9 Things You Don’t Know About Jason Momoa

In the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii, a star was born. Jason Momoa, standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, was destined to captivate audiences with his rugged charm and undeniable talent. From his early days as a lifeguard on “Baywatch: Hawaii” to becoming a household name in Hollywood, Momoa’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of dreams.

At just 19 years old, Momoa landed his big break on “Baywatch: Hawaii,” where he played a fresh-faced lifeguard. The experience ignited a fire within him, and he quickly fell in love with acting. “I was actually really nervous at first, but right when I got on the set, it was just: this is what my future’s going to be. I love it,” he recalled. However, the role came with its challenges. Despite the show’s popularity, Momoa found himself haunted by the stigma associated with it. “Just because it’s Baywatch, people don’t think you can act,” he lamented. This perception nearly drowned his career before it even began.

Determined to prove his worth, Momoa took matters into his own hands. He sought representation but faced rejection. “No one would take me seriously, so I went, screw them — I went to school, trained, I traveled the world and finally got in there a little bit,” he explained. This journey of self-discovery and growth laid the foundation for his future success.

While his career was taking off, Momoa’s personal life was blossoming as well. He found love with actress Lisa Bonet, best known for her role in “The Cosby Show.” The couple tied the knot in 2007 and welcomed two children together. Momoa’s affection for his family is evident in the way he speaks about them. On “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” he confessed that he had been enamored with Bonet since her days on television. “I am a full-fledged stalker,” he joked, revealing that he had fireworks going off inside when they first met.

Momoa’s bond with his stepdaughter, Zoë Kravitz, is equally heartwarming. Zoë, the daughter of Bonet and rocker Lenny Kravitz, has often spoken about the close relationship they share. “My dad and my step-dad get along really well, and my dad loves and is close with my brother and sister. It’s really beautiful,” she shared. Their affectionate nicknames for each other—Momoa calls her “Zozo,” and she calls him “Papa Bear”—speak volumes about their connection.

Momoa’s impressive physique is not merely a result of good genetics; it is the product of hard work and dedication. According to a 2018 profile in Men’s Health UK, he boasts a 50-inch chest and 19-inch biceps. Surprisingly, he didn’t start lifting weights until 2010, when he prepared for his role in the reboot of “Conan the Barbarian.” His training regimen is intense, often starting at 5 a.m. and including climbing, hill-running, boxing, and surfing. “It’s very hard sometimes to just work out. It’s monotonous, and you can get stuck in a rut,” he admitted.

Momoa’s diet reflects his commitment to fitness. He emphasizes lean meats and green vegetables, jokingly stating, “Eat boiled chicken breast every two hours, which is not very good, but that’s how you get that body.” Despite his strict regimen, he allows himself the occasional cheat meal, recalling a post-cleanse pasta feast that felt euphoric.

One of Momoa’s most recognizable features is the scar above his left eye, a reminder of a dark chapter in his life. In 2008, he was attacked in a Los Angeles bar, an incident he believes was part of a gang initiation. “A guy smashed a pint glass in my face. I got a little over 140 stitches in my face,” he recounted. While the scar has become a part of his rugged persona, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges he has faced.

Momoa is not just a pretty face with muscles; he is also a man of intellect and culture. He studied marine biology and wildlife biology in college, emphasizing the importance of being respected for his intelligence. “People are like, ‘Momoa’s got his shirt off again!’ It’s not funny. I grew up in the Midwest. I’m raised to actually think, to use my brain,” he stated.

His artistic side shines through in his love for painting and music. He has trained in Paris and has a deep appreciation for Buddhism, which he explored during a trip to Tibet. Music has become a significant part of his life, as he plays the guitar and drums, and is currently learning the piano alongside his daughter. This multifaceted approach to life showcases Momoa’s desire to be well-rounded, not just a Hollywood action star.

Momoa’s adventurous spirit is evident in his passion for extreme sports, particularly surfing. Growing up in Hawaii, he was naturally drawn to the ocean and the thrill of riding waves. In his younger years, he had the opportunity to pursue an athletic scholarship in Colorado but chose to embrace the rugged lifestyle of a “snowboard bum” instead. “I knew I was going to climb [mountains] and f— off and snowboard in Colorado,” he recalled, emphasizing his love for the outdoors.

