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Idris Elba is an English actor, writer, producer, musician, DJ, rapper and singer. He is known for roles including Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. He has been nominated four times for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor: Miniseries or Television Film, winning one and was nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Birth Name
Idrissa Akuna Elba
Nickname
Idris, DJ Big Driis, Big Driis, 7 Dub, Big Driis the Londoner
Profession
Actor, Writer, Producer, Musician, DJ, Rapper, Singer
Genre
Hip Hop, Soul, R&B
Instruments
Vocals
Labels
He has released his music via 7wallace / Parlophone Records Limited.
Nationality
English
Personal Life
Birthday / Date of Birth
Idris Elba was born on the 6th of September 1972, in Hackney, London, England.
Age
He’s currently 46 years old.
Residence
Los Angeles, California, United States
Sun Sign
Virgo
Ethnicity
Black
Religion
Christianity
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Education
Idris attended Kingsland High School and then went to Barking and Dagenham College in London to study drama. Elba left school in 1988, and won a place in the National Youth Music Theatre thanks to a £1,500 Prince’s Trust grant.
Family Details
- Father – Winston Elba (Shop Steward at Ford Dagenham) (Died of lung cancer in 2013)
- Mother – Eve Elba
- Siblings – None
Marital Status
Married
Girlfriend / Spouse
Idris Elba dated –
- Hanne Norgaard (1999-2003) – Danish makeup artist Hanne Nørgaard and Idris Elba got married in 1999. Together they have a daughter named Isan (b. 2002). Elba has spoken about their financial struggles during their marriage which supposedly took a toll on their relationship. The couple filed for divorce in 2003. Their daughter stays with her mother in Atlanta in Georgia, United States after the couple’s divorce.
- Sonya Nicole Hamlin (2006) – Idris and Sonya Hamlin, who works as a property lawyer, were introduced by a mutual friend in 2006. The two were instantly attracted to each other and after dating for only a couple of months, they tied the knot in Las Vegas on a whim. Unfortunately, he was struggling for his big break at the time and Sonya’s flourishing career put a dent in their marriage. There were also reports that Elba got the marriage annulled as he wanted to maintain his sex symbol status in Hollywood which would have been affected by his marital status. They were married from April 9, 2006, to August 11, 2006.
- Naiyana Garth (2013-2016) – Idris fell for another makeup artist when he began dating Naiyana Garth in 2013. Idris became a dad for the second time with a boy who he named Winston (b. 2014) after his father. However, in February 2016, he moved out of their London home and the long-time couple pulled the plug on their relationship. The news of their break up came within days of Elba being pictured partying with supermodel Naomi Campbell.
- Sabrina Dhowre (2017-Present) – Idris Elba met American model and actress Sabrina Dhowre while shooting the film The Mountain Between Us in 2017. Sabrina is a former beauty pageant winner who was Miss Vancouver in 2014 and is 16 years his junior. But it couldn’t stop sparks from flying between the two. The couple made their red carpet debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017. On February 10, 2018, Idris surprised many by proposing to his girlfriend at the London screening of his directorial debut film Yardie.
Physical Statistics
Height
- In feet – 6 feet 2¾ inches
- In centimeters – 190 cm
- In meters – 1.90 m
Weight
- In Kilograms – 96 kg
- In Pounds – 112 lbs
Body Measurements
- Measurements – 44-14-38
- Chest – 44 in or 112 cm
- Arms / Biceps – 14 in or 35.5 cm
- Waist – 38 in or 96.5 cm
Body Build
Athletic
Eye Color
Dark Brown
Hair Color
Black
Shoe Size
He wears a size 11 (US) shoe.
Sexuality
Straight
Professional Statistics
Famous For
He is known for roles including Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013).
Singer Debut
In 2014, Elba released his EP Idris Elba Presents mi Mandela after being influenced by playing the titular role in the feature film Mandela: Long Way To Freedom.
Film Debut
In 1999, Idris made his theatrical film debut playing Grégoire in the French comedy movie Belle Maman (Step-mother in English).
Television Debut
In March 29, 1994, Idris made his first TV show appearance as Alex Mason in the Pig in the Middle episode of the crime-drama series The Bill.
Brand Endorsements
Elba has endorsed the following brands: Toyota Avalon (2013), Sky Cable Television (UK) (2015), Stand Up 2 Cancer, Fathom Events & Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege.
