50 Things You Didn’t Know About Idris Elba

Idris Elba is a multifaceted talent known for his acting, music, and distinctive voice. Here are 50 intriguing facts about this remarkable individual that you might not know:

1️⃣ Full Name: His full name is Idrissa Akuna Elba.

2️⃣ Birthplace: He was born on September 6, 1972, in Hackney, London, England.

3️⃣ Parents: His father, Winston, was from Sierra Leone, and his mother, Eve, is from Ghana.

4️⃣ Early Work: Before becoming an actor, he worked as a DJ under the name "Big Driis."

5️⃣ Breakout Role: He gained fame for his role as Russell "Stringer" Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire."

6️⃣ British Accolades: Elba was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for his services to drama.

7️⃣ DJ Career: Idris has performed as a DJ at various events, including a set at Coachella in 2019.

8️⃣ Music Releases: He has released several EPs and singles, including collaborations with artists like Macklemore and Sean Paul.

9️⃣ Luther: He is well-known for his role as Detective John Luther in the BBC series "Luther," for which he won a Golden Globe Award.

🔟 Golden Globe Wins: Idris Elba has won two Golden Globe Awards - one for "Luther" and another for the 2010 film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom."

1️⃣1️⃣ Mandela Portrayal: He portrayed Nelson Mandela in the biographical film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom."

1️⃣2️⃣ Marvel Universe: Elba played Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in "Thor," "Thor: The Dark World," "Thor: Ragnarok," and the "Avengers" films.

1️⃣3️⃣ Directorial Debut: He made his directorial debut with the film "Yardie" in 2018.

1️⃣4️⃣ Children: Idris has two children – a daughter named Isan and a son named Winston.

1️⃣5️⃣ Influence: In 2016, Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

1️⃣6️⃣ Boxing Enthusiast: He trained as a kickboxer and boxer, and starred in the documentary series "Idris Elba: Fighter."

1️⃣7️⃣ Singing Talent: Idris showcased his singing ability in the musical film "Cats," playing the character Macavity.

1️⃣8️⃣ Elba's Voice: He lent his voice to Shere Khan in Disney's 2016 live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book."

1️⃣9️⃣ Renaissance Man: Idris is not just an actor and musician but also an entrepreneur, having launched his own lifestyle brand, 2HR SET.

2️⃣0️⃣ Charity Work: He is involved in various charitable endeavors, including working with the Prince's Trust, a youth charity founded by Prince Charles.

2️⃣1️⃣ The Office Cameo: Elba had a guest-starring role in the U.S. version of "The Office" as Charles Miner.

2️⃣2️⃣ Stringer Bell: His character Stringer Bell in "The Wire" was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest TV characters of all time.

2️⃣3️⃣ Speed Lover: Idris is a fan of motor racing and hosted a TV series called "Idris Elba: No Limits," where he pursued various speed challenges.

2️⃣4️⃣ Guinness World Record: He broke a land speed record in a Bentley Continental GT Speed on the Pendine Sands in Wales in 2015.

2️⃣5️⃣ Awards and Nominations: Elba has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations throughout his career.

2️⃣6️⃣ "Beasts of No Nation": He received critical acclaim for his role as Commandant in the film "Beasts of No Nation."

2️⃣7️⃣ Multilingual: While not fluent, Idris can speak some Italian and has demonstrated his language skills in interviews.

2️⃣8️⃣ Fashion Icon: Known for his stylish appearances, he was named one of the best-dressed men by GQ magazine.

2️⃣9️⃣ Sexiest Man Alive: People magazine named him the "Sexiest Man Alive" in 2018.

3️⃣0️⃣ Gaming Interest: Elba is a fan of video games and has expressed his interest in gaming in various interviews.

3️⃣1️⃣ Versatile Roles: He has played a wide range of roles, from villains to heroes, in various genres including drama, action, and sci-fi.

3️⃣2️⃣ Philanthropy: Idris and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, are Goodwill Ambassadors for the United Nations' International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

3️⃣3️⃣ Cooking Skills: Elba has shown his cooking talents on TV shows, demonstrating his versatility beyond acting and music.

3️⃣4️⃣ Pandemic Recovery: Idris tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020 and shared his recovery journey publicly.

3️⃣5️⃣ Social Media Influence: He is active on social media, using his platforms to connect with fans and promote his work.

3️⃣6️⃣ Collaborations: Idris has collaborated with major brands like Superdry, for which he designed a fashion collection.

3️⃣7️⃣ Role Models: He cites Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali as two of his greatest role models.

3️⃣8️⃣ Music Videos: Idris has appeared in music videos for artists like Fat Joe, Angie Stone, and Mumford & Sons.

3️⃣9️⃣ Voice Work: Beyond films, he has voiced characters in video games, including "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3."

4️⃣0️⃣ Private Life: Despite his public persona, Idris keeps his personal life relatively private, focusing on his family and close friends.

4️⃣1️⃣ Movie Producer: He has also taken on the role of producer for several films and TV projects, showcasing his industry versatility.

4️⃣2️⃣ Theatre Background: Before his TV and film success, Idris honed his craft on the stage, performing in various theatre productions.

4️⃣3️⃣ Renaissance Interests: Idris is interested in Renaissance art and often visits museums and galleries in his spare time.

4️⃣4️⃣ Inspirational Figure: He is considered an inspiration to many aspiring actors, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

4️⃣5️⃣ New Album: Idris is working on a new music album, blending his DJ skills with his passion for Afrobeat and hip-hop.

4️⃣6️⃣ Humanitarian Efforts: He is involved in raising awareness about Ebola and other crises affecting Africa.

4️⃣7️⃣ Marriage: Idris married Sabrina Dhowre in a lavish ceremony in Morocco in April 2019.

4️⃣8️⃣ Filmography: His extensive filmography includes roles in blockbusters like "Pacific Rim," "Prometheus," and "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw."

4️⃣9️⃣ Golden Globe Nomination: He received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the mini-series "Luther."

5️⃣0️⃣ Future Projects: Idris continues to take on new and exciting projects, both in front of and behind the camera, ensuring his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Idris Elba's diverse talents and achievements make him a fascinating figure in the entertainment world. His contributions to acting, music, and beyond have cemented his status as a cultural icon.