Born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Momoa grew up in a family of creative professionals, with a Native Hawaiian father and a mother of German, Irish, and Native American descent. He spent his early years in Iowa, where he battled shyness and initially dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. However, a fateful audition for “Baywatch” in 1999 set him on a different path. With no acting experience, he fabricated a modeling career, impressing casting directors and landing a role that would kickstart his career.
