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Happy birthday Jason Momoa! Here are 15 must-know facts about 'Aquaman' as he turns 40

Hollywood actor Jason Momoa is best known for playing Khal Drogo in the Game of Thrones and superhero Aquaman. His physique and his tattoos (and the occasional man bun) have earned him a separate fan following, with fans even referring to him as the 'manliest of men'. As the Hawaiian native turns 40, here are 15 facts you SHOULD know about him!
Hawaiian Jason Momoa is best known for playing Khal Drogo in the Game of Thrones and superhero Aquaman. His physique and his tattoos (and the occasional man bun) have earned him a separate fan following, with fans even referring to him as the 'manliest of
Hawaiian Jason Momoa is best known for playing Khal Drogo in the Game of Thrones and superhero Aquaman. His physique and his tattoos (and the occasional man bun) have earned him a separate fan following, with fans even referring to him as the 'manliest of
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HAWAIIAN ROOTS: Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa was born in August 1, 1979, in Nanakuli, Honolulu, Hawaii to Coni (Lemke), a photographer, and Joseph Momoa, a painter. He was raised in Norwalk, Iowa, by his mother. His father is of Native Hawaiian ancestry and his mother is of German, Irish, and Native American descent. The actor was thrilled to bring his roots to his role in 'Aquaman'. '...Aquaman is especially cool because being a Kanaka Maoli -- being Hawaiian -- our Gods are Kanaloa and Maui, and the Earth is 71 percent water, so I get to represent that,' he told ScreenRant. (Photos | AP)
HAWAIIAN ROOTS: Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa was born in August 1, 1979, in Nanakuli, Honolulu, Hawaii to Coni (Lemke), a photographer, and Joseph Momoa, a painter. He was raised in Norwalk, Iowa, by his mother. His father is of Native Hawaiian ancestry and his mother is of German, Irish, and Native American descent. The actor was thrilled to bring his roots to his role in 'Aquaman'. '...Aquaman is especially cool because being a Kanaka Maoli -- being Hawaiian -- our Gods are Kanaloa and Maui, and the Earth is 71 percent water, so I get to represent that,' he told ScreenRant. (Photos | AP)
JASON AND LISA'S EPIC LOVE STORY: As a child, Jason crushed on his future wife Lisa while watching her on 'The Cosby Show'. 'I saw her on the TV and I was like, 'Mommy, I want that one,' he told late-night host James Crush. 'I was like, 'I'm going to stalk you for the rest of my life, and I'm going to get you.' The two met in 2005 and were together for 12 years before tying the knot in 2017. Their first child was born in 2007. Jason and Lisa have a 12-year age gap. (Photo | Instagram)
JASON AND LISA'S EPIC LOVE STORY: As a child, Jason crushed on his future wife Lisa while watching her on 'The Cosby Show'. 'I saw her on the TV and I was like, 'Mommy, I want that one,' he told late-night host James Crush. 'I was like, 'I'm going to stalk you for the rest of my life, and I'm going to get you.' The two met in 2005 and were together for 12 years before tying the knot in 2017. Their first child was born in 2007. Jason and Lisa have a 12-year age gap. (Photo | Instagram)
BEST DAD: Momoa's children are regular fixtures on his Instagram. Daughter Lola Lolani Momoa and son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha's names are a nod to Momoa's Hawaiian heritage. (Photo | Jason Momoa Instagram)
BEST DAD: Momoa's children are regular fixtures on his Instagram. Daughter Lola Lolani Momoa and son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha's names are a nod to Momoa's Hawaiian heritage. (Photo | Jason Momoa Instagram)
STEP DAD GOALS: Jason is very close to his stepdaughter Zoe Kravitz (in pic). The 30-year-old actress and singer is Momoa's wife's daughter from her marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz and Bonet were married from 1987 to 1993. They eloped on Lisa's 20th birthday in Las Vegas but divorced six years later. (Photo | Joe Kravitz Instagram)
STEP DAD GOALS: Jason is very close to his stepdaughter Zoe Kravitz (in pic). The 30-year-old actress and singer is Momoa's wife's daughter from her marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz and Bonet were married from 1987 to 1993. They eloped on Lisa's 20th birthday in Las Vegas but divorced six years later. (Photo | Joe Kravitz Instagram)
BEACH BOY: At 19, Jason Momoa used to work part-time in a surf shop before being cast in the action drama series Baywatch Hawaii as Jason Iaone, the youngest lifeguard on the show. Yes, you read that right. With a body like his, we call it a perfect casting! (Photos | Instagram)
