Jason Momoa Biography, Career, Net Worth, Filmography, Personal Life, Awards, Nominations, Instagram

Jason Momoa Biography

Jason Momoa (born August 1, 1979) is an American actor, producer, and model best known for playing Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe.

Raised in Iowa, he began his career with Baywatch Hawaii (1999) before gaining fame in Stargate Atlantis (2005–2009).

His big break came with Game of Thrones (2011), followed by his leading role in Aquaman (2018), which was a box-office hit. He has also starred in Frontier, See, and Fast X.

Beyond acting, Momoa is passionate about environmental activism, martial arts, and adventure sports. He was married to Lisa Bonet and has two children.

Jason Momoa Wikipedia

• Full Name: Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa
• Date of Birth: August 1, 1979 (Age: 45)
• Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
• Height: 6’4″ (193 cm)
• Weight: 235 lbs (107 kg)
• Heritage: Native Hawaiian, German, Irish, Native American
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director, Model
• Breakout Role: Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones (2011–2012)
• Famous Roles:
• Aquaman in Justice League (2017) & Aquaman (2018, 2023)
• Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones
• Baba Voss in See
• Duncan Idaho in Dune (2021)
• Spouse (ex): Lisa Bonet (2007–2022)
• Children: 2 (Lola & Nakoa-Wolf)
• Hobbies: Rock climbing, surfing, guitar, motorbikes
• Notable Projects: Frontier, Fast X, Slumberland, Minecraft Movie (2025)
• Social Media: @prideofgypsies (Instagram)

Jason Momoa’s Early Life

Jason Momoa was born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Joseph Momoa, a Native Hawaiian painter, and Coni Lemke, a photographer of German and Irish descent.

After his parents’ separation, he was raised by his mother in Norwalk, Iowa.

Growing up, Momoa developed a love for sports, outdoor adventures, and the arts.

He later returned to Hawaii for college, where he was discovered by a modeling agency.

His striking looks and tall physique helped him win Hawaii’s Model of the Year in 1999, launching his entertainment career.

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Jason Momoa Education

Jason Momoa attended Norwalk High School in Iowa, where he was active in sports, particularly football.

After high school, he briefly studied marine biology at a community college in Iowa.

Later, he transferred to the University of Hawaii, but his modeling and acting career took off before he could complete his studies.

His early education played a role in shaping his adventurous spirit and love for nature.

Jason Momoa’s Career 

Jason Momoa’s career started in modeling when he was discovered by designer Takeo Kobayashi in Hawaii.

His striking looks and tall physique helped him win Hawaii’s Model of the Year (1999), leading to runway appearances and commercials.

His first acting break came when he was cast as Jason Ioane in Baywatch Hawaii (1999–2001), a role he played for two seasons.

Though the show was not critically acclaimed, it gave him exposure to the entertainment industry.

After Baywatch, Momoa took a break to travel and explore the world. During this period, he developed his interest in martial arts, surfing, and outdoor adventure, which later influenced his acting career.

He returned to television in 2004, landing the role of Frankie Seau in North Shore (2004–2005), a short-lived soap drama.

In 2005, he gained more recognition when he was cast as Ronon Dex, a warrior in Stargate Atlantis (2005–2009).

His character was known for his tough demeanor, combat skills, and signature dreadlocks, which became a defining look for him.

Breakthrough with Game of Thrones (2011):

Momoa’s career took a huge leap when he landed the role of Khal Drogo in HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011).

Despite appearing in only the first season, his powerful performance as the Dothraki warlord became one of the most memorable in the series.

To secure the role, Momoa performed a haka, a traditional Māori war dance, during his audition, which impressed the casting directors.

His intense portrayal of Drogo, combined with his physical presence, deep voice, and raw energy, won him global recognition.

Although his character died early in the series, Game of Thrones opened the door for Momoa in Hollywood.

Action Star & Aquaman (2014–Present):

After Game of Thrones, Momoa starred as Conan the Barbarian in the 2011 reboot of Conan the Barbarian. While the film received mixed reviews, it showcased his action-hero potential.

He then starred in several action films, including Bullet to the Head (2012) alongside Sylvester Stallone, Wolves (2014), and Road to Paloma (2014) – His directorial debut, which he also wrote and starred in.

DC Extended Universe & Aquaman (2016–Present):

Momoa’s biggest career milestone came when he was cast as Arthur Curry/Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

His first appearance as Aquaman was a small cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), followed by a larger role in Justice League (2017).

However, it was Aquaman (2018) that solidified his status as a major Hollywood action star.

The film was a massive box office success, earning over $1.1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing DC film at the time.