His passion for surfing was ignited after watching the 1998 film “In God’s Hands,” which inspired him to pursue the sport more seriously. He sought guidance from his family’s island roots, learning to surf 20-foot waves and embracing the ocean’s challenges. Despite his willingness to tackle extreme sports, Momoa has drawn the line at participating in UFC fighting, acknowledging the incredible toughness of those athletes. “Oh, no. Those guys, they’re amazing. I act it. I’m not really tough. I’m definitely not to that level at all,” he admitted.

Momoa’s commitment to his craft is evident in the lengths he goes to prepare for his roles. For his portrayal of Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones,” he fully embraced the warrior persona, immersing himself in the character’s physicality. However, his preparation for “Conan the Barbarian” took things to another level. Feeling that his face wasn’t rough enough for the role, he asked a friend to punch him in the face to achieve a more rugged look. “After it was over, I said, ‘Dude, didn’t you want to think about it for a minute?’” he recounted, showcasing his dedication to authenticity.

The physical challenges didn’t stop there. While filming, he broke a rib and faced numerous dangerous situations, including nearly falling off a horse multiple times. His willingness to endure pain for the sake of his art speaks volumes about his commitment to his roles and the lengths he will go to bring characters to life.

Despite his success, not every project has gone as planned. Momoa’s highly-anticipated reboot of “The Crow,” which had been in pre-production for eight years, fell apart just weeks before filming was set to begin in Hungary. Both he and director Corin Hardy exited the project due to creative and financial differences with the producer. Momoa expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating, “Sorry. I can’t play anything but what this film deserves and it needs love. I’m ready when it’s right.” This setback, however, has not deterred him from pursuing new opportunities.

With a lifetime box office gross of over $260 million and a growing list of screen credits, Jason Momoa has solidified his status as a bankable star. His work ethic, combined with his undeniable charisma, ensures that audiences will continue to see him on the big screen for years to come. As he navigates the challenges of Hollywood, he remains grounded in his values, prioritizing family, creativity, and personal growth.

In conclusion, Jason Momoa’s journey from a young lifeguard on “Baywatch” to a Hollywood powerhouse is a story of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. He embodies the spirit of a true Renaissance man, balancing his roles as a devoted father, a talented artist, and a dedicated actor. As he continues to take on new challenges and explore his passions, fans can look forward to witnessing the evolution of this remarkable individual both on and off the screen.

With his unique blend of strength, intelligence, and creativity, Jason Momoa is not just a Hollywood action star; he is a multifaceted artist who inspires others to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face. The world is eager to see what he will conquer next.

Jason Momoa “Pours His Heart Out” to Support Zoë Kravitz at The Batman Premiere: “Family Love Is Everything”

Despite his recent split from Lisa Bonet, Jason Momoa is proving that family love never fades — especially when it comes to Zoë Kravitz.

On Tuesday night, the Aquaman star flew to New York to attend the premiere of The Batman, where 33-year-old Zoë Kravitz shone as Catwoman. Despite his hectic schedule, Momoa made it a priority to stand proudly by the stepdaughter he loves as his own.

“He loves Zoë and always will. That hasn’t changed,” a source close to Momoa told PEOPLE. “Jason believes in family. His presence wasn’t about obligation — it came from the heart.”

Even more, Jason teamed up with Channing Tatum — Zoë’s new boyfriend — to make the trip, sharing their excitement on Instagram before takeoff.
“CHEEEEHUUUUUUUU. SO EXCITED. Finally getting to see our ZOZO,” Jason wrote enthusiastically, showing his full support for Zoë and the Batman cast.

Momoa’s bond with Zoë remains rock solid, even after he and Lisa Bonet announced they were “parting ways in marriage” earlier this year. The couple had been together since 2005 before marrying in 2017, and they share two children: Lola (14) and Nakoa-Wolf (13).

Even before the premiere, Momoa posted a The Batman poster on Instagram, proudly captioning: “Can’t wait. Love you, Zozo.”

Zoë sweetly replied in the comments: “Love youuuu @prideofgypsies.”

Jason Momoa continues to show that, for him, while romantic love may change, his love for family — especially for the children — remains eternal. He’s not just “Aquaman” on the big screen; he’s the real-life hero in the hearts of those he holds dear.