Irish Elba is an accomplished British actor, producer and musician, popularly known for his roles in television series like The Wire and Luther, as well as major films such as Thor and Beasts of No Nation. Known for his commanding screen presence and deep voice, Elba has also been active in music, particularly DJing and rapping under the name DJ Big Driis.
Idris Elba Biography
Born as Idrissa Akuna Elba on the 6th of September, 1972, in Hackney, London. He attended Canning Town High School, (now known as Rokeby School) in East London. While there, he developed a passion for acting and got his first exposure to the craft by participating in school plays.
His early steps into acting was supported by a grant from the Prince’s Trust, a UK charity, which helped him secure a place at the National Youth Music Theatre. This gave him opportunities to refine his craft and explore the world of performance. However, Elba did not follow a formal long-term academic path in acting, instead, he opted to enter into the entertainment industry early, working many jobs while pursuing acting opportunities.
Idris Elba started his career in British television before gaining international fame. His breakout role came with HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire (2002-2004), where he played the drug kingpin Stringer Bell. This role elevated his career which led to more projects.
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Apart from The Wire, Elba is known for his role as Detective John Luther in the British series Luther (2010), a performance that earned him the Global Globe award. He has also starred in major films including Thor (2011) as Heimdall, Pacific Rim (2013) and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom(2013), where he portrayed Nelson Mandela. His role in Beasts of No Nation(2015) earned him critical praise and many award nominations.
Outside acting, Elba has had a successful music career as a DJ and rapper. He has performed at major festivals and produced music for films, including contributing to the soundtrack for Luther.
Idris Elba Age and Zodiac Sign
Idris Elba was born on the 6th of September, 1972. This makes him 52 years old as of 2024. His Zodiac sign is Virgo.
Idris Elba Parents
The legendary actor’s parents are Winston Elba and Eve Elba. His father, Winston, was originally from Sierra Leone and worked at a Ford motor factory, while his mother, Eve, is from Ghana and worked in an office. Both of them were very pivotal in moulding Idris Elba’s early life and career ambitions.
Idris Elba Siblings
Elba is an only child, so he does not have any siblings. He has often spoken about being close to his parents while growing up in East London.
Idris Elba Wife
The prominent actor has been married thrice. He first got married to makeup artist, Hanne “Kim” Norgaard in 1999. The couple divorced in 2003, though they remained amicable. Elba has not publicly disclosed specific reasons for the split.
His second marriage was to Sonya Nicole Hamlin, a lawyer, in 2006 and it lasted for only four months. Hamlin has said in interviews that the marriage ended due to pressures from their long-distance relationship and Elba’s career focus. She mentioned that Idris’s demanding acting career and his desire to live in Los Angeles strained the relationship and led to a quick divorce.
His current wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a Somali-Canadian model and former beauty queen. They were married in 2019 in a lavish ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Idris Elba Children
Elba has two children, Isan Elba, from his previous marriage to ex-wife Hanne Kim Norgaard. Is an has occasionally been in the spotlight, especially when she was named the 2019 Golden Globe Ambassador. She has expressed interest in mental health advocacy.
Born in 2014, Winston Elba is Idris Elba’s son from his previous relationship with Naiyana Garth, a British makeup artist. Idris named him after his father, Winston Elba.
Idris Elba Net worth
Elba, the 2011 Thor actor, is reported to have a net worth of approximately $40 million. His wealth comes from his acting career in both television and film, as well as his work as a producer, DJ and musician. He has starred in major box office hits like Thor, Pacific Rim and The Suicide Squad, and has received critical acclaim for his performances in series such as Luther and The Wire. His work behind the camera as a director and his brand endorsements have boosted his net worth.