Born and raised in Benin

Sent to live with an older brother in Lyons, France

Dropped out of school and moved to Paris

Discovered by fashion designer Thierry Mugler, while living on the streets in Paris

Moved to Los Angeles

Cast by David Fincher in the music videos "Straight Up" (by Paula Abdul) and "Express Yourself" (by Madonna)

Appeared in Janet Jackson's music video for her single "Love Will Never Do Without You"

Film debut as Sandra Bernhard's ex-boyfriend in "Without You, I'm Nothing"; used his full name in his billing

Had bit parts in "Unlawful Entry" (1992) and "Stargate" (1994); billed only as 'Djimon'

Breakthrough screen role as Cinque in Steven Spielberg's "Amistad"

Joined the cast of "ER" (NBC) in recurring role of a political exile who finds menial work at the hospital

Had featured role in the Oscar-winning "Gladiator"

Narrated the HBO drama, "The Middle Passage" about the slave trade

Had supporting role in the remake of "Four Feathers"

Featured in Jim Sheridan's "In America"; received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor

Co-starred with Angelina Jolie in "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life"

Cast opposite Queen Latifah, as the sexy piano-playing electrician in the comedy "Beauty Shop"

Starred in the Michael Bay directed thriller, "The Island"

Co-starred with Leonardo DiCaprio in Edward Zwick's "Blood Diamond"; received SAG and Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor

Cast as Ajihad, the leader of the Varden in the fantasy/adventure movie "Eragon"

Cast as a veteran fighter, who trains a young kid who is bullied in "Never Back Down"