Idris Elba

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Idris Elba
Idris Elba.jpg
Idris Elba at an American Music Awards after-party, November 2007
Born Idrissa Akuna Elba
(1972-09-06) 6 September 1972 (age 40)
Hackney, London, England
Other names DJ Big Driis
Big Driis the Londoner
Occupation Actor, singer, rapper
Years active 1994–present
Website
http://www.driis.com

Idrissa Akuna "Idris" Elba[1] (born 6 September 1972)[1] is a British television, theatre, and film actor who has starred in both British and American productions. He grew up in Canning Town, East London.[1] One of his first acting roles was in the soap opera Family Affairs.[2] He is known for playing Russell "Stringer" Bell, a Baltimore drug lord and aspiring businessman, in HBO's critically acclaimed show The Wire.[3] Elba is a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis/Big Driis the Londoner, and a hip-hop soul recording artist.[1]

Some of his other most known roles have come in American Gangster, Takers, The Losers, Thor and Prometheus. Besides a prominent role on The Wire, Elba's other television roles include Ultraviolet and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries,[1] recurring roles in The Office and The Big C, and the title role of Detective John Luther in Luther, which airs on BBC One.[4] Elba has won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of DCI Luther.

Contents

Early life [edit]

An only child, Elba was born Idrissa Akuna Elba and shortened his first name at school in Canning Town, where he first became involved in acting. His father, Winston, is a Sierra Leonean and worked at a Ford factory, and his mother, Eve, is a Ghanaian and had a clerical job.[1][5][6] Elba's parents married in West Africa before moving to London.[7] Elba was raised in East Ham,[8] and began helping an uncle with his wedding-DJ business in 1986 and within a year, he had started his own DJ company with some of his best friends.[2][9] Elba left school in 1988 and later won a place in the National Youth Music Theatre, thanks to a £1,500 Prince’s Trust grant, but later ended up having to do everything from tyre-fitting to cold-call advertising sales to pay the rent between roles in Crimewatch murder reconstructions.[10] Elba was working in nightclubs under the DJ nickname Big Driis in 1991, but began auditioning for television parts in his early twenties.[2][9] After a stint in the National Youth Music Theatre, Elba worked the night shift at a Ford factory in Dagenham from 1989–90.[10]

Acting career [edit]

Television [edit]

Although his film, television, and stage work officially commenced around 1992, in 1995 he landed his first role on a series called Bramwell, a medical drama set in 1890s England.[9] His first credited role arrived in 1995, with a supporting role as a gigolo on the episode of Absolutely Fabulous, entitled "Sex."[11] Many supporting roles on British television followed, including such series as The Bill and The Ruth Rendell Mysteries.[11] He joined the cast of the soap opera Family Affairs and rose to prominence in the acclaimed serial Ultraviolet. He went on to appear in a more established television series, Dangerfield, in 1999, playing a forensic scientist.[9]

He decided to move to New York City soon after.[2][9] He returned to England occasionally for a job, such as a part in one of the Inspector Lynley Mysteries, a top-rated crime series.[9] In 2001, Elba played Achilles in a stage production of Troilus and Cressida in New York City.[2] After a supporting turn on a 2001 episode of Law & Order, he landed a starring role on a 2002 HBO drama, The Wire.[11] From 2002 to 2004, Elba portrayed Russell "Stringer" Bell in the HBO drama series, perhaps his best known role in the US. In 2005, he portrayed Captain Augustin Muganza in Sometimes in April, an HBO film about the Rwandan Genocide.[11] Elba appeared on the 2007 BET special Black Men: The Truth.[12] Elba appeared in the role of Charlie Gotso in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency opposite Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose, filmed in Botswana.[13] The series premiered on 23 March 2008, Easter Sunday, on BBC One, receiving a high 6.3 million viewers and 27% of the audience share.[14]

In January 2009, it was reported per Variety that Elba would portray Charles Miner, a new rival to Dunder Mifflin regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) for NBC's The Office.[13] Elba appeared in a six episode story arc later in the 2009 season as well as the season finale.[13]

In September 2009, Elba signed a deal to star as the lead role in the 6-part BBC television show Luther, which aired in May 2010.[4] In October 2009, it NBC announced Elba as executive producer of an as yet untitled legal drama.[15] He portrayed Laura Linney's lover on Showtime's The Big C in 2010.[16]

At the 69th Golden Globe Awards telecast on 15 January 2012, Elba won the Award for Best Actor in a Series, Mini-Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for his portrayal of DCI Luther in the BBC Crime-Thriller series Luther.[4]

Film work [edit]

