Idris Elba

About

Idris Elba is a highly acclaimed actor and producer, recognized globally for his vast talents and versatile roles. Born on September 6, 1972, in London, England, Elba gravitated towards acting at an early age and launched his career on British television. He rose to global fame with his portrayal of drug lord 'Stringer Bell' on HBO's hit series "The Wire" and later equally impressed audiences and critics with his performance as 'DCI John Luther' in the BBC series "Luther." Apart from television, Elba has also landed significant roles in films like "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," where he played Nelson Mandela, and "Beasts of No Nation." Besides his acting career, Elba is also known for his DJing and has even released music under the name DJ Big Driis. He was named the Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine in 2018.

Associated With

Idris Elba, an esteemed British actor, has had various collaborations and associations across the entertainment industry. Notably, he has acted alongside Matthew McConaughey in the film "The Dark Tower," Tom Hiddleston in the "Thor" movies, and has been directed by Ridley Scott in "Prometheus." In television, he is widely recognized for his working relationship with Dominic West and other cast members in the HBO series "The Wire." In terms of dating, he was previously linked with Madonna, and was married to Hanne Norgaard and Sonya Nicole Hamlin, before marrying Sabrina Dhowre Elba in 2019. Elba has also collaborated as a DJ with artists like Wiley and Sean Paul. He led an ensemble cast in Netflix's "The Harder They Fall," produced by Jay-Z, further gauging his varied connections within the industry.

Career Highlights

• Idris Elba started his career with minor roles in UK TV series such as "Bramwell" and "The Bill" during the late 1990s.
• In 2002, he received his breakthrough role as Russell "Stringer" Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire".
• Elba portrayed Captain Augustin Muganza in the film "Sometimes in April" in 2005.
• His role in the movie "American Gangster" (2007), where he played Tango, added to his growing reputation as a versatile actorA performer who portrays a character in a film, television show, theater, or other dramatic producti....
• In 2009, Elba began his role as the titular detective in the BBC series "Luther" which earned him critical acclaim.
• Elba also starred in the biographical film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" in 2013, where his performance as Nelson Mandela was widely praised.
• In 2016, he voiced Chief Bogo in "Zootopia" and Shere Khan in "The Jungle Book", demonstrating his ability to perform in various mediums.
• Elba received a Best Actor Golden Globe award for his role as DSI John Luther in "Luther" in 2011.
• In 2012, he received a Best Actor BAFTA nomination for his role in "Luther".
• He also received a Golden Globe Best Actor nomination for his role in "Beasts of No Nation" in 2015.
• In 2016, he won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for "Beasts of No Nation".
• Elba went on to win another SAG Award in 2017 for his role in "Luther".
• He was named Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine in 2018.
• He received a special award at the BAFTA TV Awards in 2020 for his creative contribution to television and his commitment to championing diversity and new talent in the industry.
• In 2021, he starred in the film "The Suicide Squad," as Robert DuBois / Bloodsport.
• Note: The years mentioned are associated with the roles or the time at which the awards were given. It doesn't necessarily represent when the work for them was done, as awards are typically given after the release of a movie or TV show.

Notable Awards

• Idris Elba is a highly acclaimed actor who has received several notable awards and nominations during his career. Some of the notable awards Idris Elba has received include:
• Golden Globe Award: He won the Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television in 2012 for "Luther".
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: He won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in 2016 for "Beasts of No Nation", and also in 2016, he won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for "Luther".
• British Academy Television Awards: He won Best Actor in 2010 for "Luther".
• Critics' Choice Television Awards: He won Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries for "Luther" in 2016.
• Royal Television Society Awards: He won Best Actor in 2009 for "Luther".
• Independent Spirit Awards: He won Best Supporting Male in 2016 for "Beasts of No Nation".

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Idris Elba Movie/TV Show?

One of the most popular movies that Idris Elba has starred in is "Thor: Ragnarok" where he reprised his role as Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie was a commercial and critical success, cementing his status as a staple in blockbuster films. On television, Elba has gained the most recognition for his leading role in the BBC series "Luther". His portrayal of the titular character, Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations, making it arguably his most popular and renowned TV role.

How Did Idris Elba Get Famous?

Idris Elba gained fame primarily through his work in television and film. His breakout role came in the early 2000s when he portrayed the character of Stringer Bell on HBO’s critically acclaimed series, “The Wire”. This performance brought him international recognition and opened doors for roles on both the small and big screen, making him a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry. Later on, his portrayal of the title character in the BBC series "Luther" solidified his fame, earning him critical acclaim and several award nominations. His roles in major films like "Thor", "Pacific Rim", "Prometheus" and "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" also contributed significantly to his celebrity status.