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“Completely In Debt”: Jason Momoa Reveals His Huge Financial Troubles After His Character Got Killed Off On ‘Game Of Thrones’
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“Completely In Debt”: Jason Momoa Reveals His Huge Financial Troubles After His Character Got Killed Off On ‘Game Of Thrones’

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Hollywood hunk. Beloved actor. Loving family man. The Great Khal. And one of the kindest, most honest people you’ll meet. Jason Momoa, 41, might be Aquaman for some cinema-goers but to lots of his fans and to us, he’ll always be Khal Drogo, the Dothraki warlord from the first season of ‘Game of Thrones’ (back when the show was still good).

However, when Momoa’s role on the show suddenly ended, it impacted his and his family’s life in a very negative way. Momoa spoke very openly and candidly about the financial hardships that he faced after he left ‘Game of Thrones’ in an interview with InStyle’s Christopher Bagley. The actor revealed that he and his family were “in debt” and hardly making ends meet, “starving” and having trouble paying the bills. What’s more, finding a new job was very difficult for Momoa.

Entertainment and Hollywood expert Mike Sington told Bored Panda that it’s not at all surprising that Momoa had trouble finding work after ‘Game of Thrones.’ And his case, unfortunately, is far from unique. “He’s such a unique type, eligible roles for him would be limited. It’s very common for actors to be a hit in great roles but then struggle afterward. Audiences often stereotype actors as the character they are known for and have a hard time accepting them in other roles,” Mike, who has met hundreds of celebrities over his decades-long career in Hollywood, pointed out that we, the audience, can have a strong effect on actors’ careers, too.

Jason Momoa opened up about the financial difficulties he faced after his role on Game of Thrones ended in an interview with InStyle

Image credits: prideofgypsies

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The actor was also candid about how he’s very secure in his masculinity

Image credits: prideofgypsies

That’s why he isn’t ‘scared’ to wear the color pink

Image credits: prideofgypsies

Momoa’s reached rock bottom when Season One of ‘Game of Thrones’ ended and he was without an acting job

Image credits: InStyle

According to Mike, Momoa’s strengths as an actor lie in his personality and his charm—something that could be showcased more on-screen. But Momoa’s future looks to be even brighter than now. As long as he gets the ‘right’ roles to show off his biggest strengths.

“It’s the personal charm of Dwayne Johnson that propelled him to superstardom, not his raw acting skills,” Mike stressed. “Momoa definitely has what it takes to grow his stardom—he’s got the looks, personality, and a wonderful comedic side. He just needs the right roles to showcase those traits.”

Mike also gave some advice for actors who might be in-between jobs at the moment. He suggested that they branch out and learn new skills instead of auditioning for the exact same roles over and over again.

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“The actors that work the most, and are most acclaimed, are doing different types of roles. If an actor does the same type of role over and over, they’re accused of being ‘lazy’ or just ‘playing themselves,’ and that will limit their longevity. Think of the body of work of Meryl Steep or Tom Hanks—they’ve worked forever, and their range of roles is tremendous.”

He added that staying relevant requires adapting, being flexible, and constantly improving: “You’ve got to learn new skills, and take chances, or the audience will simply tire of you.”

Momoa played Khal Drogo for just 10 episodes on the hit HBO show

Image credits: hbo

Image credits: hbo

After several years of hardship, things were finally looking up

Image credits: InStyle

Now, we don’t know if it’s just a coincidence that the quality of the show quickly dropped after Khal Momoa was killed off (whoops, spoilers) at the end of Season One, but two things are for sure.

First, Momoa missed his role as Khal Drogo because he really enjoyed it. Second, the fact that his character was removed from the show just after 10 episodes meant that his paycheck was a lot smaller than that of his colleagues, some of whom went on to act in the show for eight friggin’ seasons.

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With debt and lots of mouths to feed, Momoa, his actress wife Lisa Bonet, and their two small children were in dire straits. This struggle lasted for several years.

