About Idris Elba

Idrissa Akuna Elba was born in Hackney, London, England. He shortened his name to “Idris” and got involved in acting while in school. He began working as a DJ and soon opened his own DJ company. Elba left school to attend the National Youth Music Theatre in 1988. He began playing minor roles until 2002, when Elba portrayed Russell “Stringer” Bell on HBO’s The Wire. He has since played major roles in Thor (2011) and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). Elba is also starring in the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).