Idris Elba (born September 6, 1972) is a British television, theatre, and film actor who has starred in both British and American productions. One of his first acting roles was in the soap opera Family Affairs. Since then he has worked in a variety of TV and movie projects including Ultraviolet, The Wire, No Good Deed and Zootopia.
Did you know that before becoming a successful actor, Idris Elba worked as a tire fitter, a cold caller, and even a DJ in nightclubs in the UK and New York?
His portrayal of drug kingpin Stringer Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire" is widely considered his breakout role, establishing him as a formidable dramatic actor. Following this, his titular role as DCI John Luther in the BBC series "Luther" cemented his status as a leading man and earned him a Golden Globe Award.
Idris Elba's legacy is defined by his versatile acting range across film and television, breaking barriers for Black British actors in Hollywood. He is celebrated for bringing gravitas and charisma to diverse roles, inspiring a new generation of performers.
Also known as: I. Elba, Idr Elba