Fortunately, things eventually took an upward turn and the situation rapidly improved in 2016. There was finally a light at the end of the tunnel. And it was cast by the bright spotlight of superhero movies.

Momoa was cast in 2017’s ‘Justice League’ as Aquaman and then went on to reprise his role as the nautical hero in 2018’s movie named after his character. We’ll get to see Momoa on the silver screen again soon, as ‘Dune’ plans to be released in 2021. Despite his overwhelming recent success, Momoa remains humble.

Momoa and his wife, Lisa Bonet, have been through thick and thin together

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Image credits: prideofgypsies

He and Bonet have two kids together: son Nakoa-Wolf and daughter Lola Iolani

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The family members are very close and always support one another through any difficulties they encounter

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Image credits: prideofgypsies

During the interview with InStyle, Momoa also opened up about his childhood

Image credits: InStyle

Wholesome and heartwarming, Momoa’s a loving, caring man with lots of different interests

Image credits: prideofgypsies

Image credits: prideofgypsies

Image credits: prideofgypsies

Momoa and his family’s fortunes improved when he was cast for ‘Justice League’ and, later, ‘Aquaman’

Image credits: prideofgypsies

Momoa made a terrific Aquaman (but we’ll always love him for playing Khal Drogo)

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Image credits: warnerbros

With how popular Momoa is nowadays, it’s hard to imagine that he didn’t always have financial stability

Image credits: warnerbros

Momoa shaved off his iconic beard for his role in 2021’s ‘Dune’ and we can’t wait to see him in action

Image credits: warnerbros

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randydhuyvetter avatar
Orillion
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one who remembers him more as Ronon Dex than Khal Drogo?

martingibbs734 avatar
martin734
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, I remember him as Ronon from Stargate Atlantis, that was way before GoT. He was was in Stargate much longer than GoT.

Load More Replies...
kwmacrae avatar
Kate
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw this article over on Buzzfeed first and had the same thought then; 1) he would have only been signed on for a single season so leaving the show should not have been a surprise when fellow cast members were getting contracts for 2-3 seasons in the beginning and 2) he'd already done Baywatch, Stargate and Conan before GoT but didn't have any money left from any of those shows/films?

thandeit avatar
Random Panda
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was thinking the same. Sounds like they might have been living beyond their means, I hope they learned to budget better.

Load More Replies...
chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Starving? Lenny kravitz’s ex wife and father of Zoe. Royalties from the Cosby show and him acting since bay watch in 99. Either poor money management or not knowing what starving is. I know some of you had to eat ketchup sandwiches or have free lunch tickets. They seem like great people but starving is a relative term. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a feast in Sudan! Cmon

jessgunn77 avatar
JessG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He’s a beautiful man in many ways, with a beautiful family...BUT, I can’t really feel bad for him. The fact is, he IS a movie star, he IS in Hollywood, he has famous friends, and a famous wife. This guy kinda has everything.

aahzmanduspervect avatar
Aahzmandus Pervect
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like Momoa and I understand the point of this article, but to say that they were starving after GOT is... Well, a bit much, isn't it?

delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think his idea of starving is the same as in a developing country. In fact, even out of work, I'll bet he and his actress wife had "more" than my family does. Probably not the best statement, but I'll overlook it because he's such a likeable person.

lobotomyjack avatar
Marek Yanchurak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the lede pics on this article is him "sleeping out of a van" - seriously???!!

Load More Replies...
thandeit avatar
Random Panda
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm curious why the article is making it out as if it was a surprise his character on GoT was "suddenly" killed off after only one season. Anyone familiar with the book material would expect that. And he had a bunch of roles before GoT (SG Atlantis, Conan, et), so he should have planned better maybe? Regardless, I'm happy he's getting more work.

imatic86 avatar
ivan bolitekurac
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So i should now feel bad for actors who are in dept becuase their millions weren't enough?Gtfo

chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And have a rock star ex who they are still “family” with. Lenny has 50 million. I doubt they have to walk around Walmart eating chicken fingers from the deli before they leave so they don’t have to pay.

