Idris Elba
- Born:
- 2 September 1972, Hackney, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Producer, DJ, Rapper, Singer
Early Life and Education
- Born Idrissa Akuna Elba to Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian parents.
- Attended school in Canning Town, where he first became involved in acting.
- Joined the National Youth Music Theatre and earned a £1,500 Prince's Trust grant to further his acting career.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early roles included appearances on British television series such as Absolutely Fabulous and The Bill.
- Breakthrough role as Stringer Bell in the HBO crime drama The Wire (2002–2004).
- Golden Globe Award winner for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for Luther (2011).
- Screen Actors Guild Award winner for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Beasts of No Nation (2015).
- Directed and starred in the film Yardie (2018).
- Notable roles in major film franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Heimdall), Star Trek Beyond, and the Fast & Furious franchise.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Belle maman | Grocery Store Worker |
| 2005 | Sometimes in April | Augustin Muganza |
| 2013 | Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom | Nelson Mandela |
| 2023 | Luther: The Fallen Sun | John Luther |
| 2023 | Knuckles | Knuckles (voice) |
Discography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Big Man | EP |
| 2009 | Kings Among Kings | Mixtape |
| 2014 | Mi Mandela | Studio Album |
Legacy and Impact
Idris Elba has established himself as a leading actor and performer with significant contributions across film, television, and music. His diverse roles and achievements have made him a prominent figure in popular culture. He continues to explore different facets of storytelling, and his involvement in projects like producing and acting in various productions shows his dedication to the industry. For example, while some may point to action thrillers with characters who are 'idris elba movies stranded' on a literal or figurative island, Elba's overall impact extends far beyond a single genre.