Jason Momoa

Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa is an American actor, model, and producer, born on August 1, 1979, who rose to fame for his performances in the T.V. shows “Baywatch Hawaii” and “Stargate: Atlantis.” His portrayal of Khal Drogo in the H.B.O. series “Game of Thrones” boosted his reputation and propelled his career forward, attracting the attention of producers and mainstream audiences alike. He started as a model before moving into acting. He was quickly at the pinnacle of his modeling career and was dubbed ‘Hawaii’s Model of the Year,’ thanks to his good looks and sculpted physique. We’d like to honor him as the rising star he is today.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa

Nickname:

Aqua, Aquaman

Birth date:

August 1, 1979

Age:

44

Zodiac Sign:

Leo

Height:

6' 4"

Relationship Status:

Divorced

Net Worth:

$14 million

Joseph's Social Media:

Background

Momoa was born in Honolulu and raised by his mother in Norwalk, Lowa. Momoa returned to Hawaii after graduating high school and enrolled at the University of Hawaii. But his life would soon take a fateful turn when noticed by Takeo Kobayashi, an international fashion designer, this is when his modeling career began. Momoa earned ‘Hawaii’s Model of the Year’ and walked the catwalk for Louis Vuitton at the Governor’s Fashion Show in 1999, thanks to his attractive looks and sculpted physique.

Momoa then shifted his attention to acting, and in 1999, he auditioned for the lead role on the international hit T.V. show “Baywatch.” He was selected from over 1,000 other performers for the character of Jason Loane, which he played for two seasons. After the show ended in 2001, Momoa spent a lot of time traveling worldwide, including a journey to Tibet, where he discovered Buddhism. Momoa later moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. His first two T.V. movie parts, “Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding” (2003) and “Tempted” (2003), maintained his face in front of the camera until his next series part, “North Shore,” in 2004. “North Shore” only lasted 20 episodes, but when it did, Momoa was given a much better show — “Stargate: Atlantis.” Momoa’s role as Ronan Dex in multiple seasons of the popular sci-fi series catapulted him to the next level of fame.

Around this time, Momoa was also a party to an altercation in a bar in Los Angeles where a fellow patron shattered glass over his face, leaving him with 140 stitches and a scar over his left eye. After that, the scar became something of a signature for Momoa, and it served him well in his next part, which would catapult his career to new heights. In April 2011, H.B.O. premiered a new drama called “Game of Thrones,” in which Momoa starred as Khal Drogo, the Dothraki monarch. Momoa debuted as the sea-based do-gooder in 2016’s “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” following the announcement that he will be joining the big screen superhero brotherhood in the role of Aquaman. In 2017, he starred with fellow D.C. Comics icons Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman in the film “Justice League.” However, it was his solo film, “Aquaman,” released in late 2018, that catapulted Momoa to stardom.

Momoa was said to have married actress Lisa Bonet in 2007, yet the couple didn’t marry until October 2017. The couple’s children are son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa and daughter Lola Iolani Momoa. In 2019, Momoa announced that he would be working with the Ball Corporation to create a brand-new range of canned water. The actor highlighted the importance of switching from plastic bottled water to recyclable aluminum cans in a video release, shaving his trademark beard to celebrate the news.

Career timeline

1999
Momoa Gets His First Modeling Award

Momoa wins ‘Hawaii's Model of the Year’ and walks the runway for Louis Vuitton at the Governor's Fashion Show.

1999
He Lands His First Leading Role

He auditions for a lead role on the international smash T.V. show “Baywatch” and gets it.

2011
His Scar Lands Him a Huge Gig

In April, H.B.O. premiers a new drama called "Game of Thrones," in which Momoa plays Khal Drogo, a savage leader of the Dothraki tribe.

2011
His First Film Award

Momoa wins ‘Male Rising Star’ for “Conan the Barbarian” and “Game of Thrones” at “CinemaCon Awards.”

2014
He Co-writes His First Movie

Momoa directs, co-writes, and stars in the thriller film “Road to Paloma.”

Why We Love Jason Momoa

  1. He is a family man

    He is a softie when it comes to Bonet. He confessed he wrote her part in "Road to Paloma," specifically with her in mind because she is his dream girl. He always wanted to work with her.

  2. His Hawaiian heritage is significant to him

    One of the most exciting aspects of playing Aquaman for Momoa is being able to represent his culture. He explained that brown superheroes are uncommon, so he was particularly excited to represent the Polynesians or locals. He also said that his family consists of some of the best watermen on the planet. Hawaiians are also proud of their Momoa.

  3. He is funny

    If you follow Momoa on Instagram, you've probably seen his hearty laugh and sense of humor, but are you ready for him to go all-out comedic? He's reportedly going to play Will Ferrell's son in a movie that will be released soon. You read that accurately — that is true. We are buzzing with excitement.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He broke his nose for a role

    Momoa once told a friend that a broken nose would make Conan look realistic, so his friend hit him in the face, shattering his nose almost quickly.

  2. His favorite movie

    His favorite movie is “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.”

  3. He loves Guinness beer

    Momoa is such a fan of Guinness that he has his line of Guinness beverages.

  4. His arm tattoo has a meaning

    The shark is Momoa's family's protector; the rows of black triangles on Momoa's left arm are meant to resemble shark teeth to help sharks recognize him as one of their own while he is in the water.

  5. He has a passion for metal music

    Momoa is a fan and enthusiast of heavy metal music.

Jason Momoa FAQs

Why wasn’t Jason Momoa at the Oscars?

Momoa revealed that he had undergone surgery one day before attending the 94th Academy Awards.

Is Jason Momoa vegan?

While Momoa is not vegan, the native Hawaiian actor is outspoken about environmental issues.

Are the Rock and Jason Momoa related?

Dwayne Johnson and Momoa share a little Samoan ancestry from Johnson’s parents and Momoa’s father. But, Johnson and Momoa are not related nor cousins in real-life. However, both men seem to have a stronger off-screen brother-like bond, even though they do not share the same blood.

Jason Momoa’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024August 1Thursday
2025August 1Friday
2026August 1Saturday
2027August 1Sunday
2028August 1Tuesday

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