Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa

Momoa at the 2014 Florida Supercon
Born Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa
(1979-08-01) August 1, 1979
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Occupation Actor, model, director, writer, producer
Years active 1999–present
Height 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Weight 97 kg (214 lb)
Spouse(s) Lisa Bonet (m. 2007)
Children 2
Website jasonmomoa.com

Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa (born August 1, 1979), better known as Jason Momoa, is an American actor, model, director, writer, and producer. He is known for his television roles as Ronon Dex (2005–2009) on the military science fiction television series Stargate Atlantis (2004–2009) and as Khal Drogo in the HBO fantasy television series Game of Thrones (2011–2012).

Momoa portrayed the title character in the sword and sorcery film Conan the Barbarian (2011). He appeared in the 2016 superhero film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as Aquaman, with a solo film for the character following in 2018.[1][2]

Road to Paloma was Momoa's first film as director, writer, and producer. He also starred in the lead role and released the film on July 11, 2014.[3]

Early life

An only child, Momoa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1979, to Coni, a photographer, and Joseph Momoa, a painter.[4] He was raised in Norwalk, Iowa, by his mother.[5] His father is of Native Hawaiian descent, while his mother is of German, Irish, and Native American ancestry.[6] After high school, Momoa began college in Iowa as a marine biology major, studying for a period in the Florida Keys. He transferred his major to wildlife biology at Colorado State University. Before completing his degree, he moved back to the Hawaiian Islands to reconnect with his father.[7]

As a young man, Momoa traveled extensively, took up pastel painting in Paris, and studied Buddhist teachings in Tibet.[8][9]

Career

In 1998, Momoa was discovered by international designer Takeo Kobayashi, who encouraged his modeling career. Momoa won Hawaii's Model of the Year 1999 and hosted the Miss Teen Hawaii contest. At 19 years old, he also worked part-time in a surf shop before being cast in Baywatch Hawaii.[7] Momoa appeared as Jason Ioane in the action drama series Baywatch Hawaii (1999–2001).[10]

In addition to his appearances in North Shore (2004–2005), Johnson Family Vacation (2004), and Stargate: Atlantis (2005–2009), Momoa was cast as Roman in four episodes of the comedy-drama television series The Game (2009). He portrayed the title protagonist in Conan the Barbarian (2011), a reimagining of the 1982 film of the same name and a role made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Momoa gained his role of Khal Drogo on HBO's Game Of Thrones through his audition, in which he performed the Haka,[11] an intimidating Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield.[12]

Momoa sporting the dreadlocks he wore during the filming of Stargate Atlantis in 2006.

After the shooting of Stargate Atlantis Season 4 was over, Momoa had his dreadlocks cut off. Their weight had been giving him headaches. The program agreed with the decision and had planned to film a scene where Ronon cuts off his hair for Season 5's "Broken Ties", but that change was ultimately overruled by the Sci Fi network. On the first day of filming for Season 5, his dreadlocks were reattached, but the process was too taxing. Momoa switched to using his stunt double's wig until a custom wig could be made and delivered two weeks later.[13][14] When Momoa was first cast for the role, the producers had asked him to cut off the dreadlocks, but they became a trademark of his character, so he was allowed to keep them.

Momoa directed and co-wrote Road to Paloma (2014), an American drama thriller film, together with writers Jonathan Hirschbein and Robert Homer Mollohan. The film stars Momoa, Sarah Shahi, Lisa Bonet, Michael Raymond-James and Wes Studi.[15] It premiéred at the 2014 Sarasota Film Festival in April 2014.[16] The film had a limited theatrical release on July 15, 2014, in New York City and Los Angeles and a VOD release.[17]

In March 2014, Momoa joined the dark comedy/thriller indie Sugar Mountain (film) alongside Cary Elwes and Haley Webb; its principal photography was done in Alaska.[18][19] He also starred as Phillip Kopus, a Ramapough Mountain Indian, on the SundanceTV drama series The Red Road (2014–2015).[20]

In June 2014, Momoa was reported to have been cast in the role of Aquaman in the superhero film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[21][22][23] Momoa's role as Aquaman was confirmed in October 2014. This marked Aquaman's live action theatrical debut. He is also to star in an Aquaman solo film to be released in 2018.[24][25][26] He also portrayed Connor in the Canadian horror action film Wolves.[27]

Momoa starred in the 2014 sci-fi horror movie, Debug; it was written and directed by Momoa's former Stargate Atlantis co-star, British-born Canadian actor David Hewlett. In February 2015, it was announced that he will portray a cannibal[28] in the drama thriller film The Bad Batch.[29][30] He will star in an action movie titled Braven.[31]

