- Idris Elba
-
Idris Elba
Elba at an American Music Awards after-party, November 2007Born Idrissa Akuna Elba
6 September 1972
Newham, London, EnglandOther names DJ Big Driis
Big Driis the LondonerOccupation Actor, hip-hop artist Years active 1995–present Website http://www.driis.com/ Idrissa Akuna "Idris" Elba[1][2] (born 6 September 1972)[1] is an English television, theatre, and film actor who has starred in both British and American productions. Elba grew up in Canning Town, East London.[1] One of his first acting roles was in the soap opera Family Affairs.[3] He has worked in a variety of TV roles including Ultraviolet and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.[1] He is known for playing Russell "Stringer" Bell, a Baltimore druglord and aspiring businessman, in HBO's critically acclaimed show The Wire.[4] Elba is a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis / Big Driis the Londoner, and a hip-hop soul recording artist.[1]
In 2009, Elba appeared on a six-episode arc of the American sitcom The Office, playing Charles Miner, Michael Scott's new boss. In 2010, he appeared in the action film The Losers in the role of Roque, the second-in-command of a black-ops team. The same year, he appeared in the thriller Takers. Elba plays the title role of Detective John Luther in the BBC television show Luther that aired from 4 May 2010 on BBC One,[5][6] which has finished its second series.
Contents
Early life
Elba, an only child, was born Idrissa Akuna Elba, and shortened his first name at school in Canning Town, where he first became involved in acting.[2] His father is Sierra Leonean and his mother is Ghanaian.[1][7] Elba grew up 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 friends.[3][9] Elba left school in 1988 and won a place in the National Youth Music Theatre—thanks to a £1,500 Prince’s Trust grant – but then ended up having to do everything from tire-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.[3][9] After a stint in the National Youth Music Theatre, Elba worked the night shift at a Ford factory in Dagenham, London in 1989 and '90.[10] He started his acting career while in high school with encouragement from his drama teacher.
Acting career
Television
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] Elba's first credited role arrived in 1995, with a supporting role as a gigolo on the episode of the farcical series Absolutely Fabulous, entitled "Sex."[2][11] Many supporting roles on British television followed, including such series as The Bill, Degrees of Error, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, and The Governor.[11] He then joined the cast of the soap opera Family Affairs and rose to prominence in the acclaimed serial Ultraviolet.[2] Elba went on to appear in a more established television series, Dangerfield, in 1999 as a forensic scientist.[9]
Soon, however, he decided to move to New York City.[3][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 acted as Achilles in the stage play Troilus and Cressida in NYC.[3] After a supporting turn on a 2001 episode of Law & Order, Elba 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, that was 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 that aired in May 2010.[6] In October 2009, it was announced that Elba will executive produce an untitled legal drama for NBC.[15] Elba will portray Laura Linney's lover in Showtime's The Big C for an unknown number of episodes in 2010.[16]
In August 2011, Elba appeared in a one off Channel 4 documentary called "How Hip-Hop Changed the World", in which he reveals the defining moments in street music and culture over the last 35 years, featuring rare archive material, seminal music videos and insight from hip hop stars. The show was first aired on 12th August 2011.
Film
In 2006, Elba signed on as the lead of the 2007 dramedy 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 re-arrival of his ex-wife.[11] He joined the supporting cast of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's 28 Weeks Later (2007), the horror-themed sequel to Danny Boyle's 2002 zombie picture 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 Beyonce 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 after it took in $29 million in its opening weekend.[20] Obsessed was released on DVD on 4 August 2009.[21]
Elba next film was 2010's Legacy[22] 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.[22] He posted a picture of himself from the set on his Twitter page. Elba then 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.[23] Filming took place in Puerto Rico and the movie was released in April 2010.[24] 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).[25] In August 2010, it was announced that Elba would portray the title character in a reboot of James Patterson's Alex Cross film franchise.[16] However, the actor was replaced in February 2011 by Tyler Perry.[26] Elba will appear in the 2012 sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance alongside Nicolas Cage as an alcoholic warrior monk tasked with finding Ghost Rider.[27] On Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011, it was announced that Idris Elba had joined Guillermo del Toro's next film, Pacific Rim. He will portray Sensi, one of the film's leads.[28]
Music career
In 2001, Elba appeared in music videos for Fat Joe, Angie Stone[9] and English rapper Giggs.[29] In 2006, Elba recorded the four-song EP Big Man for Hevlar Records.[2] 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 Venetian Hotel 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, Elba 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 2010 he starred in the movie Takers alongside Chris Brown and T.I. as the leader of a gang of professional robbers.
