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Live from Abu Dhabi Connect the World takes you on a journey across continents, investigating the stories that are changing our world.
Thursday's Connector: Djimon Hounsou
His name may not sound familiar, but you'll most likely recognize him from a raft of critically acclaimed films.
Benin born Djimon Hounsou has been nominated for two best supporting actor Academy awards for his roles in "In America" and "Blood Diamond."
Hounson grew up in Benin until he emigrated to France at the age of 13 with his brother. After establishing himself as a model and aspiring actor, Hounson moved to the U.S. in 1990.
Hounsou made his film debut that same year when he appeared alongside Sandra Bernhard in "Without you I'm nothing." Since then he's appeared in a number of high grossing movies including "Gladiator," "Amistad," and "The Island."
The actor will soon be out with a new film alongside co-stars Helen Mirren, Russell Brand and Chris Cooper called "The Tempest." The adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most well known thrillers is sure to be a big hit at the cinemas this Christmas.
Here's your chance to have your questions answered by Djimon Hounsou.
Please leave your questions below and be sure to tell us where you're writing from.
You can also visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cnnconnect where you can become a fan and submit your questions.
Dear Mr Hounsou
My question to you is what did it feel like to play a role of a man caught up in the horrors of the Sierra Leone civil war?
Thank You Very Much
Yours Faithfully
Bimal Mirwani
What was it like to have Gladiator as one of your first movies with its massive budget and scale and working with big-name actors like Russell Crowe and the legendary Oliver Reed?
Hello Mr Hounsou
May i just say that i loved the parts you played in your first movies and it seems you have been around for a long time.
I think we have not seen your best yet and look forward to your future endeviours
Good luck and best wishes
A willden uk
Dear Mr Hounsou
I believe you had a pretty tough life in Paris before being cast by a headhunter. How does it feel to be a Hollywood moviestar, looking back to these days?
Best regards,
one of your biggest fan,
BEN HASSEL
Hi,
You have a beautiful family my question is, in terms of your heritage coming from Africa, will it play a part in how you bring up your children (Ming, Aoki and Kenzo)?
And does being a dad affect your decision in terms of which movie roles you will take?
Thanks!
Sheila Rabala from Nairobi Kenya
It feels like everyone is always talking about helping fight aids in Africa but little tangible progress is seen – do you agree with this?
Mr. Hounsou:
I am a big fan of your work and feel you should have be honored with a Best Actor nomination for Blood Diamond. Using your talents to "connect with the world", would you be interested to play South African activist Steven Biko in a movie about his life and times?
Hello Djimon Gaston Hounsou and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Djimon Gaston Hounsou on the following questions:
– How will you Improve STOPPING THE AIDS VIRUS in Countries where the AIDS Rate is Extremely High, such as Benin, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe?
– Why is the connection between your son Kenzo Lee Hounsou and the fashion designer Kenzo Takada?
– What can we expect from you in 2011?
I am awaiting Djimon Gaston Hounsou’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Although u r married to one of the most beautiful women in the world (fan) and have a amazing family what are u most thankful 4?