Idris Elba
- Born:
- Idrissa Akuna Elba, September 2, 1972, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Producer, DJ, Rapper
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Hackney, London, to a Sierra Leonean father and a Ghanaian mother.
- Began acting in school plays and received a Prince's Trust grant at a young age.
- Worked various jobs while pursuing acting opportunities in his early career.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained recognition for his role as Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire (2002-2004).
- Starred as DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, winning a Golden Globe Award and four Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
- Portrayed Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Thor: Love and Thunder.
- Directed and starred in the film Yardie (2018).
- Has an established career as a DJ under the name DJ Big Driis.
- Named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2018.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selection)
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2007 | American Gangster | Tango |
2012 | Prometheus | Captain Janek |
2013 | Pacific Rim | Stacker Pentecost |
2016 | Star Trek Beyond | Krall |
2021 | The Suicide Squad | Bloodsport |
Discography (Selection)
- Mi Mandela (2014)
- High Class Problems Vol. 1 (2017)
Legacy and Impact
Idris Elba is a highly acclaimed and versatile actor known for his compelling performances in television and film. As one of the more high profile personalities who could be described as famous virgos born today, he has achieved significant success in both mainstream and independent projects, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.