
Idris Elba
Award-Winning Actor, Director, DJ & Producer
Golden Globe-winning actor Idris Elba showcases his creative versatility both on-screen in television and film as well as behind the camera as a producer and director. He continues to captivate audiences and secure his position as the one to watch in Hollywood, with a string of well-received performances in high-profile films as well as and…
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Full Bio
Golden Globe-winning actor Idris Elba showcases his creative versatility both on-screen in television and film as well as behind the camera as a producer and director. He continues to captivate audiences and secure his position as the one to watch in Hollywood, with a string of well-received performances in high-profile films as well as and multiple critically acclaimed television series.
Prior to his big screen debut, Elba’s career skyrocketed on the small screen in some of UK’s top rated shows including Dangerfield, Bramwell and Ultraviolet. In 2000, Ultraviolet was purchased by Fox in the United States, offering Idris a break into the American marketplace. He soon moved to New York and earned rave reviews for his portrayal of Achilles in Sir Peter Hall’s off-Broadway production of Troilus and Cressida. Shortly thereafter he landed a part on the acclaimed television series Law & Order.
Soon after his move to the states, Idris landed the role of Stringer Bell, the lieutenant of a Baltimore drug empire on HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire. Elba’s portrayal of the complex but deadly Bell is arguably one of the most compelling performances in TV history. In 2005, his performance earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
In 2005 Elba began his film career in such projects as HBO’s Sometimes in April (NAACP Image Award nomination), Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls (BET Award nomination), The Reaping alongside Hilary Swank, and the horror thriller 28 Weeks Later. In 2007, Idris starred in Ridley Scott’s Golden Globe nominated American Gangster with Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe, Ruby Dee and Josh Brolin. The cast went on to receive a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. Following, he starred in Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla with Tom Hardy, opposite Beyonce Knowles in Obsessed (NAACP Image Award Nomination), The Losers (NAACP Image Award nomination), Legacy (which he also executive produced), Ghost Rider with Nicolas Cage, Ridley Scott’s Prometheus with Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron, Thor with Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim alongside Charlie Hunnam, Charlie Day and Rinko Kikuchi. In 2013 Idris starred as Nelson Mandela in The Weinstein Company biopic Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and an NAACP Image Award nomination. The next year, he both starred in and executive produced No Good Deed, a thriller also starring Taraji Henson. In March 2015 Elba appeared in Pierre Morel’s The Gunman, alongside Sean Penn and Javier Bardem.
Elba can currently be seen in Beasts of No Nation, directed by Cary Fukunaga, which earned him a SAG award, London Evening Standard award and nominations for a Golden Globe, BAFTA, NAACP and Film Independent Spirit Award. He was most recently seen in Zootopia and The Jungle Book for Disney, and will next be seen in Star Trek Beyond. He is currently in production on The Dark Tower.
Idris returned to television in 2009 when he joined the cast of NBC’s hit television show The Office as Michael Scott’s less than amused boss Charles Minor. In 2010, Idris landed the title role of John Luther in the BBC crime drama mini-series Luther. Following the first season, Elba was nominated for an Emmy for his performance in Luther as well as for his guest appearance on Showtime’s The Big C. His performance in the first season of Luther earned him an NAACP Image Award, a BET Award, and a Golden Globe. In 2012, Elba earned an Emmy nomination for the second season of Luther. The third installment of the BBC mini-series aired in September 2013. His performance earned him an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination as well as an NAACP Image Award. In 2015, Elba reprised his role as Luther for the two-part final installment of the series, for which he earned a Critics’ Choice Award and nominations for a Golden Globe, SAG, NAACP and BAFTA TV award.
In 2013 Elba made his directorial debut with the teleplay The Pavement Psychologist for Sky/Sprout Pictures as part of Sky’s PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS series starring Anna Friel, which Elba also wrote. He also created, directed and starred in the music video “Lover of the Light” by Mumford and Sons which has received more than 9 million YouTube views to date. In 2014 Elba starred in and produced a two-part documentary titled King of Speed for BBC Two and BBC America with his production company Green Door Pictures. In 2015 Elba and Green Door Pictures released the documentary Mandela, My Dad and Me, which follows Elba during the making of his album “mi Mandela.”
In winter 2015, Elba launched his clothing line Idris Elba + Superdry, which combines vintage Americana styling with Japanese inspired graphics, available in both the UK and US.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation With Idris Elba
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Idris Elba on return to "Luther," filming "Beast of No Nation"
Idris Elba "Work hard sleep less"
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