Load More Replies...
olepederhagen avatar
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhm... this guy lives in a neighborhood with typical home prices of 1,3 million dollars. He's played the lead in a major Marvel movie... his wife is also a renowned actor and former wife of Lenny Kravitz. I'm not exactly in tears here...

lobotomyjack avatar
Marek Yanchurak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look, I think Jason Momoa is pretty cool s**t, but starving? Wtf?? And what's with the pics of him laying down in the back of a van?? He was never living out of a van, there's certainly nothing in the article text about anything like that...come on...you guys are usually better than this click bait s**t...

amcgregor7419 avatar
Al Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Acting is a notoriously and unpredictable trade. Even before the pandemic, there were countless very talented actors (and singers and musicians) who dedicated their life to their art, struggling to make ends meet. This isn't and was never a secret. As much as I like the guy, it's difficult for me to sympathise with someone who's already had so much success.

lsgm2fw avatar
Zoe's Mom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly, this happens to many actors either they 'age' out or they are stereotyped after a certain role. Adam West of T.V. Batman series went through that same thing. I strongly believe that is why you must always have a plan B regardless of what career you go for. I'm so happy that Mr. Momoa is now being recognized for his work. Not only is he a good actor but such a warm and humbling human being. Best of everything to him.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no matter what colors he wears, or what roles he plays, he's beautiful as a human being and ... well ... those muscles, that hair, and that face.

chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So much for that content of character thing. I’m not allowed too talk about women that way. Who cares about talent, she’s hot! Not acceptable anymore!

Load More Replies...
shinobishabby avatar
Shinobi Shabby
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IM SORRY, WHAT!? More like lack of financial budgeting! After Game of Thrones?? What did you do will all that money dude?? Anyone is showbiz or sort of work that is not stable should know that months or years without money is very possible and therefore should budget a monthly allowance

cebenspe avatar
Solrac
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Starving? I'd be very careful to use that word out of respect for those who arr starving, and in this case it sounds like an hyperbole.

chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife just grammar policed me, sorry for the wrong use of “too”. Go Pandas

veyselnazl avatar
Veysel Nazlı
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you like Jason Momoa and his movies as much as I do🤩, I've included a link below where you can read the entire article and learn everything about him and his films. Plus, there is a funny video you can watch it, cheers! 😁 https://www.soctex.com/jason-momoa-biography-films/

melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter was trying to explain the phrase 'big d**k energy' and she came up with Jason Momoa and so I understood instantly and completely. Lovely guy.

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I look forward to seeing him do some rom-coms. He has that mad gleam in his eyes that makes him irresistible. i think he could play anything.

randydhuyvetter avatar
Orillion
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one who remembers him more as Ronon Dex than Khal Drogo?

martingibbs734 avatar
martin734
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, I remember him as Ronon from Stargate Atlantis, that was way before GoT. He was was in Stargate much longer than GoT.

Load More Replies...
kwmacrae avatar
Kate
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw this article over on Buzzfeed first and had the same thought then; 1) he would have only been signed on for a single season so leaving the show should not have been a surprise when fellow cast members were getting contracts for 2-3 seasons in the beginning and 2) he'd already done Baywatch, Stargate and Conan before GoT but didn't have any money left from any of those shows/films?

thandeit avatar
Random Panda
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was thinking the same. Sounds like they might have been living beyond their means, I hope they learned to budget better.

