What is Idris Elba's Net Worth and Salary?
Idris Elba is a British actor, producer, singer, rapper, and DJ who has a net worth of $50 million. Idris Elba first gained attention in the late 1990s with his television roles in the UK. His breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire" (2002-2004), where his portrayal of the astute drug lord Stringer Bell earned him international recognition and praise.
Following "The Wire," Elba's career surged, showcasing his range across various genres. He starred in the lead role of DCI John Luther in the BBC series "Luther" (2010-2019), a performance that won him a Golden Globe and earned multiple Emmy nominations. This role cemented his status as a leading actor, capable of delivering intense and nuanced performances.
Elba's film career is equally impressive. He has taken on significant roles in blockbuster films like "Thor" (2011) and its sequels, playing the Asgardian gatekeeper Heimdall. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" (2013), demonstrating his ability to embody complex historical figures. His versatility is further evident in films like "Beasts of No Nation" (2015), where he played a warlord, earning him a BAFTA nomination, and in "Molly's Game" (2017), showcasing his talent in drama. In 2023, Idris starred in the Apple TV+ series "Hijack."
Beyond acting, Elba has also made a mark as a producer and director, adding to his multifaceted career. He made his directorial debut with "Yardie" (2018), a film exploring the life of a Jamaican immigrant in 1980s London. His production company, Green Door Pictures, aims to develop projects that give opportunities to diverse talent.
Additionally, Elba's passion for music has seen him excel as a DJ and musician, performing at clubs and festivals worldwide, further demonstrating his broad artistic range.
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Early Life
Idrissa Akuna Elba on September 6th of 1972 in Hackney, London to parents of Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian heritage. Idris soon became interested in acting at a young age while also cultivating a passion for music. Eventually, he started his own DJ business. He attended the National Youth Music Theater, initially pursuing a music career before starting to audition for acting roles in his 20s.
Acting Career
Idris Elba started his acting career in 1994, with roles in British television series such as "Crimewatch," "Bramwell," "Absolutely Fabulous," "The Bill," and "Family Affairs." After appearing in "Ultraviolet" and "Dangerfield," Elba decided to relocate to New York City.
Once in the United States, he established himself with a theater role in a production of "Troilus and Cressida." Next came a supporting role on the show "Law & Order" before Elba landed one of his most well-known roles in "The Wire." The role of Russell "Stringer" Bell from 2002 to 2004 made him a well-known figure in the United States.
Returning to his roots following "The Wire," Elba took a major role in the film "Sometimes in April," a film about the Rwandan genocide. He then booked a role in "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," which was filmed in Botswana. In 2009, he landed a recurring role in "The Office" in a six-episode arc, later appearing in the season finale as well. Also in 2009, he booked the lead role in "Luther," a psychological crime drama series. He later won a Golden Globe for his work on the show. In 2010, Idris Elba appeared in "The Big C." Elba then booked the lead role of Charlie in the Netflix comedy series "Turn Up Charlie," although it was canceled after just one season.
Outside of television, Idris has a long list of film credits to his name. One of his first major roles was in 2007's "Daddy's Little Girls," a romantic comedy. Further roles in films like "28 Days Later" and "This Christmas" soon followed later that year. In 2008, Idris appeared in "Prom Night" and Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla." In 2009, Idris Elba appeared in "The Unborn" and the massively successful "Obsessed." Co-starring Beyonce, "Obsessed" managed to rake in $29 million in its opening weekend alone and later generated more than $73 million at the box office.
Idris Elba is also known for starring as military figures in action movies, such as in 2010's "Legacy" and "The Losers." In addition, Elba has gained further recognition for playing the role of Heimdall in the "Thor" movies and other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Other notable roles came with films such as "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance," "Prometheus," "Pacific Rim," "No Good Deed," "Beasts of No Nation," "Star Trek Beyond," "The Dark Tower," "Molly's Game," and "Cats."
Idris Elba also has many voice acting credits. In 2016, he voiced the character of Chief Bogo in "Zootopia," Shere Khan in "The Jungle Book," and Fluke the sea lion in "Finding Dory."
In 2016, Elba showcased his voice-acting talents in two major animated films. He voiced the character of Chief Bogo in the critically acclaimed Disney film "Zootopia," and the intimidating tiger Shere Khan in "The Jungle Book," a live-action/CGI adaptation of the classic Rudyard Kipling story. Both roles demonstrated his ability to bring depth and charisma to animated characters, expanding his already diverse portfolio.
Elba continued to impress with his performance in "Star Trek Beyond" (2016), where he played the film's main antagonist, Krall. His portrayal of a complex villain added a significant layer to the film's narrative. In 2017, he took on the lead role in "The Dark Tower," a science-fiction western based on Stephen King's novel series. Although the film received mixed reviews, Elba's performance was generally praised.
In 2019, Elba returned to television with the fifth season of "Luther," reprising his role as the titular character, DCI John Luther. His portrayal in this gritty crime drama continued to receive acclaim for its intensity and depth. That same year, he played a DJ in the Netflix comedy series "Turn Up Charlie," which he also co-created. Although the show was short-lived, it was a testament to Elba's range and interest in exploring different facets of storytelling.
Elba's ability to transition seamlessly between genres was further evident with his role in "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" (2019), where he played the cybernetically-enhanced villain Brixton Lore. His performance added a formidable presence to the action-packed film.
In 2021, Elba starred in "Concrete Cowboy," a film about urban horseback riding in Philadelphia. His portrayal of a stoic and troubled father figure in this drama was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Additionally, he lent his voice to the character Knuckles in "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" (2022), showcasing his versatility as a voice actor.
In 2023, Idris starred in the Apple TV+ thriller "Hijack."
(Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
Music Career
Although acting has certainly become a priority for Idris Elba, he continues to pursue a career in music. Drawing upon his early experiences, Idris Elba has DJed at various events, including major celebrity parties. In addition, Idris Elba was the DJ for the BET series Rising Icons. In 2006, he released a four-track EP, and in 2009, he released a six-track EP, which contained the single "Please Be True." As a producer, Idris Elba has worked with artists such as Jay-Z, K. Michelle, Mr. Hudson, and more. In 2018, he launched his own music label called 7Wallace.
As a rapper and musician, Idris Elba has collaborated with artists such as Jay-Z, Pharoahe Monch, Phyno, Loose Tapestries, Skepta, D'banj, Madonna, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Wiley, Taylor Swift, and Jay Robinson. Elba often appears in music videos for other artists, and he sometimes directs them as well.
In 2017, Idris Elba reportedly "enraged" his neighbors after adding an extensive basement studio to his 2.5-million-pound Hackney home. At the time, Elba planned to open the studio for 15 hours a day, enabling him to work with a variety of artists. Neighbors complained because the previous owner was notably quieter than Elba.
Relationships
In 1999, Idris Elba married his first wife, Hanne "Kim" Nørgaard. By 2003, the marriage had ended in a divorce, although the pair had one child together during their relationship. While in a relationship with a girlfriend called Naiyana Garth, Elba had another child. In 2019, he married Sabrina Dhowre, a Somali-Canadian.