In 2006, Elba signed on as the lead of the 2007 film Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls, playing Monty, a blue-collar mechanic who falls in love with a six-figure attorney (Gabrielle Union) helping him gain custody of his kids, and finds the relationship and his custody hopes threatened by the return of his ex-wife.[11] He joined the supporting cast of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's 28 Weeks Later (2007), the zombie horror sequel to Danny Boyle's 2002 28 Days Later.[11] He filmed This Christmas with Chris Brown, Mekhi Phifer, Loretta Devine and Regina King, that brought in nearly $50 million at the box office in 2007.[17][18]

In 2008, Elba starred in the horror film Prom Night and Guy Ritchie's RocknRolla.[17] In January 2009, Elba starred in horror film The Unborn. He starred in Obsessed, alongside Beyoncé Knowles and Ali Larter, as an asset manager who has a beautiful wife (Knowles) and thriving career until a temp office worker (Larter) begins stalking him.[19] Obsessed was a box office success, taking $29 million in its opening weekend.[20] Obsessed was released on DVD on 4 August 2009.

Elba next film was Legacy (2010)[21] in which he portrayed a black ops soldier, Malcolm, who returned to Brooklyn after a failed mission in Eastern Europe, where he undertook a journey looking for retribution.[21] He starred in Dark Castle's adaptation of DC/Vertigo's The Losers, under the direction of Sylvain White, in the role of Roque, the second-in-command of a black-ops team out for revenge against a government that did them wrong.[22] Filming took place in Puerto Rico and the movie was released in April 2010.[23] Elba appeared in the 2010 thriller Takers, also starring Hayden Christensen, Chris Brown, T.I., and Paul Walker. He played Heimdall in Kenneth Branagh's 2011 Thor film (based upon the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name).[24] In August 2010, Elba signed up to portray the title character in a reboot of James Patterson's Alex Cross film franchise.[16] However in February 2011 he was replaced by Tyler Perry.[25] Elba appeared in the 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, alongside Nicolas Cage, with Elba playing an alcoholic warrior monk tasked with finding Ghost Rider.[26] On Wednesday, 22 June 2011, Legendary Pictures announced that Elba had joined Guillermo del Toro's next film, Pacific Rim in the role of Sensi".[27] In February 2012, Elba finally confirmed the rumours that he would portray former South African President Nelson Mandela in the film based on the autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.[28] In June 2012, Elba portrayed the spaceship captain in Prometheus.

Music career [edit]

In 2001, Elba appeared in music videos for Fat Joe, Angie Stone[9] and English rapper Giggs.[29] In 2006, he recorded the four-song EP Big Man for Hevlar Records. He co-produced and performed on the intro to Jay-Z's 2007 album American Gangster.[30] He DJ'd at the 2007 NBA All Star parties at the The Venetian and Ice House Lounge in Las Vegas.[31] Elba appeared in the "Respect My Conglomerate"[32] music video for Busta Rhymes's 2009 Back on My BS album. In July 2009, Elba was the DJ for BET's new series Rising Icons.[33] Elba announced the release of his first single "Please Be True."[34] Elba is currently working on his second EP, and plans to tour Europe in late 2009.[35] In the August 2009 issue of Essence magazine, he announced the name of his six-song EP as Kings Among Kings.[36] He released his EP High Class Problems Vol. 1 in the United Kingdom in February 2010.[37] In 2011, he performed on the intro to Pharoahe Monch's album W.A.R. (We Are Renegades). In 2012 he directed and performed in the Mumford and Sons video Lover of the Light.

Personal life [edit]

Elba is currently single.[38] He and his ex-wife have a daughter, Isan.[39] Elba spends much of his time in London, but also owns a home in Atlanta, so he can be close to his daughter.[10]

In April 2009, the Prince's Trust, which Elba credits with helping to start his career, appointed him its Anti-Crime Ambassador,[40] and in July 2010, he announced his support for Oona King in her campaign to become the Labour Party candidate for Mayor of London in 2012.[41]

In the media [edit]

Elba was featured as one of the "Ten Hottest Men on the Planet" in the April 2004 issue of Essence magazine and again in the November 2005 issue. He was selected as one of People Magazine's annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World, in May 2007.[42] Elba appeared on the August 2009 and the November 2011 covers of Essence magazine.[36] He appeared on the August 2010 cover of Ebony magazine.[43] In 2012, Elba also served as a celebrity endorser for Tanqueray gin, appearing online in ads.[44]

Filmography [edit]