He reprised the role in Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023).

Momoa’s charismatic and fun take on Aquaman redefined the character, turning him from a lesser-known superhero into a fan favorite.

Other Major TV & Film Projects:

• Frontier (2016–2018): Starred as Declan Harp, a part-Irish, part-Cree outlaw in this historical drama about the North American fur trade.

• See (2019–2022): Led this Apple TV+ sci-fi series, set in a post-apocalyptic world where people have lost their ability to see.

• Dune (2021): Played Duncan Idaho in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Dune.

• Fast X (2023): Portrayed Dante Reyes, the villain in Fast & Furious 10. His performance as a flamboyant and ruthless antagonist was widely praised.

Future Projects & Expanding Career:

• Minecraft (2025): Set to star in a live-action adaptation of the popular video game.

• Lobo (Rumored): There are rumors that he might play Lobo, an antihero from DC Comics, in James Gunn’s new DC Universe.

NOTE: Jason Momoa’s career has evolved from a model and TV actor to an international action star.

Known for his charisma, physicality, and adventurous spirit, he has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors.

Whether as Aquaman, Khal Drogo, or a fierce warrior, Momoa brings a unique energy and authenticity to his roles.

Jason Momoa’s Personal Life

Jason Momoa was in a long-term relationship with actress Lisa Bonet, best known for her role in The Cosby Show.

The couple started dating in 2005 and got married in October 2017. Together, they have two children, Lola Iolani Momoa (born 2007), and Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa (born 2008)

However, in January 2022, Momoa and Bonet announced their separation, and they finalized their divorce in 2024.

Despite their split, they remain committed to co-parenting their children.

Hobbies & Interests:

• Rock climbing: He is an avid climber and often trains at indoor climbing gyms.

• Surfing & skateboarding: Growing up in Hawaii, he developed a love for ocean sports.

• Motorcycles & cars: He owns and restores vintage motorcycles.

• Martial arts: He has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Filipino martial arts, which he incorporates into his action roles.

Signature Look & Scar:

Momoa is famous for his long hair and rugged style, which has become a part of his brand.

He also has a distinct facial scar above his left eyebrow, which he got in 2008 after being attacked with a broken beer glass during a bar fight.

The incident required 140 stitches, and the scar added to his tough-guy image.

Environmental Activism:

Jason Momoa is a strong advocate for environmental conservation, particularly ocean protection.

He has supported campaigns against plastic pollution and has launched his own sustainable water brand, Mananalu Water, which aims to replace single-use plastic bottles with aluminum alternatives.

Tattoos & Cultural Heritage:

Momoa is proud of his Hawaiian heritage, which is reflected in his tattoos.

His most famous tattoo is the shark tooth pattern on his left forearm, representing his family’s Hawaiian guardian spirit, the aumakua (shark god).

Current Lifestyle:

Since his divorce, Momoa has been focusing on his career, travel, and activism.

He frequently shares his outdoor adventures on social media, from filming in remote locations to exploring the wild.

Jason Momoa’s net worth is estimated at $40 million as of March 2025. His wealth comes from acting, endorsements, and business ventures.

Key Earnings & Projects:

• Aquaman Franchise: Earned $3M for Aquaman (2018) and $15M for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023).

• Dune (2021): Reportedly earned $2M.

• TV Series “See”: Paid $600K per episode for Season 2.

• Game of Thrones: His role as Khal Drogo boosted his career.

Business Ventures:

• Founded Mananalu, a canned water company focused on reducing plastic waste.

Jason Momoa Filmography

• 2004: Johnson Family Vacation (Navarro)

• 2007: Pipeline (Kai)

• 2010: Brown Bag Diaries: Ridin’ the Blinds in B Minor (Mikey) – Short film; also director, screenwriter, and executive producer

• 2011: Conan the Barbarian (Conan)

• 2012: Bullet to the Head (Keegan)

• 2014: Road to Paloma (Robert Wolf) – Also director, producer, and co-writer

• 2014: Debug (I Am)

• 2014: Wolves (Connor)

• 2016: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Arthur Curry / Aquaman) – Cameo

• 2016: Sugar Mountain (Joe Bright)

• 2017: Once Upon a Time in Venice (Spider)

• 2017: The Bad Batch (Miami Man)

• 2017: Justice League (Arthur Curry / Aquaman)

• 2018: Braven (Joe Braven) – Also producer

• 2018: Aquaman (Arthur Curry / Aquaman)

• 2019: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (Aquaman – voice role)