There are talks that he could be portraying the Crow in the remake of the 1994 film.[32]

Personal life

In 2005, Momoa met actress Lisa Bonet after common friends introduced them, and they developed a relationship.[33]

On July 23, 2007, Bonet gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Lola Iolani Momoa.[33]

On November 15, 2007, Momoa and Bonet were married.[33] From his marriage to Bonet, Momoa became the stepfather to Zoë Kravitz.[34]

On December 15, 2008, their second child, a son named Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa, was born. Momoa's mother announced the birth, saying that Nakoa means "warrior" and Mana stands for "strength/spirit", while Kaua ("rain") and Po ("dark") pertain to the circumstances surrounding his birthday (he was born on a rare bad-weather night in Los Angeles). He shares his name, Namakaeha, with his father.[35]

Martial arts

Momoa learned martial arts for his role as Ronon in Stargate Atlantis[36] and for Conan.[37]

Slashing

On November 15, 2008, Momoa was slashed in the face with a broken beer glass by another customer at the Birds Cafe, a Hollywood, California, tavern.[38][39] He received around 140 stitches during reconstructive surgery, and the scar is apparent in his later work.[38]

Filmography

Film

Title Year Role Director Notes Ref(s)
Johnson Family Vacation 2004 Navarro Christopher Erskin
Pipeline 2007 Kai Jordan Alan
Conan the Barbarian 2011 Conan Marcus Nispel CinemaCon Award for Male Rising Star (also for Game of Thrones)
Bullet to the Head 2012 Keegan Walter Hill
Road to Paloma 2014 Robert Wolf Jason Momoa Also producer and co-writer [15]
Debug 2014 Iam David Hewlett
Wolves 2014 Connor David Hayter
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 2016 Arthur Curry / Aquaman Zack Snyder Cameo [24]
Sugar Mountain 2016 Joe Bright Richard Gray [18]
The Bad Batch 2017 Miami Man Ana Lily Amirpour Completed [29]
Going Under 2016 Spider Mark Cullen
Robb Cullen		 Post-production
Braven 2017 Lin Oeding Post-production; Also producer [31]
Justice League 2017 Arthur Curry / Aquaman Zack Snyder Post-production
Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released

Television

Title Year Role Network Notes Ref.
Baywatch Hawaii 1999–2001 Jason Ioane NBC 38 episodes
Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding 2003 Jason Ioane FOX Television film
Tempted 2003 Kala Von Zerneck Sertner Films Television film
North Shore 2004–2005 Frankie Seau FOX 21 episodes
Stargate Atlantis 2005–2009 Ronon Dex Syfy 73 episodes
Game, TheThe Game 2009 Roman The CW 4 episodes
Game of Thrones 2011–2012 Khal Drogo HBO 10 episodes
CinemaCon Award for Male Rising Star (also for Conan the Barbarian) (2011)
Nominated – Scream Award for Best Ensemble (2011)
Nominated – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2012)		 [40]
The Red Road 2014–2015 Phillip Kopus SundanceTV 12 episodes [20]
Drunk History 2014–2015 Various roles Comedy Central 2 episodes
Frontier 2016 Declan Harp Discovery Channel/Netflix 3 episodes