Film [edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1999 Belle maman Grégoire
2000 Sorted Jam
2001 Buffalo Soldiers Kimborough
2003 One Love Aaron
2005 Gospel, TheThe Gospel Charles Frank Nominated — Black Reel Award, Best Actor- Film
2007 Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls Monty James Nominated — BET Award for Actors of the Year
2007 Reaping, TheThe Reaping Ben
2007 28 Weeks Later General Stone
2007 American Gangster Tango Nominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
2007 This Christmas Quentin Whitfield
2008 Prom Night Detective Winn
2008 RocknRolla Mumbles
2008 Human Contract, TheThe Human Contract Larry
2009 Unborn, TheThe Unborn Arthur Wyndham
2009 Obsessed Derek Charles Nominated — Image Award, Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
2010 Takers Gordon Cozier Nominated — Black Reel Award, Best Ensemble
2010 Legacy Malcolm Gray
2010 Losers, TheThe Losers Roque
2011 Thor Heimdall
2012 Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Moreau
2012 Prometheus Captain Janek
2013 Pacific Rim Stacker Pentecost Post production
2013 Thor: The Dark World Heimdall Post-production
2013 Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela Post-production
2014 No Good Deed post-production

Television [edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1994 Space Precinct Sublight Pizza Drug Courier 1 Episode "Double Duty"
1995 Absolutely Fabulous Gigolo 1 Episode
1996 Crocodile Shoes II Jo-Jo 1 Episode
1997 Family Affairs Tim Webster Many Episodes
1997 Silent Witness Charlie "Blood, Sweat & Tears"
1998 Ultraviolet Vaughan Rice 6 Episodes
1999 Dangerfield Matt Gregory 12 Episodes
2000 In Defence PC Paul Fraser 1 Episode
2002 The Inspector Robert Gabriel 1 Episode
2002–2004 Wire, TheThe Wire Russell 'Stringer' Bell 37 Episodes
2005 Girlfriends Paul Episode 106 'All in a Panic'
2005 Sometimes in April Augustin Muganza Nominated — Black Reel Award, Best Actor Network/Cable
Nominated — Image Award, Outstanding Actor in a TV Movie/Mini-Series
2008 No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, TheThe No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Charles Gotso 1 Episode
2009 Office, TheThe Office Charles Miner 7 Episodes
2010 Big C, TheThe Big C Lenny 4 Episodes
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (2011)
2011 Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1 Police Officer 1 episode
2011–present Luther DCI John Luther 10 Episodes, also Associate Producer
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film
Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (2011-2012)
Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film
Nominated — Satellite Award for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film (2010-2012)
2012 Idris Elba's How Clubbing Changed the World Presenter
Video Games
Year Title Role Notes
2011 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Sergeant First Class 'Truck' Video Game Voice Works

As producer [edit]

Year Title Notes
2010 Legacy Executive producer (Film)
2010 Walk Like a Panther Executive producer (TV series)
2011–present Luther Producer (TV series)
2011 How Hip Hop Changed the World Executive Producer (TV Documentary)
Also Host
2011 Demons Never Die Executive Producer (Film)

Discography [edit]

EP's
  • 2006: Big Man
  • 2009: Kings Among Kings
  • 2010: High Class Problems Vol. 1

Awards and nominations [edit]

List of awards and nominations
Award Year Title of work Award category Result
BET Awards 2007 Unknown Best Actor Nominated
BET Awards 2008 Unknown Best Actor Nominated
BET Awards 2009 Unknown Best Actor Nominated
BET Awards 2010 Unknown Best Actor Won
BET Awards 2011 Unknown Best Actor Won
Black Reel Awards 2006 The Gospel Best Actor Nominated
Black Reel Awards 2006 Sometimes in April Best Actor Nominated
Black Reel Awards 2012 Luther Best Actor Won
Golden Globe Awards 2010 Luther Best Actor Nominated
Golden Globe Awards 2012 Luther Best Actor Won
NAACP Image Awards 2006 Sometimes in April Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series, or Dramatic Special Nominated
NAACP Image Awards 2010 Obsessed Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Nominated
NAACP Image Awards 2011 Luther Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series, or Dramatic Special Won
NAACP Image Awards 2011 Takers Image Award Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2008 American Gangster Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards 2011 Luther Outstanding Leading Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards 2011 The Big C Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards 2012 Luther Outstanding Leading Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie Nominated

