Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, popularly known as Jason Momoa, was born on August 1, 1979. He began his acting career on television, starring in shows like Baywatch: Hawaii and Stargate Atlantis. Momoa later gained widespread recognition for his role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones. He has since gone on to star in various TV series and films, including Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe. Momoa’s versatile acting skills have also been showcased in movies like Dune and Fast X.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Lisa Bonet (m. 2017; div. 2024) |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupations | Actor, model, director, writer, producer |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
Early Life and Education
Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, an only child, was born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Coni, a photographer, and Joseph Momoa, a painter.
His heritage includes Native Hawaiian ancestry from his father and German, Irish, and Pawnee ancestry from his mother. Following his parents’ divorce, he and his mother relocated to Norwalk, Iowa, where he grew up.
Momoa graduated from Norwalk High School, where he played soccer with Brandon Routh, and later attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
During his teenage years, Momoa discovered a love for rock climbing and bouldering, which began when his mother introduced him to Custer State Park in South Dakota, home to Sylvan Lake and the Needles.
Career
When Jason Momoa was 19 years old, he decided to try his luck and audition for the TV series Baywatch Hawaii while he was living and working in Honolulu.
He landed the role of Jason Ioane and appeared on the show from 1999 to 2001. Following this, he joined the main cast of the Fox drama North Shore as Frankie from 2004 to 2005.
In 2004, Momoa made an appearance in the movie Johnson Family Vacation, and from 2005 to 2009, he showcased his martial arts skills as Ronon in Stargate Atlantis.
His acting career continued to flourish as he played Roman in four episodes of The Game in 2009. Momoa then took on the lead role in Conan the Barbarian in 2011, a modern take on the 1982 classic.
However, it was his portrayal of Khal Drogo in HBO’s Game of Thrones that truly brought him into the spotlight. During his audition for the role, Momoa impressed by performing a Haka, a powerful Maori dance traditionally used to issue challenges or greetings.
Momoa expanded his talents by directing and co-writing the American drama thriller film, Road to Paloma, with writers Jonathan Hirschbein and Robert Homer Mollohan.
The movie, starring Momoa, Sarah Shahi, Lisa Bonet, Michael Raymond-James, and Wes Studi, premiered at the 2014 Sarasota Film Festival. It had a limited theatrical release in 2014 and was also made available on VOD platforms.
In 2014, Momoa appeared in the dark comedy/thriller Sugar Mountain and starred in the SundanceTV series The Red Road as Phillip Kopus. He made his debut as Arthur Curry/Aquaman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and continued in Justice League and Aquaman.
Momoa also acted in films like Wolves, Debug, and The Bad Batch. He portrayed Declan Harp in Frontier and played Rico Rodriguez in the Just Cause film series. Additionally, he joined the cast of the post-apocalyptic series See and portrayed Duncan Idaho in Dune. In 2022, Momoa was announced as the main villain, Dante Reyes, in the Fast & Furious film Fast X.
Personal Life
Momoa dated Simmone Jade Mackinnon, whom he met on Baywatch, then became engaged in 2004, before ending the engagement when he started a relationship with Lisa Bonet in 2005.
Bonet and Momoa initially were believed to have married in 2007 but actually tied the knot in 2017. They have two children together. In 2022, Momoa and Bonet announced their split, with Bonet filing for divorce in 2024. As of 2024, Momoa is in a relationship with actress Adria Arjona.
A heavy metal music enthusiast, Momoa incorporates metal songs into building his characters. He collaborates with bands like Archspire and has featured in songs like “Doom” by Scour in 2020.
Beyond acting, he plays several musical instruments and formed the band ÖOF TATATÁ with friends in 2024. Momoa is known for his tattoos, involvement in protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, and practice of Brazilian jiu-jitsu since 2017.
Momoa also survived a facial injury from an altercation in 2008, where he received reconstructive surgery and carries a scar on his left eyebrow.
Jason Momoa Net Worth
By 2024, Jason Momoa’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million, largely attributed to his lucrative acting roles, notably as Aquaman in the DC Universe. His earnings were boosted by the success of his films, brand partnerships, and his water company, Mananalu Pure Water, overcoming financial challenges he encountered earlier in his career.
Filmography
Jason Momoa’s filmography includes a variety of roles across film and television. Here are some notable entries:
Film
- Aquaman (2018) – Arthur Curry / Aquaman
- Justice League (2017) – Arthur Curry / Aquaman
- Dune (2021) – Duncan Idaho
- Fast X (2023) – Dante Reyes
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) – Arthur Curry / Aquaman
- Slumberland (2022) – Flip
Upcoming Projects
- A Minecraft Movie (2025)
- Animal Friends (2025)
Television
- Game of Thrones (2011-2012) – Khal Drogo
- Frontier (2016-2018) – Declan Harp
- See (2019-2022) – Baba Voss
This list highlights his significant roles and upcoming projects, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Awards and Nominations
Jason Momoa has received several awards and nominations throughout his career. Here’s a summary:
Awards
- CinemaCon Awards (2011): Rising Star (Won)
- Jupiter Award (2019): Best International Actor (Won)
- CinEuphoria Awards (2020): Merit – Honorary Award for Game of Thrones (Won)
- All Living Things Environment Film Festival (2024): Best International Feature for Deep Rising (Won)
Nominations
- Kids’ Choice Awards (2019, 2024): Favorite Movie Actor (Nominated)
- MTV Movie + TV Awards (2019): Best Kiss for Aquaman (Nominated)
- Screen Actors Guild Awards (2012): Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Game of Thrones (Nominated)
- Canadian Screen Awards (2017): Best Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for Frontier (Nominated)
- Critics Choice Super Awards (2024): Best Villain in a Movie for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Nominated)
This highlights his recognition in both film and television.
