Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American actor, model, producer, and musician. Raised in Norwalk, Iowa, by his mother Coni after his parents separated, Momoa’s heritage spans Native Hawaiian, German, Irish, and Pawnee roots. He graduated from Norwalk High School and later attended the University of Hawaii.
Early Career & Modeling Breakthrough
Momoa’s journey began in modeling when renowned designer Takeo Kobayashi discovered him, leading to him winning Hawaii’s Model of the Year. His modeling success paved the way for his acting debut in Baywatch: Hawaii (1999–2001), where he played Jason Ioane.
Acting Career & Breakout Roles
After Baywatch, Momoa traveled the world, during which he embraced Buddhism in Tibet. He returned to the screen with roles in North Shore and Stargate Atlantis, where he played Ronon Dex and trained in martial arts.
His breakthrough came with the role of Khal Drogo in HBO’s Game of Thrones. His audition included performing a traditional Māori haka, which impressed casting directors. He then starred in Conan the Barbarian (2011) and went on to direct and co-write Road to Paloma (2014).
Hollywood Stardom
Momoa cemented his status as a global icon with his role as Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe, starting with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and continuing in Aquaman (2018) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). He has also appeared in Dune, Frontier, See, and Fast X, and is set to portray Lobo in Supergirl (2026) and Blanka in a Street Fighter reboot.
Music & Activism
Momoa is musically inclined, playing bass, ukulele, and guitar. He formed a band called ÖOF TATATÁ in 2024 and performed in the U.S. and New Zealand. He is also an environmental activist, particularly vocal about the protection of Mauna Kea in Hawaii.
Personal Life
He began dating actress Lisa Bonet in 2005. The couple had two children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf, and married in 2017 before separating in 2022. He later dated actress Eiza González. In 2008, Momoa was seriously injured in a bar attack, leaving a visible scar on his face.
Net Worth
Despite financial struggles post-Game of Thrones, Jason Momoa’s net worth is now estimated at over $40 million. He earned $3 million for the first Aquaman and $15 million for its sequel, along with income from other films, endorsements, and TV roles.
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