Biography:

Idrissa Akuna "Idris" Elba is a British actor, producer, singer, rapper, and DJ. He is best known for his portrayal of drug lord and aspiring businessman Russell "Stringer" Bell in the HBO series The Wire, Detective John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Elba has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film, winning one, and for Best Actor, as well as earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Elba has appeared in films such as American Gangster (2007), Daddy's Little Girls (2007), Takers (2010), Thor (2011), Prometheus (2012), Pacific Rim (2013) and Thor: The Dark World (2013). In addition to his acting work, he is a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis (or Big Driis the Londoner) and a hip-hop soul musician.

Elba spends much of his time in London; it was previously reported that he owns a home in Atlanta, Georgia so that he can be close to his daughter, Isan, whom he had with his ex-wife, Dormowa Sherman. However, in 2014, it was revealed that he never married Sherman or had children with her. He was married to make-up artist Hanne "Kim" Norgaard, Isan's real mother, from 1998 to 2003. He married Sonya Nicole Hamlin in 2006, but the marriage was annulled after one day.

In April 2009, the Prince's Trust, which Elba credits with helping to start his career, appointed him its Anti-Crime Ambassador. 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. Elba has been a fan of Arsenal F.C. since he was a teenager. Elba is also a keen cricket fan, and has expressed his support for the King's Road cricket club.

Since September 2013, Elba has been involved in a personal spat with Liam Gallagher, from the band Beady Eye.

Idris Elba and his girlfriend, a make-up artist named Naiyana Garth, are expecting their first child together. They have been dating since March 2013.

He does voice over for adverts for Vodafone.

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