Jason Momoa

Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, born on 1 August 1979 in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a renowned American actor known for his impressive performances on television and in film. He is widely recognized for his role as Jason Ioane in the popular action-drama series Baywatch: Hawaii, which aired from 1999 to 2001. Following this, he gained fame for his portrayal of Ronon Dex in the science fiction series Stargate Atlantis from 2005 to 2009 and as Khal Drogo in the first two seasons of the acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones from 2011 to 2012.

Momoa has expanded his career by taking on lead roles in significant projects, including the Discovery Channel series Frontier (2016-2018) and the Apple TV+ show See (2019-2022). In the realm of superhero films, he brought the character Aquaman to life within the DC Extended Universe, first appearing in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and starring in Aquaman in 2018. He also portrayed Duncan Idaho in the film Dune (2021) and took on a role in the action-packed movie Fast X (2023).

Early Life

Momoa grew up as an only child. His parents, Coni and Joseph Momoa, divorced shortly after his birth. His father is of Native Hawaiian descent, while his mother has German, Irish, and Pawnee heritage. After the divorce, Momoa and his mother moved to Norwalk, Iowa, where he was raised. He graduated from Norwalk High School, participating in the soccer team alongside actor Brandon Routh. Later, he attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. As a teenager, he developed a passion for rock climbing and bouldering, inspired by visits to Custer State Park in South Dakota.

Career Highlights

At the age of 19, while living in Honolulu, Momoa auditioned for Baywatch Hawaii, landing a significant role. He later starred in the Fox drama North Shore (2004-2005) and appeared in the film Johnson Family Vacation (2004). His role in Stargate Atlantis involved extensive martial arts training, which contributed to his on-screen presence.

Momoa's breakout role came when he was cast as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones. His audition was memorable, featuring a traditional Māori Haka dance that showcased his physicality and intensity. After gaining recognition, he directed and co-wrote Road to Paloma (2014), which premiered at the Sarasota Film Festival.

In 2014, he was cast as Aquaman, a character he initially portrayed in a cameo role. His portrayal of Aquaman became a defining aspect of his career, leading to further appearances in films like Justice League (2017) and Aquaman (2018). He was also featured in the animated film The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019).

Momoa continued to diversify his filmography by taking on roles in various genres, including the horror film The Bad Batch (2016) and the action film Braven (2018). He was also involved in the production of the historical drama Frontier, where he played Declan Harp and served as an executive producer.

Personal Life

Throughout his personal life, Momoa was previously engaged to actress Simmone Jade Mackinnon, but their engagement ended after he began dating actress Lisa Bonet in 2005. The couple eventually got married in October 2017, and they have two children together, a daughter named Lola Iolani, born in July 2007, and a son named Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha, born in December 2008. In January 2022, Momoa and Bonet announced their separation, and Bonet filed for divorce in January 2024, citing irreconcilable differences.

Momoa is known for his love of heavy metal music and often draws inspiration from it for his roles. He plays multiple musical instruments, including the bass guitar and ukulele, and has performed with various musicians. In 2024, he formed a band called ÖOF TATATÁ with friends, showcasing his musical talents.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, he actively supports environmental causes, notably participating in protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope project on Mauna Kea, a sacred site for Native Hawaiians. Moreover, he practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has been an advocate for healthy living and fitness.

Notable Incident

On 15 November 2008, Momoa was involved in an incident where he sustained significant facial injuries from a broken beer glass during a confrontation in Los Angeles. He underwent reconstructive surgery, receiving approximately 140 stitches, leaving a noticeable scar above his eyebrow.

As of 2024, Jason Momoa continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, with exciting upcoming projects, including a role as Lobo in the DC Universe film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set to release on 26 June 2026.