Today's Actor

Idris Elba, the English television, theatre, and filmactor who has starred in both British and American productions. Idris Elba grew up in Canning Town, East London. One of his first acting roles was in the soap opera Family Affairs.He has worked in a variety of TV roles including Ultraviolet and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.He is also known for playing Russell "Stringer" Bell, the drug dealer who aspired to become a high powered businessman, in HBO's The Wire. Elba is also a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis / Big Driis the Londoner, and a hip-hop soul recording artist.

In 2009, Elba appeared on a six-episode arc of the American sitcom The Office, playing Charles Miner, Michael Scott's new boss. In 2010, he appeared in the action fim The Losers in the role of Roque, the second-in-command of a black-ops team. The same year, he appeared in the thrillerTakers. Elba played the title role of Detective John Luther in the 6-part BBC television showLuther which aired from May 4, 2010 on BBC One.

Elba is currently divorced. He and his ex-wife have a daughter named Isan, born in 2002. Though the two split four years after the birth of their child, it is rumored that they are still very good friends. They have been photographed out together on many occasions since the divorce, but neither cares to comment on speculations. Elba is a friend of rappers such as Diddy and Ludacris, and spends much of his time in Atlanta, where he owns a house and lives close to his daughter. He is represented by ICM. In April 2009, it was announced that Elba has become an Anti-Crime Ambassador and in July 2010, Elba announced his support for Oona King in her campaign to become theLabour Party candidate for Mayor of London in 2012.

Elba is a fan of London football team Arsenal FC, despite his father being a Manchester United fan.

He was featured as one of the "Ten Hottest Men on the Planet" in the April 2004 issue of Essence magazine and again in the November 2005 issue. Idris was chosen as one of People Magazine's annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World, in May 2007. Elba appeared on the August 2009 cover of Essence magazine. He also appeared on the August 2010 cover of Ebony magazine