Idris Elba
A versatile actor who boasts a second career as a disc jockey and hip-hop recording artist, Idris Elba was born Sept. 6, 1972, in London. He left school at 16 after joining the National Youth Music Theatre and paid his bills in part by spinning records inside London clubs at night.

Although Elba is a familiar face in Britain thanks to his work on the soap opera "Family Affairs" and the vampire serial "Ultraviolet," in the United States, he's best known for his starring role on the acclaimed HBO drama "The Wire" (2002-04). He also played Steve Carell's no-nonsense boss during a short guest run on the American version of "The Office" in 2009.

In 2010, Elba earned his first Golden Globe nod in the title role of the BBC crime drama "Luther," portraying a homicide detective recovering from a nervous breakdown. He also co-produced a track on rapper Jay-Z's concept album "American Gangster."

Featured Movies
  • Daddy's Little GirlsDaddy's Little Girls

    In this drama from Tyler Perry, a powerful attorney falls in love with a janitor who's the single father of three daughters. Trouble comes in the form of his ex-wife, who reappears on the scene threatening to take away his children. Read More

  • ObsessedObsessed

    Successful executive Derek Charles seems to have it all, including the perfect job and perfect wife. Everything falls apart, however, when a foxy but manipulative new office temp sets out to seduce and destroy him in this edgy thriller. Read More

  • LutherLuther

    John Luther is a dedicated detective trying to keep from losing his grip on his personal life in this innovative BBC police drama that spotlights the psychological factors underlying the crimes the sleuth has been assigned to solve. Read More

  • The GospelThe Gospel

    Returning to his father's church after turning his back on God, a young singer (Boris Kodjoe) makes an unpleasant discovery: His childhood nemesis (Idris Elba) has a "new vision" for the congregation. Writer-director Rob Hardy helms this inspiring drama based on the biblical parable of "The Prodigal... Read More

All Idris Elba Movies
Prometheus (2012)
NR
Thor (2011)
PG-13
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)
PG-13
Luther (2010)
NR
Legacy (2010)
R
Takers (2010)
Bone Deep
PG-13
The Losers (2010)
PG-13
The Unborn (2009)
UR
Obsessed (2009)
PG-13
The Human Contract (2008)
R
RocknRolla (2008)
R
Prom Night (2008)
UR
28 Weeks Later (2007)
R
Daddy's Little Girls (2007)
Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls
PG-13
The Reaping (2007)
R
This Christmas (2007)
Black Eyed Peas
PG-13
Sometimes in April (2005)
NR
The Gospel (2005)
PG
Inspector Lynley: Payment in Blood (2002)
NR
Ultraviolet (1998)
NR

 
Questions? 1-877-742-1480
24 hours a day
Cancel online anytime


Start Your 1 Month Free Trial
Email
Confirm Email
Password
Confirm Password
 Secure Server
We will not sell or rent your email address. We may contact you about the Netflix service. See our privacy notice.