In a candid interview with CNN, Djimon Hounsou, the renowned star of "Gladiator" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," opened up about the stark contrast between his illustrious career and ongoing financial struggles as an actor. Surprisingly, even with over 60 films and two Oscar nominations to his name, Hounsou admits he is still battling to make ends meet in the competitive landscape of Hollywood.

Hounsou expressed his frustrations, stating, "I am still struggling trying to make a living. After 30 years… maybe the first 10 years were about acclimating myself to the industry, but I’ve been in this business for over two decades now, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid."

With appearances in blockbuster hits like "A Quiet Place Part 2" and the anticipated "Rebel Moon," one would expect Hollywood’s elite to ensure their financial stability. However, Hounsou highlights that systemic issues, particularly prejudice, play a significant role in the disparities he faces. "That’s a sign for you that systemic racism is not something you can deal with lightly," he noted. "It’s deeply embedded in our industry, and while you can’t always overcome it, you must find ways to cope and survive."

Born in West Africa, Hounsou is not just a talented actor; he has ventured into directing with his 2018 documentary, "In Search of Voodoo: Roots to Heaven." Beyond his artistic endeavors, he passionately leads the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, which aims to reconnect the African Diaspora with their roots and combat modern-day slavery.

Looking ahead, Hounsou has exciting projects in the pipeline. Fans can look forward to his role in the survival thriller "Beneath the Storm" and a new horror flick titled "The Monster" from the maker of the "Saw" franchise, Darren Lynn Bousman.

Despite the challenges he faces, Hounsou remains determined to make his mark and break down the barriers that exist within Hollywood. Stay tuned for what promises to be a riveting journey for this talented actor who refuses to back down!