Jason Momoa Hasn't Always Been A Hollywood Tough Guy

Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa was born on August 1, 1979. He is of Hawaiian descent on his father's side, and mostly German descent on his mother's side. Most people know the actor from his time on Game of Thrones as Khal Drogo and recently Aquaman in Justice League. But you may be surprised by these facts for everyone's favorite Hollywood cool guy.

1. Jason was born in Hawaii but was raised by his mom in Iowa. 

Jason at 13 years old. 

2. After High School, Jason moved back to Hawaii and joined the cast of Baywatch: Hawaii

Per his IMDb biography, "I was 19 and folding T-shirts in a surf shop. And I got chosen out of 1,300 people to play a leading role on Baywatch Hawaii. I didn't even know how to act. It took me five years to get an agent after [that]. No one would take me seriously after Baywatch. I lived in the shadow of that for a long time."

3. Jason landed his first big role as Ronon Dex on Stargate: Atlantis

His Stargaterole helped him gain enough recognition to launch his acting career. 

4. In 2008, Jason had a drinking glass smashed over his face at a bar. 

This resulted in 140 stitches, reconstructive surgery, and a pretty awesome scar over his eyebrow. The scar is now a trademark look of his. 

5. He's also a rock climber. 

6. And a guitarist.

While filming Justice League, Momoa took time to jam with his cast mates, Wonder Woman included. 

7. And he makes tomahawks. 

8. And he likes mountain biking 

Is there anything he doesn't do? 

9. He's also a filmmaker.

His dream job is to become a director and do his own version of a Braveheart-like historical drama movie. 

10. His signature forearm tattoo is meant to represent shark teeth.  

The tattoo also made its way into his Aquaman look. 

11. He's not a big fan of technology.

In his spare time, Jason prefers the outdoors, reading, and meditation. 

12. He loves Guinness. A LOT. 

13. Did I mention he loves Guinness? 

14. But he obviously loves his family the most. 

Speaking about his and wife, Lisa Bonet's children in his Canvas Of My Life short, Momoa says, "With them, my dreams finally came true; I’m a father, I found my place, my home."

15. He's a tough guy who has a big heart. 

Not only is Momoa a father, an actor, and a hundred other things, but he's also a bit of a philanthropist. 

16. And he still makes time to have mother-son dates with his mom.

Even if that means a trip to the pub with mom on St. Paddy's Day! 

Over the years, Jason Momoa has gone from teen heartthrob to the fan favorite Dothraki king. But if you look past the war paint, biceps, and good looks, there's simply just a really humble guy who everyone wants to be their cool uncle at family gatherings. Were you surprised by these facts? SHARE with your friends to see how they react!