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Gospel | Black Reel Award for Best Actor | Nominated |
| Sometimes in April | Black Reel Award for Best Actor: T.V. Movie/Cable | Nominated | |
| NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special | Nominated | ||
| 2007 | Daddy’s Little Girls | BET Award for Best Actor | Nominated |
| American Gangster | Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | Nominated | |
| 2008 | This Christmas, American Gangster and 28 Weeks Later | BET Award for Best Actor | Nominated |
| 2009 | RocknRolla and The Unborn | Nominated | |
| Obsessed | NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture | Nominated | |
| 2010 | The Losers | BET Award for Best Actor | Won |
| Takers | Black Reel Award for Best Ensemble | Nominated | |
| Luther | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film | Nominated | |
| 2011 | Takers | NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture | Nominated |
| Takers and Luther | BET Award for Best Actor | Won | |
| Luther | NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special | Won | |
| The Big C | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Luther | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film | Won | |
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie | Nominated | ||
| Satellite Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | Black Reel Award for Best Actor: T.V. Movie/Cable | Won | |
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie | Nominated | ||
| Thor, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and Luther | BET Award for Best Actor | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama | Nominated |
| Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Thor: The Dark World | BET Award for Best Actor | Nominated | |
| Luther | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film | Nominated | |
| NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special | Won | ||
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | Luther and No Good Deed | BET Award for Best Actor | Nominated |
| Beasts of No Nation | Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor | Won | |
| Awards Circuit Community Award for Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | ||
| BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Nominated | ||
| Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture | Nominated | ||
| Indiana Film Journalists Association Award for Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | ||
| Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male | Won | ||
| Kermode Award for Best Actor | Won | ||
| Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role | Won | ||
| Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | Nominated | ||
| Luther | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film | Nominated | |
| Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries | Won | ||
| Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie | Won | ||
| 2016 | British Academy Television Award for Best Actor | Nominated | |
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | The Jungle Book | NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance | Won |
| Black Reel Award for Outstanding Voice Performance | Won | ||
| Zootopia | Black Reel Award for Outstanding Voice Performance | Nominated | |
| Finding Dory | Black Reel Award for Outstanding Voice Performance | Nominated | |
| Star Trek Beyond | Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Villain | Nominated |
Idris Elba Favorites
- Favorite Movies – Goodfellas (1990), The Champ (1979)
- Favorite Song – Darling I Need Your Loving (By John Holt)
- Favorite Emojis – The Pound Fist, The 100
- Favorite Place To Shoot – Africa
- Favorite Cities – London, Accra (Capital of Ghana), New York City
- Favorite Drink – Beer
Idris Elba Net worth
Idris Elba has an estimated net worth of $25 million dollars as of 2019. As of May 2019, his films have grossed over $9.8 billion at the global box office, including over $3.6 billion in North America where he is one of the top 20 highest grossing actors.
Social Media Profiles
- Facebook – Idris Elba
- Instagram – idriselba
- Twitter – Idris Elba
Some Lesser Known Facts About Idris Elba
- As a teenager in 1986, Elba used to help his uncle with his wedding DJ business. Eventually, he enlisted the help of his friends and started his own DJ company within a year.
- He is a self-confessed football fan and supports the Arsenal Football Club since the age of 15, although he has admitted to having attended very few matches. His dad is a supporter of the Manchester United Club.
- He also made the cover of Essence Magazine’s Hot Hollywood Men issue in April 2004.
- Idris holds the distinction of being the only male to have appeared on the cover of Maxim magazine.
- Actor Daniel Craig had mentioned Elba as his favorite to succeed him as James Bond, saying that he would be fantastic as the MI6 agent.
- He counts actors Jamie Foxx and Chiwetel Ejiofor among his close friends.
- He has a penchant for high speed and is an avid rally fan. He has also participated in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
- 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.
- In May 2007, Elba was selected as one of People‘s annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World.
- In April 2009, he was appointed as the Anti-Crime Ambassador of the Prince’s Trust which had helped him financially in getting his footing in the show business during his younger days.
- In July 2009, Elba was the DJ for BET’s current series Rising Icons.
- In August 2010, Elba signed up to portray the title character in a reboot of James Patterson’s Alex Cross film franchise.
- In 2011, he performed on the intro to Pharoahe Monch’s album W.A.R.. The following year, he co-directed and performed in the Mumford & Sons music video for Lover of the Light.
- In 2013, he played the famous revolutionary Nelson Mandela in the biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
- In 2013, he was named Essence‘s annual Sexiest Man of the Year and was ranked No. 2 in People‘s annual Sexiest Man Alive.
- In 2014, he produced K. Michelle’s The Rebellious Soul Musical which debuted on VH1 on 19 August 2014.
- In October 2014, Elba was presented with a MOBO Inspiration Award.
- In 2015, Elba appeared as Heimdall in the superhero blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron, directed by Joss Whedon.
- In 2015, he was named one of GQ magazine’s 50 best-dressed British men.
- In April 2016, He was included in the list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.
- In July 2018, he launched his record label, 7Wallace Music.
- In September 2018, he was one of 50 people named for making London awesome and helping to shape London’s cultural landscape who were featured in Time Out to mark the magazine’s 50th anniversary.
- In 5 November 2018, it was announced he had been named People‘s Sexiest Man alive via The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
- In 2019, Elba appears in Taylor Swift’s song London Boy from her seventh studio album Lover.
- In April 2019, Elba performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
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