• 2020: Gather (Himself) – Documentary; executive producer

• 2021: Zack Snyder’s Justice League (Arthur Curry / Aquaman) – Director’s cut

• 2021: Sweet Girl (Ray Cooper) – Also producer

• 2021: Dune (Duncan Idaho)

• 2022: Slumberland (Flip)

• 2022: The Last Manhunt (Big Jim) – Also co-story writer and executive producer

• 2023: Fast X (Dante Reyes)

• 2023: The Flash (Arthur Curry / Aquaman) – Uncredited post-credits scene

• 2023: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Arthur Curry / Aquaman) – Also co-story writer

• 2024: The Fall Guy (Himself) – Uncredited cameo

• 2025: A Minecraft Movie (Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison) – Post-production; also producer

• 2025: Animal Friends (TBA) – Post-production

• 2026: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (Lobo) – Filming

• TBA: In the Hand of Dante (TBA) – Post-production

• TBA: The Wrecking Crew (TBA) – Filming; also a producer

Television:

• 1999–2001: Baywatch: Hawaii (Jason Ioane) – Main role

• 2003: Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding (Jason Ioane) – Television film

• 2003: Tempted (Kala)

• 2004–2005: North Shore (Frankie Seau) – Main role

• 2005–2009: Stargate Atlantis (Ronon Dex)

• 2009: The Game (Roman) – 4 episodes

• 2011–2012: Game of Thrones (Khal Drogo) – Recurring role

• 2014–2015: The Red Road (Phillip Kopus) – Main role

• 2014–2015: Drunk History (Various roles) – 2 episodes

• 2016–2018: Frontier (Declan Harp) – Main role; also executive producer

• 2018–2023: Saturday Night Live (Himself) – Host; 4 episodes

• 2019: The Simpsons (Himself – voice role) – Episode: “The Fat Blue Line”

• 2019–2022: See (Baba Voss) – Main role

• 2022: Peacemaker (Arthur Curry / Aquaman) – Episode: “It’s Cow or Never” (Uncredited)

• 2023: The Climb (Himself) – 8 episodes

• TBA: Chief of War (Kaʻiana) – Miniseries; also co-creator and executive producer

Jason Momoa Awards and Nominations

• CinemaCon Awards: Male Rising Star (Conan the Barbarian & Game of Thrones) – Won

• Scream Awards: Best Ensemble (Game of Thrones) – Nominated

• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (Game of Thrones) – Nominated

2017:

• Canadian Screen Awards: Best Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role (Frontier) – Nominated

2019:

• Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards: Favorite Movie Actor (Aquaman) – Nominated

• Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards: Favorite Superhero (Aquaman) – Nominated

• MTV Movie & TV Awards: Best Kiss (shared with Amber Heard in Aquaman) – Nominated

• Teen Choice Awards: Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie Actor (Aquaman) – Nominated

Jason Momoa Trivia

1. Hawaiian Heritage: Jason Momoa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but raised in Norwalk, Iowa by his mother. His father is of Native Hawaiian descent, and his mother is of German, Irish, and Native American ancestry.

2. Discovered as a Model: Before acting, he was discovered by international designer Takeo Kobayashi and won Hawaii’s Model of the Year in 1999.

3. Worked in a Surf Shop: Before getting his first role in Baywatch: Hawaii, he worked in a surf shop in Hawaii.

4. Facial Scar Incident: He got his signature eyebrow scar in 2008 after being attacked with a broken beer glass in a bar fight. The injury required 140 stitches and permanently changed his look.

5. Auditioned for Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy: Before playing Aquaman, he auditioned for Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy, but the role went to Dave Bautista.

6. Speaks the Dothraki Language: He learned Dothraki fluently for his role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones.

7. Martial Arts Training: He trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Filipino martial arts, and knife fighting, which helped him with his action roles.

8. Aquaman’s Signature Trident: He helped redesign Aquaman’s look to incorporate Polynesian tattoos, making it more connected to his heritage.

9. Major Game of Thrones Fan: He was a huge fan of Game of Thrones even before being cast as Khal Drogo, and he still follows the series closely.

10. Rock Climbing Enthusiast: He is a passionate rock climber and often shares his adventures on social media.

11. Launched His Own Water Brand: He started Mananalu Water, a sustainable water brand aimed at reducing plastic waste.

12. Big Metalhead: He loves heavy metal music and even used Metallica’s music to get into character for Aquaman.

13. Has a Deep Voice but Can Sing High: Despite his deep voice, he has a high-pitched singing voice, which he showed off in interviews.

13. Lobo Casting Rumors: Fans have long suggested he would be perfect for Lobo, a DC anti-hero, and in 2026, he was officially cast as Lobo in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.