BEACH BOY: At 19, Jason Momoa used to work part-time in a surf shop before being cast in the action drama series Baywatch Hawaii as Jason Iaone, the youngest lifeguard on the show. Yes, you read that right. With a body like his, we call it a perfect casting! (Photos | Instagram)
HE CAN DANCE, SING AND CLIMB ROCKS: Momoa is an avid rock climber, and a master of martial arts. He practices Haka, a traditional Maori dance used to convey a challenge to an opponent, or a welcome to a visitor. His Haka ritual in an audition apparently helped him bag him the role of Khal Drogo. He's performed the dance in film roles and at events, such as the Los Angeles premiere of 'Aquaman' (see photo in middle). Oh, and there's more! He is interested in pastel painting AND he plays various musical instruments. He credits his skills to his artist mother. (Photos | Jason Momoa Instagram/ AP)
HE CAN DANCE, SING AND CLIMB ROCKS: Momoa is an avid rock climber, and a master of martial arts. He practices Haka, a traditional Maori dance used to convey a challenge to an opponent, or a welcome to a visitor. His Haka ritual in an audition apparently helped him bag him the role of Khal Drogo. He's performed the dance in film roles and at events, such as the Los Angeles premiere of 'Aquaman' (see photo in middle). Oh, and there's more! He is interested in pastel painting AND he plays various musical instruments. He credits his skills to his artist mother. (Photos | Jason Momoa Instagram/ AP)
DEDICATED ENVIRONMENTALIST: In July 2019, Jason Momoa visited Native Hawaiian protesters blocking the construction of a giant telescope on Hawaii’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea. He wore a green leaf lei around his neck and the crown of his head and stooped low to present an offering wrapped in green ti leaves. He said he was honored to be there, drawing cheers after saying, “We are not going anywhere.” He even shaved off his famous beard in April 2019 to raise awareness to a new line of canned water and encourage people to 'make a switch to INFINITELY RECYCLABLE aluminum.' (Photos | AP/ Jason Momoa Instagram)
DEDICATED ENVIRONMENTALIST: In July 2019, Jason Momoa visited Native Hawaiian protesters blocking the construction of a giant telescope on Hawaii’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea. He wore a green leaf lei around his neck and the crown of his head and stooped low to present an offering wrapped in green ti leaves. He said he was honored to be there, drawing cheers after saying, “We are not going anywhere.” He even shaved off his famous beard in April 2019 to raise awareness to a new line of canned water and encourage people to 'make a switch to INFINITELY RECYCLABLE aluminum.' (Photos | AP/ Jason Momoa Instagram)
A BAD BOY: The actor has owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles since his early 20s (on left) and regularly posts snaps of himself working on his multiple bikes. He recently posted videos of a trip he took with his children on a bike. We like! (Photos | Jason Momoa Instagram)
A BAD BOY: The actor has owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles since his early 20s (on left) and regularly posts snaps of himself working on his multiple bikes. He recently posted videos of a trip he took with his children on a bike. We like! (Photos | Jason Momoa Instagram)
ZEN MOMOA: According to media reports, Jason Momoa visited Tibet in his younger days to study Buddhist teachings. He reportedly meditates daily. (Photo | Instagram)
ZEN MOMOA: According to media reports, Jason Momoa visited Tibet in his younger days to study Buddhist teachings. He reportedly meditates daily. (Photo | Instagram)
DIRECTORIAL DEBUT: In Momoa’s directorial debut, Road to Paloma, he plays a Native American biker who is on the run after avenging his mother’s rape and murder. The film focuses on violence against Native American women. Momoa co-wrote, directed and produced the 2014 film, where he starred opposite wife Lisa Bonet. (YouTube grab)
DIRECTORIAL DEBUT: In Momoa’s directorial debut, Road to Paloma, he plays a Native American biker who is on the run after avenging his mother’s rape and murder. The film focuses on violence against Native American women. Momoa co-wrote, directed and produced the 2014 film, where he starred opposite wife Lisa Bonet. (YouTube grab)
