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Idris Elba
The actor known for Stringer Bell in The Wire and detective John Luther.
Luther · Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
- Born
- 6 September 1972
- Birthplace
- United Kingdom
More people
Idris Elba
Idris Elba built an international career across television and film. His performances range from controlled authority to volatile, morally troubled characters.
Early life
East London
Grew up in Hackney and Newham.
Youth theatre
Developed through school drama and the National Youth Music Theatre.
Career
- 1990s
British television
Worked in a range of drama series.
- 2002
The Wire
Reached an international audience as Stringer Bell.
- 2010s
Leading roles
Established a film and television career across Britain and Hollywood.
- 2023
Feature continuation
Returned to his detective role in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
Selected work
Luther
Plays a brilliant but troubled London detective.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Portrays Nelson Mandela.
Beasts of No Nation
Plays a militia commander exploiting child soldiers.
Beyond work
Music
Performs and produces music as a DJ.
Youth work
Has campaigned on opportunities for young people and reducing knife violence.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Career and work — ifad.org ↗Photo: Bryan Berlin. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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