Idris Elba is a renowned English actor, rapper, singer and DJ known for his roles in various films and TV series like The Wire, Luther and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
He was born in London to immigrant parents from Sierra Leone and Ghana.
Elba’s career began with roles in soap operas and dramas before gaining international recognition for his portrayal of Stringer Bell in The Wire.
He has appeared in a wide range of movies, including Thor, Pacific Rim and Beasts of No Nation.
Additionally, Elba is recognized for his voice acting in animated films like Zootopia and The Jungle Book.
Beyond acting, he is involved in music as a DJ and has received accolades such as an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to drama.
Net worth | $50 million |
Profession | Actor, rapper, singer, DJ |
Date of birth | September 6, 1972 |
Citizenships | United Kingdom, Sierra Leone |
Background and early life
Elba, born Idrissa Akuna Elba on September 6, 1972, in London, England, has a diverse background rooted in his immigrant working-class parents from Sierra Leone and Ghana.
Raised in East Ham, London, he showed an early interest in drama and received a grant from the Prince’s Trust to pursue acting.
Elba’s career began with roles on British TV shows like Insiders, Family Affairs and Dangerfield in the mid-1990s before gaining international recognition for his portrayal of Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in HBO’s, The Wire.
His breakthrough role as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther in the crime series, Luther, earned him critical acclaim and awards.
Elba’s career expanded into films like Thor, Pacific Rim and Beasts of No Nation, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Beyond acting, he is also known for his music career as a DJ and rapper.
Net worth
Elba has an estimated net worth of $50 million.
His wealth stems not only from his successful acting career but also from his ventures in music, fashion, skincare and book publishing.
Elba’s diverse income streams include acting in major films like Thor and The Suicide Squad, producing music under his label 7Wallace, launching a fashion brand called Don’t Stab Your Future to raise awareness about knife crime and creating a genderless skincare brand with his wife called S’Able Labs.
Additionally, he has signed a multi-book deal with HarperCollins to publish books for young readers.
Elba’s entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talents have enabled him to amass a substantial fortune through various creative endeavors.
Salary per movie
Elba’s salary per movie varies depending on the project and his role.
For instance, he earned $8 million for his role in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.
Additionally, he reportedly made $10 million for his role in Sonic 2 and $8 million for portraying Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad.
Elba’s earnings reflect his status as one of the highest-paid actors in the industry, with his films collectively grossing over $10 billion worldwide.
Calvin Klein deal
The Calvin Klein endorsement deal involving Elba showcases his collaboration with the brand in a campaign that captures his essence and style.
He modeled modern and minimalist Calvin Klein designs in a London setting, emphasizing authenticity in the images.
This partnership marked Elba’s first appearance for Calvin Klein, highlighting his ability to embody the brand’s sophisticated aesthetic while staying true to his personal style and essence.
Glacéau Smartwater collaboration
Elba’s Glacéau Smartwater deal involved a partnership with the brand to promote their bottled water.
Smartwater, owned by Energy Brands, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, is known for its vapor-distilled process followed by the addition of electrolytes for a crisp and clean taste.
The brand has been successful in appealing to consumers seeking healthier alternatives to soft drinks.
In this collaboration, Elba likely served as a brand ambassador or featured in marketing campaigns to enhance Smartwater’s visibility and appeal to a broader audience.
This deal not only leveraged Elba’s influence and reach but also aligned with his image as a health-conscious and stylish individual, contributing to the brand’s marketing strategy and consumer engagement.
Uber Eats partnership
Elba’s partnership with Uber Eats was a creative collaboration that showcased his acting skills in a humorous light.
In the campaign, he starred in a commercial where he combats a fruit fly infestation with exaggerated intensity, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
The ad humorously portrays Elba’s battle against the fruit flies and how Uber Eats comes to his rescue with the food he needs.
This partnership allowed Elba to engage in a comedic role that resonated with audiences, demonstrating his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring humor to advertising campaigns.
The commercial was part of Uber Eats’ campaign that delved into the inner musings of celebrities while ordering food, adding a touch of entertainment to the brand’s marketing strategy.
7Wallace record label
7Wallace is a record label founded by Elba in 2015 with the aim of breaking boundaries in dance and hip-hop music.
The label has expanded to include music publishing in a joint venture with Universal Music Publishing and has established studios in Central London and Oxford.
Some of the notable releases from 7Wallace include tracks like Girl With The Bat by Elba, My Block by Che Lingo and One Fine Day by Idris Elba & The Knocks featuring Tiggs Da Author.
The label has also been involved in successful sync work, including placements in major films like Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw and video games like NBA 2K.
7Wallace has collaborated with various artists and continues to push boundaries in the music industry, showcasing Elba’s passion for music production and artistic expression.
Eve of Winston clothing line
Eve of Winston is a menswear clothing line launched by Elba, named after his parents, Eve and Winston.
Elba personally designed the clothing line, debuting it at the red carpet premiere of Netflix’s Luther film.
The collection features classic, clean, and elegant designs, with Elba’s first public design being a sleek pleated-front suit made from high-quality satin fabric.
The buttonless design of the suit adds a modern twist to the traditional style, reflecting Elba’s personal taste and style.
Despite his modesty about his fashion design skills, Elba’s creations have received high praise from fans and fashion critics alike, marking his entry into the fashion industry as a designer to watch.
The brand, although still in its early stages, has garnered attention from the fashion industry, with fans eagerly anticipating more designs from this new venture by the multi-talented Elba.
Green Door Pictures
Green Door Pictures, founded by Elba in 2013, is a production company dedicated to championing diverse storytelling.
