Basic Information:
Name: Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa
Date of Birth: August 1, 1979
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor, Filmmaker
Social Media Links:
Instagram: Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies)
Spouse: Lisa Bonet (m. 2017–2024)
Children: Lola Iolani Momoa, Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa
Biography:
Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American actor and filmmaker. His father, Joseph Momoa, is of Native Hawaiian and Samoan descent, and his mother, Coni Lemke, is of German, Irish, and Pawnee ancestry. His parents divorced shortly after his birth, and Momoa was raised by his mother in Norwalk, Iowa. He graduated from Norwalk High School and briefly attended college, studying marine biology at the University of Hawaii, before pursuing a career in modeling.
At 19, Momoa was discovered by fashion designer Takeo Kobayashi, which led to him winning Hawaii's Model of the Year in 1999. He then transitioned to acting, landing his first role as Jason Ioane in the television series Baywatch Hawaii (1999-2001). Despite the initial exposure, he found it difficult to be taken seriously as an actor, facing challenges securing roles. Momoa’s career gained momentum with roles as Frankie Seau in North Shore (2004-2005), and Ronon Dex in Stargate Atlantis (2005-2009).
A significant breakthrough came when he was cast as the Dothraki warlord, Khal Drogo, in HBO's Game of Thrones (2011-2012). This role brought him international recognition and opened up opportunities in Hollywood. He also played the lead role in Conan the Barbarian (2011). Momoa is widely known for his portrayal of Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), starting with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), followed by Justice League (2017) and his standalone film Aquaman (2018) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom(2023). In addition to acting, Momoa has directed, written, and produced projects, including the film Road to Paloma (2014). He has also starred in Frontier(2016-2018), and See (2019-2022)
Career Timeline:
1999-2001: Baywatch Hawaii - Jason Ioane
1999: Named Hawaii's Model of the Year
2004-2005: North Shore - Frankie Seau
2005-2009: Stargate Atlantis - Ronon Dex
2011-2012: Game of Thrones - Khal Drogo
2011: Conan the Barbarian - Conan
2014: Road to Paloma - Director, Writer, Actor
2016: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Aquaman (cameo)
2016-2018: Frontier - Declan Harp
2017: Justice League - Aquaman
2018: Aquaman - Aquaman
2019-2022: See - Baba Voss
2021: Dune - Duncan Idaho
2023: Fast X
2023: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom- Aquaman
Achievements:
Awards & Recognition:
CinemaCon Rising Star Award (2011)
Jupiter Award for Best International Actor for Aquaman (2019)
CinEuphoria Merit - Honorary Award (2020) for Game of Thrones
Philanthropic Work: Momoa is an active environmentalist. He founded Mananalu, a company that packages water in aluminum cans to combat plastic pollution. He is also a vocal advocate for ocean conservation and indigenous rights, partnering with various organizations and speaking at the United Nations. He is also UNEP Advocate for Life Below Water.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases:
I’m raised to actually think, to use my brain.
I love life and if there’s something that I’m playing that I love, I’ll research it.
Whenever I wake up, I'm up. I don't lie there like an idiot. I get up, run up a hill, get some exercise, and have some time with my thoughts.
Be who you are. Speak your truth. Walk your walk. Do your thing.
Multimedia:
Gallery:
Videos/Interviews:
Jason Momoa on Stealing from Aquaman Set, Love of Motorcycles & Making a Family Knife with His Kids
Jason Momoa Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED
Fun Facts/Trivia:
Momoa has a distinctive scar on his left eyebrow from a bar fight in 2008.
He is an avid rock climber, snowboarder, and longboard skateboarder.
He has a passion for music and plays guitar, often even on set.
He is half Hawaiian, and the haka, a traditional war dance, is very important to him.
Momoa is a motorcycle enthusiast.
He has a pet pig named Manapua.
He has a traditional Hawaiian head tattoo symbolizing protection for his family.
He was the youngest lifeguard on the Gulf Coast during his teens.
Impact/Legacy:
Jason Momoa delivers notable recognition in Hollywood through his powerful physical presence as well as his charming personality together with his relentless pursuit of social and environmental advocacy. His performance as Aquaman successfully brought this character into widespread attention while creating new admiration among generationally diverse audience members. His public advocacy work for ocean health protection and indigenous rights proves his dedication to using his public influence as a force for beneficial change. Through his actions Momoa serves as a role model to numerous people who look up to him while showing both powerful toughness and emotional intelligence in his demeanor. Momoa puts his storytelling passion into action through his roles as director and producer which enables him to express his creative ideas to a wider audience base.
