," which won the Oscar for best picture in 2001.

Hounsou's additional credits include "Stargate," "Constantine," "Eragon," "How to Train Your Dragon 2," "Furious 7," "Aquaman," "Charlie's Angels," "The King's Man" and both parts of Zack Snyder's "Rebel Moon."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Djimon Hounsou 'struggling' to make a living after two Oscar nods