THE STORY BEHIND THOSE 'EYEBROWS ON FLEEK': On November 15, 2008, Jason Momoa was slashed in the face with a broken beer glass by a man in a tavern in Hollywood, California. He received approximately 140 stitches during reconstructive surgery. His scar which cuts diagonally through his left eyebrow has only gone on to add to his sex appeal. He said he learned to like the scar because it helped him land better roles. 'I got called 'pretty boy' my whole life,' he told the New York Post. 'If anything, it's like, 'Good.' It's not my thing now.' (Photos | AP)
THE STORY BEHIND THOSE 'EYEBROWS ON FLEEK': On November 15, 2008, Jason Momoa was slashed in the face with a broken beer glass by a man in a tavern in Hollywood, California. He received approximately 140 stitches during reconstructive surgery. His scar which cuts diagonally through his left eyebrow has only gone on to add to his sex appeal. He said he learned to like the scar because it helped him land better roles. 'I got called 'pretty boy' my whole life,' he told the New York Post. 'If anything, it's like, 'Good.' It's not my thing now.' (Photos | AP)
KHAL DROGO: Although Jason Momoa only appeared in one season of 'The Game of Thrones' as Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo, his role in helping develop the character of Daenerys Targaryen is pivotal to the show. Drogo met his untimely demise in Season 1, and Momoa doesn't regret it. Apparently, Momoa's Dothraki dialect and accent were so convincing that many thought he couldn't speak English. 'It was heartbreaking,' Momoa said on a show, 'I was like, 'That's why I'm not getting any jobs.'' (Photos | Twitter)
KHAL DROGO: Although Jason Momoa only appeared in one season of 'The Game of Thrones' as Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo, his role in helping develop the character of Daenerys Targaryen is pivotal to the show. Drogo met his untimely demise in Season 1, and Momoa doesn't regret it. Apparently, Momoa's Dothraki dialect and accent were so convincing that many thought he couldn't speak English. 'It was heartbreaking,' Momoa said on a show, 'I was like, 'That's why I'm not getting any jobs.'' (Photos | Twitter)
CONAN THE BARBARIAN: Jason Momoa as the sword-brandishing, shirtless leading man of 'Conan the Barbarian' (2011), was according to several critics, a 'discovery'. “Replacing Arnold Schwarzenegger as the original Barbarian is Jason Momoa, a Hawaiian-born hulk with ripped muscles and absurd good looks,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter’s Kirk Honeycutt. (Photo | Twitter)
CONAN THE BARBARIAN: Jason Momoa as the sword-brandishing, shirtless leading man of 'Conan the Barbarian' (2011), was according to several critics, a 'discovery'. “Replacing Arnold Schwarzenegger as the original Barbarian is Jason Momoa, a Hawaiian-born hulk with ripped muscles and absurd good looks,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter’s Kirk Honeycutt. (Photo | Twitter)
AQUAMAN: Did you know Jason Momoa majored in marine biology before switching to wildlife biology? Who better to play the ruler of underwater kingdom Atlantis! Momoa first acted as Aquaman in a cameo in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice', then played the character in a leading role in the 2017 ensemble film 'Justice League'. He then starred in the 'Aquaman' solo film, which released in late 2018. He also reprised this role in 'The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part'. (Photos | official posters)
AQUAMAN: Did you know Jason Momoa majored in marine biology before switching to wildlife biology? Who better to play the ruler of underwater kingdom Atlantis! Momoa first acted as Aquaman in a cameo in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice', then played the character in a leading role in the 2017 ensemble film 'Justice League'. He then starred in the 'Aquaman' solo film, which released in late 2018. He also reprised this role in 'The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part'. (Photos | official posters)
BE OUR DADDY? In July 2019, photos surfaced of Jason Momoa's vacation body (on right) on an Italian getaway with his family and people commented on his 'break from the gym'. When asked about his 'dad bod', Momoa reportedly rubbed his stomach and dismissed the comments. According to People, the actor laughingly said: “Tell TMZ I’ll show you my dad bod soon.' Best response ever! (Photos | Instagram)
BE OUR DADDY? In July 2019, photos surfaced of Jason Momoa's vacation body (on right) on an Italian getaway with his family and people commented on his 'break from the gym'. When asked about his 'dad bod', Momoa reportedly rubbed his stomach and dismissed the comments. According to People, the actor laughingly said: “Tell TMZ I’ll show you my dad bod soon.' Best response ever! (Photos | Instagram)
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