Idris Elba OBE, born on 6 September 1972, is a versatile English actor, rapper, singer, and DJ. A graduate of the National Youth Music Theatre, he gained fame with roles like Stringer Bell in “The Wire,” DCI John Luther in “Luther,” and Nelson Mandela in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” winning a Golden Globe for “Luther.”
Elba appeared in “American Gangster,” “Prometheus,” and played Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His other notable films include “Beasts of No Nation” and “The Harder They Fall.” Elba is also a successful DJ known as DJ Big Driis and has ventured into directing with the film “Yardie.” His films have grossed over $9.8 billion worldwide, making him one of the top-grossing actors globally.
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Idris Elba’s Net Worth
Idris Elba has a net worth of $50 million. He first gained recognition in the late 1990s through his television roles in the UK. Elba’s international breakthrough came from his portrayal of the astute drug lord Stringer Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Wire” (2002-2004), which garnered him widespread acclaim and recognition.
Early life
Idrissa Akuna Elba was born on September 6, 1972, in Hackney, London, to a Sierra Leonean father and a Ghanaian mother who had moved from Sierra Leone to London. Raised in Hackney and East Ham, Elba shortened his name to “Idris” during his school years in Canning Town, where he discovered acting.
He started a DJ business as a teenager and worked various odd jobs to support his early acting career. Elba attended the National Youth Music Theatre, funded by a Prince’s Trust grant, and gained his first significant exposure after responding to an advertisement in The Stage magazine.
Career
Idris Elba, born September 6, 1972, in London, is a versatile actor known for roles in “The Wire,” “Luther,” and as Nelson Mandela in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.” He began acting in school, eventually gaining recognition in various TV series before achieving global fame.
Elba has also made significant impacts in film, appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and major movies like “Beasts of No Nation.” Beyond acting, he is a DJ known as DJ Big Driis and has ventured into kickboxing, even documenting his training and debut fight on a Discovery Channel special.
Personal life
Idris Elba has been married three times: first to Hanne “Kim” Nørgaard from 1999 to 2003, then briefly to Sonya Nicole Hamlin in 2006. He has a daughter with Nørgaard and a son with former girlfriend Naiyana Garth.
Elba began dating Canadian model Sabrina Dhowre in 2017, proposing in 2018 during a film screening, and they married in Marrakesh in 2019. Elba, who identifies as spiritual but not religious, is an Arsenal fan and set a land speed record in 2015. He serves as an anti-crime ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and has voiced his political views, including support for remaining in the EU.
Who Inspired Idris Elba?
Idris Elba draws inspiration from his father, Winston Elba, who worked at the Ford Dagenham plant. The stories his father shared about his work and experiences profoundly influenced Idris’s perspective on life and his career choices.
Conclusion
Idris Elba’s journey from a London-born actor to a Hollywood icon is a story of relentless pursuit of passion, immense talent, and versatility. His ability to seamlessly transition between different roles and genres, coupled with his off-screen charisma, has made him a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.FAQs
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FaQs about Idris Elba
- What is Idris Elba’s ethnic background? – Elba has Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian heritage.
- What was Idris Elba’s breakout role in the United States? – His role as Russell “Stringer” Bell in ‘The Wire.
- Has Idris Elba won any awards for his acting? – Yes, he has won several awards, including a Golden Globe for his role in ‘Luther’.
- What are some of Idris Elba’s notable movie roles? – His roles include parts in ‘Thor’, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, and ‘Beasts of No Nation’.
- Does Idris Elba have any musical pursuits? – Yes, he is also a DJ, rapper, and singer, known by the nickname DJ Big Driis.