Personal life
Elba is currently single.[38] He and his ex-wife Kim Elba have a daughter named Isan, born in 2002.[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] Elba is represented by ICM.[40] In April 2009, it was announced that he has become an Anti-Crime Ambassador,[41] 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.[42]
Elba is a fan of London football team Arsenal, while his father is a Manchester United fan.[43]
In the media
He 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.[2] Elba was chosen as one of People Magazine's annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World, in May 2007.[44] Elba appeared on the August 2009 cover of Essence magazine.[36] He appeared on the August 2010 cover of Ebony magazine.[45]
Criticism of Tyler Perry
In February 2011, Elba caused controversy when he criticised Tyler Perry, the actor, writer and director behind the "Madea" franchise. Elba, who has previously starred in one of Perry's romantic comedies (the 2007 film Daddy's Little Girls), lamented the trend for cross-dressing caricatures of black characters – a phenomenon many would recognise from films such as the The Klumps and Big Momma's House series – describing it as "buffoonish". Elba maintains the view that change should occur in Hollywood to address the recent under-representation of black actors in Hollywood and the controversy it has caused.[46] Elba said: "Imagine a film such as Inception with an entire cast of black people – do you think it would be successful?" Elba asks. "Would people watch it? But no one questions the fact that everyone's white. That's what we have to change."[47]
Filmography
Film
Year Title Role Notes 1999 Belle maman Grégoire 2000 Sorted Jam 2001 Buffalo Soldiers Kimborough 2003 One Love Aaron 2005 The 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 The 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 2008 This Christmas Quentin Whitfield 2008 Prom Night Detective Winn 2008 RocknRolla Mumbles 2008 The Human Contract Larry 2009 The 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 The Losers Roque 2011 Thor Heimdall 2012 Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Moreau Filming 2012 Prometheus Captain Janek Filming Television
Year Title Role Notes 1995 Absolutely Fabulous Gigolo 1 Episode 1996 Crocodile Shoes II Jo-Jo 1 Episode 1997 Family Affairs Tim Webster 3 Episodes 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 2002–04 The 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-Series2008 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Charles Gotso 1 Episode 2009 The Office Charles Miner 7 Episodes 2010 The 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 2010–present Luther DCI John Luther 10 Episodes, also Associate Producer
Nominated — Golden Globe, Best Actor in a Mini-Series or Television Movie
Nominated — Golden Satellite Award, Best Actor in a Mini-Series or Television Movie
Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a MovieDiscography
- EP's
- 2006: Big Man
- 2009: Kings Among Kings
- 2010: High Class Problems Vol. 1
Awards and nominations
- 2007: Nominated - Best Actor
- 2008: Nominated - Best Actor
- 2009: Nominated - Best Actor
- 2010: Won - Best Actor
- 2011: Won - Best Actor
- 2006: Nominated - Best Actor for The Gospel
- 2006: Nominated - Best Actor Network/Cable for Sometimes in April
Golden Globe Awards
- 2010: Nominated - Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for Luther
- 2006: Nominated - Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series, or Dramatic Special for Sometimes in April
- 2010: Nominated - Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Obsessed
- 2011: Won - Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series, or Dramatic Special for Luther
- 2011: Nominated - Image Award Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Takers
- 2008: Nominated - Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture for American Gangster
63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
- 2011: Nominated - Outstanding Leading Actor in an Mini-Series or Movie for Luther
- 2011: Nominated - Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy The Big C
References
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- ^ a b c d e f "Idris Elba Biography". Celebrifi.com. http://www.celebrifi.com/celebrities/Idris-Elbal. Retrieved 11 April 2009.[dead link]
- ^ 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". Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/mar/21/television. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "The Wire Cast and Crew: Idris Elba, Rusell "Stringer" Bell". HBO.com. http://www.hbo.com/thewire/cast/actors/idris_elba.shtml. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ http://www.beehivecity.com/television/preview-luther1614042010/
- ^ a b "Wire actor Elba joins BBC drama". BBC News. 4 September 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8237924.stm. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
- ^ "Idris Elba". starpulse.com. http://www.starpulse.com/Actors/Elba,_Idris. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
- ^ Stuart Jeffries (9 May 2009). "The Midas Touch". Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/may/05/television-the-wire-idris-elba-obsessed. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Idris Elba". Answers.com. http://www.answers.com/topic/idris-elba. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ a b c Chris Ayres (23 August 2008). "Life as a RocknRolla: meet the crafty Cockney Idris Elba". Times Online (London). http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article4572201.ece. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f "Biography". Moviefone.com. http://www.moviefone.com/celebrity/idris-elba/2007953/biography. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "Idris Elba". Imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0252961/bio. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ a b c Thomas, Archie (25 March 2008). "'Detective Agency' finds big auds". Variety.com. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117982869.html?categoryid=14&cs=1. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ Plunkett, John (25 March 2008). "Minghella's last film watched by 6.3m". London: Guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/mar/25/tvratings.television. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "Actor Idris Elbia developing NBC legal drama". Reuters. 28 October 2009. http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSTRE59R0H320091028. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
- ^ a b "Idris Elba Is New Alex Cross In Relaunched James Patterson Film Franchise". Deadline. http://www.deadline.com/2010/08/idris-elba-is-new-alex-cross-in-relaunched-james-patterson-film-franchise/. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
- ^ a b "Idris Elba and Columbus Short Interview, This Christmas". Moviesonline.ca. http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_13494.html. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "This Christmas". Thenumbers.com. http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2007/TCHRS.php. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "Idris Elba And Beyonce To Play Married Couple In 'Obsessed'". Blackvoices.com. http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/03/06/idris-elba-and-beyonce-to-play-married-couple-in-obsessed/. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "Weekend Report: Moviegoers Fixate on 'Obsessed'". Boxofficemojo.com. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2581&p=.htm. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
- ^ DVD and Blu ray release Wikipedia
- ^ a b "Idris Elba gets his kit off on set". UKPA. 8 July 2009. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h_xUEDxNYFY1a0hUDXk---CCuTwQ. Retrieved 21 July 2009.
