Jason Momoa is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, known for his commanding presence both on-screen and off. Born on August 1, 1979, and standing at an impressive 6’4″, Momoa has made a significant impact with his roles as Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe and as Khal Drogo in ‘Game of Thrones.’
His career spans diverse genres, showcasing his versatility from action-packed blockbusters to epic fantasy series.
In this article, we delve into 10 fun facts about Jason Momoa that highlight his journey from a young actor to a global superstar.
Discover more about his personal interests, career milestones, and intriguing details that make him a standout figure in the entertainment industry.
#1 Jason Momoa was born in Hawaii but raised in Iowa.
Jason Momoa, an only child, was born in Honolulu to a photographer mother and a painter father, according to the Des Moines Register.
However, he moved to Madison County, Iowa, with his mother at just six months old following his parents’ divorce.
After graduating high school, Momoa returned to Hawaii to attend the University of Hawaii, where he deepened his connection to his Polynesian heritage.
Reflecting on his roots, he told CNN in 2019, “It’s my home. I’m Hawaiian. It’s my nationality.”
#2 He went to high school with another future actor
Momoa and Brandon Routh, who would later become a well-known actor, both attended the same high school. Although Routh was a year older, their paths crossed during their formative years in school.
#3 His look was a pain in the neck
Jason Momoa eventually decided to cut his famous dreadlocks after experiencing significant discomfort.
The weight of the long hair was causing him persistent headaches and neck pain, prompting him to make the difficult decision to part with his iconic hairstyle.
#4 He’s portrayed two comic book characters during his career
Jason Momoa first appeared as Aquaman in the 2017 film Justice League, where he made a memorable impression as the powerful superhero.
This role marked his debut as the iconic DC character, leading to his standalone film, Aquaman, which further established his popularity in the role.
In addition to his role as Aquaman, Momoa was cast in the 2011 remake of Conan the Barbarian.
This film, originally based on a comic book character created by Robert E. Howard, saw Momoa stepping into the legendary role of Conan, showcasing his ability to tackle epic fantasy roles with intensity and charisma.
#5 He was almost another comic book character
Jason Momoa was cast as Eric Draven in the remake of The Crow, a role originally intended for Luke Evans.
However, the project faced numerous delays and ultimately stalled, preventing Momoa from bringing his version of the iconic character to the screen.
The remake has faced several setbacks over the years, impacting its production schedule and leading to uncertainty about its future.
#6 Momoa was on “Baywatch: Hawaii” between 1999 and 2001 … though he doesn’t like to talk about it.
Jason Momoa’s first acting role was as Jason Ioane on Baywatch: Hawaii, where he appeared in 44 episodes. This early role helped lay the groundwork for his subsequent acting career and opened doors to future opportunities.
However, in a 2019 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Momoa candidly admitted that he had put those early days behind him.
“I drank that away, that wasn’t me,” he told DeGeneres. “Those memories are gone.”
This remark reflects his desire to move on from his initial acting experiences and focus on his current achievements and roles.
#7 Before he decided on his now-signature long hair, Momoa had dreadlocks while on “Stargate: Atlantis.”
In the early 2000s, while starring on the sci-fi show Stargate: Atlantis, Jason Momoa sported his iconic dreadlocks as part of his role as Ronon Dex.
However, the weight of the dreadlocks became too burdensome, leading him to cut them off between the fourth and fifth seasons, as reported by GateWorld.
To maintain his character’s signature look, the show invested $10,000 in a custom wig for Momoa. Despite the effort, the wig proved to be just as heavy as his original hair, reflecting the challenges of keeping his distinctive style on screen.
#8 That slit on his left eyebrow isn’t a stylistic choice.
Jason Momoa has a notable scar on his face, which he revealed in a 2011 interview with Access Hollywood.
He shared the harrowing story behind it, saying, “It was crazy. A guy smashed a pint glass in my face. I got a little over 140 stitches in my face. It helped get those mean roles. It just doesn’t grow there anymore.”
Momoa also speculated that the attack might have been part of a “gang initiation.” The scar, while a reminder of a violent incident, has become a distinctive feature that contributes to his rugged screen presence.
#9 There’s a very cool meaning behind the tattoo on Momoa’s left arm.
Jason Momoa’s family has a unique guardian symbol: the shark. According to Yahoo Entertainment, the rows of black triangles tattooed on his left arm are designed to resemble shark teeth.
This tattoo is not just a personal design but also a symbolic gesture. Momoa believes that when he’s in the water, the tattoo helps sharks recognize him as one of their own, reflecting his deep connection to the ocean and its creatures.
#10 In addition to Momoa’s many other skills, he’s also an instrumentalist.
Jason Momoa’s primary instrument is the guitar, and he showcased his enthusiasm for the instrument during an October 2020 interview with Slash from Guns N’ Roses, where they geeked out over guitars together.
Recently, Momoa has expanded his musical skills by picking up the bass. To hone his new talent, he spent time with renowned Primus bassist Les Claypool in September 2020 and even joined the Mike Hayes Band on stage for a jam session that same month.