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Idris Elba Summary". TV.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  2. ^ a b c d e Esther Addley (21 March 2008). "He often has fewer lines than anyone else but you still feel as though he has the bigger part, because he is luminous". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  3. ^ "The Wire Cast and Crew: Idris Elba, Rusell "Stringer" Bell". HBO.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  4. ^ a b c "Wire actor Elba joins BBC drama". BBC News. 4 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009. 
  5. ^ "Idris Elba". starpulse.com. Retrieved 27 May 2011. 
  6. ^ Henry Fitzherbert, Daily Express, Thursday 24 May 2012, Idris Elba: Obama loves him and now he's playing Mandela
  7. ^ Miranda Sawyer, The Observer, 24 January 2010, Idris Elba: life after 'Stringer' Bell
  8. ^ Stuart Jeffries (9 May 2009). "The Midas Touch". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 July 2009. 
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "Idris Elba". Answers.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  10. ^ a b c Chris Ayres (23 August 2008). "Life as a RocknRolla: meet the crafty Cockney Idris Elba". The Times (London). Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  11. ^ a b c d e f "Biography". Moviefone.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  12. ^ "Idris Elba". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  13. ^ a b c Thomas, Archie (25 March 2008). "'Detective Agency' finds big auds". Variety. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  14. ^ Plunkett, John (25 March 2008). "Minghella's last film watched by 6.3m". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  15. ^ "Actor Idris Elbia developing NBC legal drama". Reuters. 28 October 2009. Retrieved 2 November 2009. 
  16. ^ a b "Idris Elba Is New Alex Cross In Relaunched James Patterson Film Franchise". Deadline. Retrieved 19 August 2010. 
  17. ^ a b "Idris Elba and Columbus Short Interview, This Christmas". Moviesonline.ca. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  18. ^ "This Christmas". Thenumbers.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  19. ^ "Idris Elba And Beyonce To Play Married Couple In 'Obsessed'". Blackvoices.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  20. ^ "Weekend Report: Moviegoers Fixate on 'Obsessed'". Boxofficemojo.com. Retrieved 26 April 2009. 
  21. ^ a b "Idris Elba gets his kit off on set". UKPA. 8 July 2009. Retrieved 21 July 2009. 
  22. ^ "Idris Elba Confirmed For ‘The Losers,’ Zoe Saldana Playing Aisha". MTV. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  23. ^ ""The Losers" Commences Production for Dark Castle Entertainment". Business Wire. 29 July 2009. Retrieved 5 August 2009. 
  24. ^ "Idris Elba joins Marvel Studios' 'Thor'". The Hollywood Reporter. 20 November 2009. Retrieved 20 November 2009. 
  25. ^ Bierly, Mandi (1 February 2011). "Tyler Perry in, Idris Elba out of Alex Cross reboot: Producer explains why – EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 18 September 2011. 
  26. ^ Boris Kit (5 October 2010). "Idris Elba, Johnny Whitworth gear up for 'Ghost Rider 2'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 October 2010. 
  27. ^ "It's Official! Idris Elba Will Star In Guillermo del Toro's "Pacific Rim" (Black Superhero Next?)". Blogs.indiewire.com. Retrieved 2011-12-28. 
  28. ^ "Confirmed! Idris Elba set to play Nelson Mandela in Biopic". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2012-02-23. 
  29. ^ Giggs – Hustle On official video on YouTube
  30. ^ "He often has fewer lines than anyone else but you still feel as though he has the bigger part, because he is luminous". Movietome.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  31. ^ John McMurtrie (11 February 2007). "Ties to 'Wire' cut – but new work calls". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  32. ^ Busta Rhymes – Respect My Conglomerate (Official Music Video) HQ [ft. Lil Wayne & Jadakiss] on YouTube
  33. ^ "Keri Hilson, The Dream and Idris Elba party with BET". S2Smagazine.com. Retrieved 29 July 2009. 
  34. ^ Davina Morris (5 July 2009). "Man of many talents – Actor Idris Elba returns to his first love, music, with the release of his new single". Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved 29 July 2009. 
  35. ^ "Elba refused to ask Beyonce for help". Pr-inside.com. Retrieved 29 July 2009. 
  36. ^ a b Jeannine Amber (13 July 2009). "ESSENCE August Issue: Sexy Talk With Idris Elba". Essence. Retrieved 14 August 2009. 
  37. ^ "High Class Problems". driis. 8 February 2010. Retrieved 2011-12-28. 
  38. ^ Walker, Tim (28 May 2011). "Idris Elba: 'I'm so hot right now'". The Independent (London). Retrieved 13 June 2011. 
  39. ^ Perry, Shayla. "Idris Elba: I’m Grateful For My Daughter’s Mother". Celebrity Baby Scoop. Retrieved 31 December 2012. 
  40. ^ "Idris Elba Becomes Anti Crime Ambassador". Looktothestars.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  41. ^ "Oona King can tackle violence, says The Wire star Idris Elba". Evening Standard. London. Retrieved 23 July 2003. 
  42. ^ "People Magazine's "Most Beautiful People" issue". CBS. Retrieved 11 April 2009. 
  43. ^ "Idris Elba Covers Ebony Magazine". Shavaross.com. Retrieved 15 August 2010. 
  44. ^ "Tanqueray 'Tonight We Tanqueray' 640×480 w/ Idris Elba". adverlicio.us. Retrieved 15 October 2012. 

External links [edit]

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