- ^ "Idris Elba Confirmed For ‘The Losers,’ Zoe Saldana Playing Aisha". MTV.com. http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/04/02/idris-elba-confirmed-for-the-losers-zoe-saldana-playing-aisha/. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ ""The Losers" Commences Production for Dark Castle Entertainment". Business Wire. 29 July 2009. http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090729006447&newsLang=en. Retrieved 5 August 2009.
- ^ "Idris Elba joins Marvel Studios' 'Thor'". The Hollywood Reporter. 20 November 2009. http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2009/11/idris-elba-joins-marvel-studios-thor-natalie-portman-kenneth-branagh.html. Retrieved 20 November 2009.
- ^ Bierly, Mandi (February 1, 2011). "Tyler Perry in, Idris Elba out of Alex Cross reboot: Producer explains why -- EXCLUSIVE". EW.com. http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/02/01/tyler-perry-alex-cross-idris-elba/. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
- ^ Boris Kit (October 5, 2010). "Idris Elba, Johnny Whitworth gear up for 'Ghost Rider 2' (exclusive)". heatvision.hollywoodreporter.com. http://heatvision.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/10/ghost-rider-2-nicolas-cage-idris-elba-johnny-whitworth.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter. Retrieved October 6, 2010.
- ^ http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/archives/its_official_idris_elba_will_star_in_guillermo_del_toros_pacific_rim_bla/
- ^ Giggs - Hustle On official video on YouTube
- ^ "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. http://www.movietome.com/pages/tracking/index.php?sls_id=30960. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ John McMurtrie (11 February 2007). "Ties to 'Wire' cut - but new work calls". San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/11/PKG4MNV3NJ1.DTL&hw=Elba&sn=001&sc=1000. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ Busta Rhymes - Respect My Conglomerate (Official Music Video) HQ [ft. Lil Wayne & Jadakiss] on YouTube
- ^ "Keri Hilson, The Dream and Idris Elba party with BET". S2Smagazine.com. http://www.s2smagazine.com/node/1381. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ 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. http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090705/ent/ent5.html. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ "ELBA REFUSED TO ASK BEYONCE FOR HELP". Pr-inside.com. http://www.pr-inside.com/elba-refused-to-ask-beyonce-for-r1376206.htm. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ a b Jeannine Amber (13 July 2009). "ESSENCE August Issue: Sexy Talk With Idris Elba". Essence. http://www.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/idris_elba_covers_essence. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
- ^ http://driis.com/blog/2010/02/08/high-class-problems-available-today/
- ^ Walker, Tim (28 May 2011). "Idris Elba: 'I'm so hot right now'". The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/idris-elba-im-so-hot-right-now-2288843.html. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
- ^ Jeffries, Stuart (5 May 2009). "The Midas Touch". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/may/05/television-the-wire-idris-elba-obsessed. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
- ^ "Two actors get tough for 'The Losers' film". Hollywoodreporter.com. http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/04/03/us-losers-idUSTRE53209Q20090403. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
- ^ "Idris Elba Becomes Anti Crime Ambassador". Looktothestars.com. http://www.looktothestars.org/news/2332-idris-elba-becomes-anit-crime-ambassador. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "Oona King can tackle violence, says The Wire star Idris Elba". thisislondon.co.uk. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23859397-oona-king-can-tackle-violence-says-tv-crime-star-idris-elba.do. Retrieved 23 July 2003.
- ^ FREE VIDEO: 'The Wire' star Idris Elba Arsenal.com
- ^ "People Magazine's "Most Beautiful People" issue". CBS.com. http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/042507_people_list_facts.pdf. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- ^ "Idris Elba Covers Ebony Magazine". Shavaross.com. http://shavarross.com/2010/07/14/idris-elba-covers-ebony-magazine-august-2010/. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ "Does Hollywood Discriminate Against Young Black Actors". Los Angeles Times. March 4, 2011. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/03/will-smith-black-actors-denzel-washington-anthony-mackie-discrimination.html. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
- ^ Afua Hirsch (3 April 2011). "The god in Idris Elba". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/apr/03/the-god-in-idris-elba. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
External links
Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Idris Elba - Official website
- Official Music Site
- Hevlar Recordings on Myspace
- Idris Music on Myspace
- Idris Elba on Twitter
- Idris Elba on Facebook
- Idris Elba Music on Facebook
- Idris Elba at the Internet Movie Database
- The Films of Idris Elba
- Sometimes in April Interview
Categories:- 1972 births
- English film actors
- English television actors
- Black British actors
- English expatriates in the United States
- English people of Ghanaian descent
- British people of Sierra Leonean descent
- Club DJs
- Living people
- Actors from London
- People from Hackney
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