The company collaborates with both emerging and established talent to create innovative and entertaining films and TV series for a global audience.
Green Door Pictures’ mission revolves around promoting diversity of thought and inclusion in the entertainment industry, reflecting Elba’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of narratives and perspectives.
The company’s work spans across scripted and non-scripted content, emphasizing the importance of representing diverse voices in media.
Through its projects, Green Door Pictures aims to push boundaries, inspire creativity and contribute to a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape.
Silly Face marketing firm
Silly Face is a marketing and content business co-founded by Elba and Marc Boyan, aimed at helping brands navigate the current challenging advertising landscape and enhance diverse representation in marketing campaigns.
The agency, based in London, focuses on bringing back a sense of fun to the marketing space while providing guidance to brands expanding into new categories.
Silly Face’s mission is to create engaging and innovative campaigns that resonate with audiences, leveraging Elba’s insights gained from his diverse career interactions.
The agency recruits a diverse team to bring alternative perspectives and ideas to their clients, emphasizing the importance of honest conversations and integrity in brand representation.
Silly Face’s approach aims to provide a safe space for companies to navigate changes in areas like politics, climate, and diversity, fostering creativity and inclusivity in marketing strategies.
Porte Noire
Porte Noire is a brand curated by Elba, known for its premium selection of wines.
The brand focuses on great storytelling, community building, authenticity, quality and relevance in its products.
Porte Noire offers a range of wines, including a pure chardonnay champagne, reflecting Elba’s passion for quality and excellence in the wine industry.
The brand has expanded to include a restaurant and wine bar located in the iconic Gasholders building at King’s Cross, offering customers a sophisticated and stylish dining experience paired with an extensive wine selection.
Porte Noire has received positive reviews for its wines and ambiance, making it a notable destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a refined dining experience.
Music career
Elba’s music career is a fascinating journey that began in 2009 when he started as a DJ for Black Entertainment Television’s series Rising Icons.
He released his first single, Please Be True, followed by two EPs, Kings Among Kings in 2009 and High Class Problems Vol. 1 in 2010, which earned him a Billboard Music Awards nomination.
In 2013, Elba made a bold decision to put his acting career on hold to focus on music, releasing his first album, Idris Elba Presents mi Mandela, in 2014.
This album was a cross-cultural collaboration between British and South African musicians, showcasing his musical talents.
Elba’s music career gained momentum, leading him to perform at prestigious events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and open for Madonna.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, he has continued to adapt and push forward in his DJ career, setting a new standard for Hollywood actors venturing into music.
Acting career
Elba’s acting career is a testament to his versatility and talent across various mediums.
He began his journey with roles in British TV shows like Family Affairs, Ultraviolet and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
Elba’s breakout role came as Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in HBO’s The Wire, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters.
He further solidified his acting prowess with roles like DCI John Luther in the BBC series, Luther and Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Elba’s filmography includes a wide range of movies such as Thor, Pacific Rim, Beasts of No Nation and Star Trek Beyond.
Additionally, he has lent his voice to animated films like Zootopia and The Jungle Book.
Elba’s career is marked by his dedication to diverse roles, from commanding performances in dramas to charismatic portrayals in action-packed blockbusters, highlighting his range as an actor.
Notable films
Elba has starred in several notable films, including The Wire (2002–2008).
In Thor (2011) and its sequels, he played Heimdall, becoming a memorable character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Pacific Rim (2013) featured Elba as Stacker Pentecost, demonstrating his versatility in different genres.
His role as Commandant in Beasts of No Nation (2015) earned him critical acclaim for his compelling performance.
Additionally, his powerful portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) showcased his ability to embody iconic historical figures.
These films highlight Elba’s diverse acting skills and his ability to take on challenging and impactful roles across various genres and narratives.
Awards and accolades
Elba has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, showcasing his talent and versatility across various platforms.
In 2018, he received 3 major nominations, winning 2 awards at the NAACP Image Awards.
Elba was honored with a Golden Globe Award in 2012 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in Luther.
Additionally, he earned a BAFTA Award nomination for his compelling performance as the Commandant in Beasts of No Nation in 2015.
Elba’s achievements also include a Special Award from BAFTA, recognizing his contributions as an actor, producer, director and musician.
His dedication to supporting new talent and promoting diversity in the industry has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, highlighting his impact on the entertainment world.
Philanthropic efforts
Elba and his wife Sabrina are deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, focusing on fighting global poverty and advocating for various humanitarian causes.
They have established their charity to intensify their activism against poverty, as highlighted in BORGEN Magazine.
Additionally, the couple has executed charitable actions across Africa to improve people’s lives, as detailed in EBONY.
Elba has been a vocal advocate for youth services, calling for increased funding and urgent measures to address issues like youth violence and the banning of dangerous weapons like machetes and ‘zombie’ knives, as reported by Action4Youth and Young Barnet Foundation.
Elba’s support extends to various charities such as the ONE Campaign, Prince’s Trust and Cancer Research UK, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact through philanthropy and advocacy efforts.
Children
Elba’s family includes his daughter Isan and son Winston.
Isan was born to Elba and his ex-wife Hanne “Kim” Nørgaard on January 5, 2002.
Elba shares Isan with Nørgaard and Winston with his former girlfriend Naiyana Garth.
Isan, who is now 21, has shown interest in following her father’s footsteps in Hollywood and has been named the Golden Globe Ambassador.
Winston, named after Elba’s late father, was born in 2014.
Elba also revealed in an interview that he has an older son, who is 31 years old, but prefers to keep him out of the spotlight.
Elba’s family life is filled with love and support, with his children playing a significant role in his life and inspiring him to be a better person and parent.