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BIRTH
September 6, 1972 - Birth in Hackney, London, UK
Idrissa Akuna Elba is born to Winston and Eve Elba. -
Introduction to Acting
1986 - Introduction to Acting
Elba's interest in acting begins during his school years at Canning Town's Trinity School. -
First Stage Performance
1988 - First Stage Performance
Idris Elba makes his stage debut in a school production, showcasing his early passion for acting. -
National Youth Music Theatre
1991 - National Youth Music Theatre
Joins the National Youth Music Theatre, providing early exposure to the performing arts. -
Graduation from the National Youth Music Theatre
1993 - Graduation from the National Youth Music Theatre
Completes his tenure at the National Youth Music Theatre, gaining foundational theatrical experience. -
First Professional Role: "The Stage"
1994 - First Professional Role: "The Stage"
Secures his first professional role in the medical drama "The Bill," marking the beginning of his television career. -
Long Walk to Freedom
The 1994 autobiographical book Long Walk to Freedom was released. -
Enrollment at the National Youth Theatre
1995 - Enrollment at the National Youth Theatre
Idris Elba further hones his craft by enrolling at the National Youth Theatre. -
Shakespearean Debut: "Othello"
1998 - Shakespearean Debut: "Othello"
Elba makes his Shakespearean debut, playing Othello in a production at the Leeds Playhouse. -
Marriage and Family
1999 - Marriage and Family
Marries Hanne Norgaard; they have one daughter, Isan. The couple later divorces in 2003. -
Casting for "The Wire"
Elba was casted for "The Wire" as Stringer Bell. -
"The Wire" Debut
2002 - "The Wire" Debut
Elba gains international recognition for his role as Stringer Bell in the HBO series "The Wire." -
Hollywood Breakthrough: "Beasts of No Nation"
2005 - Hollywood Breakthrough: "Beasts of No Nation"
Stars in the critically acclaimed film "Beasts of No Nation," showcasing his versatility as an actor. -
Reconciliation with Theatre: "A Season in the Congo"
2010 - Reconciliation with Theatre: "A Season in the Congo"
Returns to the stage in the Young Vic production of "A Season in the Congo." -
"Luther"
On October 17, 2010 "Luther" premeried. -
Award Recognition: NAACP Image Award
2011 - Award Recognition: NAACP Image Award
Receives the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie for "Luther." -
Nelson Mandela Biopic: "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"
2014 - Nelson Mandela Biopic: "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"
Portrays Nelson Mandela in the biographical film, earning critical acclaim for his performance. -
Order of the British Empire (OBE)
2016 - Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Awarded the OBE for his services to drama. -
Engagement and Marriage to Sabrina Dhowre
2018 - Engagement and Marriage to Sabrina Dhowre
Elba proposes to Sabrina Dhowre during a screening of his film "Yardie," and they marry later the same year. -
COVID-19
2019 - COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The disease quickly spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic. -
Directorial Debut: "Yardie"
2019 - Directorial Debut: "Yardie"
Makes his directorial debut with the film adaptation of Victor Headley's novel "Yardie." -
COVID-19 Diagnosis
2020 - COVID-19 Diagnosis
Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina test positive for COVID-19, bringing attention to the global pandemic. -
"Concrete Cowboy"
2021 - "Concrete Cowboy"
Stars in the film "Concrete Cowboy," bringing attention to the urban African-American cowboy subculture. -
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Legacy and Contributions
November 20, 2023 - Legacy and Contributions
Reflects on his legacy and contributions to the entertainment industry.