Jason Momoa launched his acting career in 1999 as Jason Ioane on the syndicated television series Baywatch: Hawaii. Born in Honolulu in 1979 to a photographer mother and a painter father, he relocated to Norwalk, Iowa, during his youth. He eventually returned to his academic roots in Hawaii, attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa after completing his secondary education in the Midwest.
Television and Early Roles
Following his debut on Baywatch: Hawaii, Momoa transitioned into various television projects. He joined the cast of the Fox drama North Shore in 2004 and appeared as Roman in The Game in 2009. His portrayal of Ronon Dex in the Syfy series Stargate Atlantis between 2005 and 2009 required him to acquire specific martial arts skills. He gained significant attention for his performance as Khal Drogo during the first two seasons of the HBO drama Game of Thrones, where he auditioned by performing a Haka.
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Momoa entered the DC Extended Universe with a cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016. He subsequently took on the lead role of Arthur Curry in Justice League, the director's cut Zack Snyder's Justice League, and the solo feature Aquaman. His involvement with the franchise concluded in 2023 with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. His broader filmography includes the 2011 remake of Conan the Barbarian, the 2021 science fiction adaptation Dune, and the 2023 action film Fast X.
Directing and Production
Beyond acting, Momoa has participated in the creative production of various works. He directed and co-wrote the 2014 American drama thriller Road to Paloma, which premiered at the Sarasota Film Festival. His production portfolio includes the Canadian historical drama series Frontier, where he served as an executive producer and played the lead role of Declan Harp from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, he acted as a co-creator and executive producer for the Apple series Chief of War.
Musical Interests
Momoa incorporates influences from heavy metal music into his character development. He has collaborated with the band Archspire and performed with them during the production of the series See. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays the bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and guitar. In 2024, he formed the band ÖOF TATATÁ with Kenny Dale Borill and Mike Hayes, performing live in Nashville and Auckland. In 2025, he hosted a concert in Birmingham, England, for Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Honolulu
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: Norwalk High School, Colorado State University, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Des Moines Area Community College
- Religion: Buddhist
- Notable TV works: Game of Thrones, See, Frontier, Chief of War
- Notable film works: Justice League, Aquaman, Dune, Fast X
- Language: English
Questions readers ask
What was Jason Momoa's first professional acting role?
He played Jason Ioane on the television series Baywatch: Hawaii between 1999 and 2001.
Is Jason Momoa involved in directing or producing?
Yes, he directed and co-wrote Road to Paloma and has served as an executive producer on series including Frontier and Chief of War.
Achievements
- Notable work: Justice League
- Notable work: Aquaman
- Notable work: Game of Thrones
- Educated at Norwalk High School, Des Moines Area Community College and Colorado State University
- Worked as actor, film producer and film director