See also

References

  1. ↑ McNary, David (January 21, 2010). "Momoa Set for 'Conan' – New Barbarian Set for Franchise Reboot". Variety. Retrieved 2011-08-18.
  2. ↑ McMillian, Graeme (October 20, 2014). "Jason Momoa Talks 'Aquaman' Plans, Confirms 'Justice League' Appearance". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2014-10-22.
  3. ↑ "Jason Momoa Talks CONAN; Reveals He's Writing and Directing ROAD TO PALOMA". collider.com. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  4. ↑ Sophia Ahmad (February 19, 2010). "Interview with Norwalk's 'Conan' star Jason Momoa | Des Moines Register Staff Blogs". Blogs.desmoinesregister.com. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  5. ↑ Jason Momoa Biography on TVguide
  6. ↑ Staff (July 19, 2004). "Momoa Makes Hawaii Hot". Extra. Warner Bros.
  7. 1 2 ""Game of Thrones" Star Jason Momoa – Katie Couric". Katiecouric.com. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  8. ↑ "Jason Momoa Biography - Yahoo Movies Canada". Ca.movies.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  9. ↑ "Jason Momoa Biography". Starpulse.com. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  10. ↑ Kelly, Helen (May 5, 2016). "Game of Thrones: Jason Momoa is unrecognisable as young model before Khal Drogo role". express.co.uk. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  11. ↑ "The Haka - Dance of War - Maori Haka - New Zealand | Tourism NZ". New Zealand. August 7, 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  12. ↑ "East Coasters lead kapa haka group in Timor Leste". New Zealand Defence Force.
  13. ↑ Sumner, Darren (May 26, 2008). "Momoa: The Dreads Stay Put". Gateworld. Retrieved 2011-08-18.
  14. ↑ Sumner, Darren (February 23, 2008). "New Plot Details on 'Broken Ties'". Gateworld. Retrieved 2011-08-18.
  15. 1 2 "Jason Momoa Talks CONAN; Reveals He's Writing and Directing ROAD TO PALOMA". collider.com. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  16. ↑ Gordon Cox Legit Editor @GCoxVariety (March 12, 2014). "Jason Momoa's 'Road to Paloma' to Premiere at Sarasota Film Festival". Variety. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  17. ↑ Schwartz, Terri (February 26, 2014). "Jason Momoa landed 'The Red Road' thanks to his directorial debut 'Road to Paloma' - Zap2it | News & Features". Blog.zap2it.com. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  18. 1 2 "Cary Elwes and Jason Momoa to Climb Sugar Mountain". ComingSoon.net. March 12, 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  19. ↑ "Cary Elwes, Jason Momoa Join Indie 'Sugar Mountain'". Hollywoodreporter.com. March 12, 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  20. 1 2 Roco (May 23, 2015). "The Red Road Cancelled By SundanceTV After Two Seasons". Seriable.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  21. ↑ Sciretta, Peter (June 14, 2014). "Jason Momoa Is Aquaman in 'Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice'". /Film. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
  22. ↑ McWeeny, Drew (June 14, 2014). "JASON MOMOA WILL PLAY AQUAMAN IN 'DAWN OF JUSTICE,' AND WE KNOW HOW IT WILL HAPPEN". Hitfix. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
  23. ↑ Rebecca Ford and Borys Kit (June 16, 2014). "Jason Momoa to Play Aquaman in 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
  24. 1 2 "It's Official: Jason Momoa is 'Aquaman'; Solo Movie Coming 2018". Screen Rant. October 15, 2014. Retrieved 2014-10-15.
  25. ↑ "Warner Bros Massive DC Movie Slate Revealed - /Film". Slashfilm. Retrieved 2014-10-15.
  26. ↑ Kroll, Justin (June 3, 2015). "James Wan to Direct 'Aquaman' for Warner Bros.". Variety. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  27. ↑ Shawn S. Lealos (February 27, 2015). "Jason Mamoa Wolves". Renegade Cinema. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  28. ↑ Jason Momoa Eats a Bad Batch of Human Flesh
  29. 1 2 Jason Momoa in Talks to Star in Cannibal Love Story ‘The Bad Batch’ for Annapurna, Vice
  30. ↑ First Look At Jason Momoa’s Aquaman From ‘Batman V Superman’
  31. 1 2 "Axe man: Game of Throne's Jason Momoa will star as rugged logger in new action film Braven". Dailymail.
  32. ↑ Wood, Matt (August 14, 2016). "Jason Momoa to star as the Crow". Cinemablend. Retrieved 2016-08-14.
  33. 1 2 3 Jason Momoa of 'Conan the Barbarian' talks about his horse fears, August 20, 2011, Olivia Allin, OnTheRedCarpet.com
  34. ↑ Live, Emily Tess Katz HuffPost (2014-07-09). "Jason Momoa Gushing About Wife Lisa Bonet Couldn't Be More Adorable". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
  35. ↑ Staff (January 9, 2009). "Lisa Bonet's New Baby's Name Is a Mouthful – Newborn Boy's Name Is Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa". Access Hollywood (via MSNBC). Retrieved 2011-08-18.
  36. ↑ "Jason Momoa on Martial Arts". 14 August 2009.
  37. ↑ "Jason Momoa Biography".
  38. 1 2 Staff (January 26, 2009). "Man Pleads Not Guilty To Assaulting 'Stargate Atlantis' Actor". KNBC. Retrieved 2011-08-18.
  39. ↑ "Winton, Richard Los Angeles Times October 7, 2009". Retrieved 2014-10-15.
  40. ↑ "Game of Thrones: Cast". HBO. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.

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