Load More Replies...
chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Starving? Lenny kravitz’s ex wife and father of Zoe. Royalties from the Cosby show and him acting since bay watch in 99. Either poor money management or not knowing what starving is. I know some of you had to eat ketchup sandwiches or have free lunch tickets. They seem like great people but starving is a relative term. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a feast in Sudan! Cmon

jessgunn77 avatar
JessG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He’s a beautiful man in many ways, with a beautiful family...BUT, I can’t really feel bad for him. The fact is, he IS a movie star, he IS in Hollywood, he has famous friends, and a famous wife. This guy kinda has everything.

aahzmanduspervect avatar
Aahzmandus Pervect
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like Momoa and I understand the point of this article, but to say that they were starving after GOT is... Well, a bit much, isn't it?

delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think his idea of starving is the same as in a developing country. In fact, even out of work, I'll bet he and his actress wife had "more" than my family does. Probably not the best statement, but I'll overlook it because he's such a likeable person.

lobotomyjack avatar
Marek Yanchurak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the lede pics on this article is him "sleeping out of a van" - seriously???!!

Load More Replies...
thandeit avatar
Random Panda
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm curious why the article is making it out as if it was a surprise his character on GoT was "suddenly" killed off after only one season. Anyone familiar with the book material would expect that. And he had a bunch of roles before GoT (SG Atlantis, Conan, et), so he should have planned better maybe? Regardless, I'm happy he's getting more work.

imatic86 avatar
ivan bolitekurac
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So i should now feel bad for actors who are in dept becuase their millions weren't enough?Gtfo

chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And have a rock star ex who they are still “family” with. Lenny has 50 million. I doubt they have to walk around Walmart eating chicken fingers from the deli before they leave so they don’t have to pay.

Load More Replies...
olepederhagen avatar
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhm... this guy lives in a neighborhood with typical home prices of 1,3 million dollars. He's played the lead in a major Marvel movie... his wife is also a renowned actor and former wife of Lenny Kravitz. I'm not exactly in tears here...

lobotomyjack avatar
Marek Yanchurak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look, I think Jason Momoa is pretty cool s**t, but starving? Wtf?? And what's with the pics of him laying down in the back of a van?? He was never living out of a van, there's certainly nothing in the article text about anything like that...come on...you guys are usually better than this click bait s**t...

amcgregor7419 avatar
Al Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Acting is a notoriously and unpredictable trade. Even before the pandemic, there were countless very talented actors (and singers and musicians) who dedicated their life to their art, struggling to make ends meet. This isn't and was never a secret. As much as I like the guy, it's difficult for me to sympathise with someone who's already had so much success.

lsgm2fw avatar
Zoe's Mom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly, this happens to many actors either they 'age' out or they are stereotyped after a certain role. Adam West of T.V. Batman series went through that same thing. I strongly believe that is why you must always have a plan B regardless of what career you go for. I'm so happy that Mr. Momoa is now being recognized for his work. Not only is he a good actor but such a warm and humbling human being. Best of everything to him.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no matter what colors he wears, or what roles he plays, he's beautiful as a human being and ... well ... those muscles, that hair, and that face.

chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So much for that content of character thing. I’m not allowed too talk about women that way. Who cares about talent, she’s hot! Not acceptable anymore!

Load More Replies...
shinobishabby avatar
Shinobi Shabby
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IM SORRY, WHAT!? More like lack of financial budgeting! After Game of Thrones?? What did you do will all that money dude?? Anyone is showbiz or sort of work that is not stable should know that months or years without money is very possible and therefore should budget a monthly allowance

cebenspe avatar
Solrac
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Starving? I'd be very careful to use that word out of respect for those who arr starving, and in this case it sounds like an hyperbole.

chabot0310 avatar
Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife just grammar policed me, sorry for the wrong use of “too”. Go Pandas

veyselnazl avatar
Veysel Nazlı
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you like Jason Momoa and his movies as much as I do🤩, I've included a link below where you can read the entire article and learn everything about him and his films. Plus, there is a funny video you can watch it, cheers! 😁 https://www.soctex.com/jason-momoa-biography-films/

melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter was trying to explain the phrase 'big d**k energy' and she came up with Jason Momoa and so I understood instantly and completely. Lovely guy.

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I look forward to seeing him do some rom-coms. He has that mad gleam in his eyes that makes him irresistible. i think he could play anything.

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