Who is Idris Elba? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In September

Also Known As: Idrissa Akuna Elba

Age: 52 Years, 52 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Sabrina Dhowre Elba (m. 2019), Hanne Norgaard (m. 1999–2003), Sonya Nicole Hamlin (m. 2006–2006)

father: Winston Elba

mother: Eve Elba

children: Isan Elba, Winston Elba

Born Country: England

Actors British Men

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

City: London, England

Notable Alumni: Barking And Dagenham College

More Facts

education: Barking And Dagenham College

Recommended For You

1

Is Idris Elba a musician?

Yes, Idris Elba is a musician in addition to being an actor. He has released music as a DJ and rapper.
2

Has Idris Elba directed any movies?

Yes, Idris Elba has directed a movie called "Yardie," which was released in 2018.
3

What is Idris Elba's nationality?

Idris Elba is British. He was born in London, England.
4

Is Idris Elba a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Yes, Idris Elba portrayed the character Heimdall in several Marvel films, including the Thor series and Avengers movies.
5

Has Idris Elba won any major acting awards?

Yes, Idris Elba has won several awards for his acting, including a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the TV series "Luther."

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Childhood & Early Life

Idris Elba was born as Idrissa Akuna Elba on 6th September 1972 in Hackney, London, in the UK. His father Winston, who worked for a Ford motor factory in Dagenham, was from Sierra Leona, and his mother, Eve, was from Ghana.

Elba shortened his name to ‘Idris’ while attending school at Canning Town. It was during this time that he got involved in acting. His first role was in the play ‘The Stage’, which he had landed after answering an advertisement in a newspaper.

He also started a DJ company with his friends. He then received a grant from the Prince’s Trust due to which he was able to get a place in the National Music Theatre.

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Acting Career

Idris Elba’s acting career began with guest as well as minor roles in the TV series ‘The Bill’, ‘Bramwell’, ‘The Governor’, ‘Family Affairs,’ ‘Ultraviolet’ and ‘London’s Burning’. He made his film debut in 1999, with a supporting role in the French film ‘Belle Maman’ which was directed by Gabriel Aghion.

He gained considerable popularity for his main role in the British crime drama series ‘The Wire’. It was appreciated by the critics as well as loved by the audience. It also won several awards. Over the years, the series has been regarded by many as one of the best TV series of all time.

He was seen in many TV films as well as feature films over the next few years. Some of his films were ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ (2001), ‘The Gospel’ (2005), ‘Daddy’s Little Girls’ (2007), ‘The Human Contract’ (2008), ‘The Unborn’ (2009) and ‘Obsessed’ (2009). Since 2010, he has been playing the titular lead role in the TV series ‘Luther’, for which he gained critical acclaim.

His popularity reached even greater heights after he played an important role in the 2011 superhero film ‘Thor’. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film was based on the famous Marvel comics’ superhero of the same name. The movie was a commercial success and was also met with mostly positive reviews. Elba reprised his role in the 2013 sequel ‘Thor: The Dark World’.

In 2013, he played the famous revolutionary Nelson Mandela in the biopic ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.’ The film was, however, a commercial failure and was met with mixed reviews. Other films he appeared in over the next few years include ‘Second Coming’ (2014), ‘The Gunman’ (2015) ‘The Jungle Book’ (2016), and ‘Star Trek Beyond’ (2016).

In 2017, he played the lead role in the film ‘The Dark Tower’. Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, the film was a commercial success. The same year, he appeared in the films ‘Molly’s Game’ and ‘The Mountain between Us’. He also reprised his role in ‘Thor: Ragnarok,’ the second sequel to the 2011 superhero film ‘Thor’. The film was a huge success commercially.

Music Career

Idris Elba has appeared in music videos for Fat Joe, Angie Stone, and Giggs. He has also served as a director and producer for multiple music videos by Mumford and Sons and K Michelle.

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Major Works

Idris Elba plays the lead titular role in the British crime drama series ‘Luther’. He portrays a police officer named John Luther who is quite dedicated to his job. His performance in the series has earned critical acclaim and has won him several awards including the ‘Golden Globe Award’.

Elba portrayed Nelson Mandela in the 2013 film ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. Directed by Justin Chadwick, the film also starred Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge and Riaad Moosa. It was nominated for many awards including an Oscar in the category of ‘Best Original Song’ for ‘Ordinary Love’; it won the Golden Globe Award in the same category.

Awards & Achievements

Idris Elba has earned many awards and nominations for his brilliant performances on screen. He won the Golden Globe Award in the category of ‘Best Actor in Miniseries or TV film’, for his performance in ‘Luther’ in 2011. He has also earned four other nominations for the Golden Globe Award; twice for his role in ‘Luther’, and once each for his performances in the biopic ‘Mandela: Road to Freedom’ and the war film ‘Beasts of No Nation’.

Other awards won by him include the ‘BET Award for Best Actor’ for his role in ‘The Losers’ in 2010, as well as the ‘Black Reel Award for Best Actor’ for his role in ‘Luther’ in 2012.

He has been nominated for the Emmy Awards five times; four times for his work in ‘Luther’ and once for his role in the drama series ‘The Big C’.

He was listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2016.

For his contribution to drama, he was appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2016 Queen's New Year’s Honors.

Personal Life

Idris Elba married Henne Norgard in 1999. They had one daughter. However, the couple divorced after four years.

He later married Sonya Hamlin in April 2006. Their marriage was annulled after a few months.

Facts About Idris Elba

Idris Elba is not only a talented actor, but he's also a skilled DJ who has performed at various music festivals and clubs under the stage name "DJ Big Driis."

In addition to his acting and music career, Idris Elba is a skilled kickboxer and even competed professionally in the sport.

Idris Elba is a big fan of cars and has a passion for racing. He has participated in celebrity races and even has his own car collection.

Despite his tough image on screen, Idris Elba has a soft spot for animals and has been involved in various animal conservation efforts.

Idris Elba has a playful sense of humor and has been known to play pranks on his co-stars and friends on set.

Idris Elba Biography

You wanted to know

Is Idris Elba a musician?

Has Idris Elba directed any movies?

What is Idris Elba's nationality?

Is Idris Elba a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Has Idris Elba won any major acting awards?