14 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About Jason Momoa

Updated on 2/11/2017 at 10:00 AM

By now, you probably know a thing or two about Jason Momoa. Of course, avid Game of Thrones fans know him for his sexy role as Khal Drogo, and even more people are beginning to recognize him as the new Aquaman in the first Justice League movie. Outside of all that, though, we'd venture to say he's widely recognized for his all-around hotness and his glorious chest hair. Nevertheless, for all that you think you may know about Jason, there's still plenty to learn. In honor of the actor's 37th birthday on Aug. 1, see the host of fun facts we've managed to dredge up.

He Was Born in Hawaii but Raised in Iowa by His Single Mother

Jason's parents split when he was very young, and he moved with his mother to Madison County, IA.

He Was on Baywatch Hawaii

Jason starred on Baywatch: Hawaii from 1999 until 2001, right around the time he was working on his modeling career. Given how gorgeous he looks, it's not surprising at all.

He Was a (Very Gorgeous) Model Back in the '90s

Jason was reportedly discovered by international designer Takeo Kobayashi in 1998 and began modeling shortly thereafter. He even apparently won Hawaii's model of the year in 1999!

Before He Acted, He Was an Aspiring Marine Biologist, Lifeguard, and Surfer

A profile from Entertainment Weekly describes Jason's rise to fame in brief, saying he was "a lifeguard, a surfer, a Baywatch actor, and a marine biology major."

He Is VERY Tall — We're Talking 6'5"

Although Google says that Jason Momoa is 6'4", he's actually described himself as being 6'5". In an interview with Access Hollywood, he recalled his audition for Game of Thrones, saying, "When you have a big 6'5" Hawaiian, screaming at the top of his lungs, like ready to rape, pillage, and kill anyone in front of [him], these . . . casting directors were kind of very scared."

Speaking of Which, He Had Quite the Unorthodox Game of Thrones Audition

Jason made a very interesting choice when he auditioned for Game of Thrones. He broke into a Haka, which is an ancestral war cry of the Maori people of New Zealand. It's typically performed before battle. Clearly, it's what helped Jason clinch the role.

He Used to Have a Full Head of Dreads

Just look at them. Just, wow.

He Got That Eyebrow Scar From a Pretty Gnarly Bar Fight

Jason has rehashed the story of his scar in previous interviews: "It was crazy. A guy smashed a pint glass in my face. I got a little over 140 stitches in my face . . . [hair] just doesn't grow there anymore."

He's Married to Lisa Bonet

The two have been married since 2007. They first started dating back in 2005.

He Has 2 Adorable Children With Lisa Bonet

Jason and Lisa have a 9-year-old daughter, Lola Iolani, and a 7-year-old son, Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha. With July 2007 and December 2008 birthdays, they're only 17 months apart!

There's a Special Significance Behind That Tattoo on His Forearm

Turns out, the tattoo isn't just a fun design. In another interview, he reportedly explained that the triangles are supposed to represent shark teeth. That way, when he's in the water, they might recognize him as their own.

He's Kind of a (Totally Adorable) Mama's Boy

Jason frequently brings his mom to red carpet events, and she's popped up in more than a handful of snaps on his exciting Instagram account. He even celebrated her birthday in March with the sweetest message!

He Really, Really Loves Guinness Beer

If the above snap isn't enough proof that Jason loves his Guinness, consider this: in 2011, Jason credited his Game of Thrones weight gain solely to his consumption of Guinness and pizza.

He Has a Philanthropic Side, Especially When It Comes to His Home State

In 2015, Jason ignited a social media campaign to save Mauna Kea, a sacred Hawaiian mountain that was due to undergo construction.