Idris Elba Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is Idris Elba’s Net Worth and Salary?

Idris Elba, a talented British actor, producer, singer, rapper, and DJ, boasts a net worth of $50 million. His rise to fame began in the late 1990s with various television roles in the UK. The HBO series “The Wire” (2002-2004) marked his breakthrough, where he portrayed the shrewd drug lord Stringer Bell, gaining him worldwide acclaim and recognition.

After “The Wire,” Elba experienced a career surge, demonstrating his versatility across multiple genres. He took on the lead role of DCI John Luther in the BBC series “Luther” (2010-2019), a performance that earned him a Golden Globe and several Emmy nominations, solidifying his position as a top-tier actor capable of delivering profound and intense performances.

His filmography is equally remarkable. Elba has held prominent roles in blockbuster hits like “Thor” (2011) and its sequels, portraying the Asgardian guardian Heimdall. He received accolades for his role as Nelson Mandela in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (2013), highlighting his talent for embodying intricate historical characters. His range is further showcased in films like “Beasts of No Nation” (2015), in which he played a warlord, earning a BAFTA nomination, along with his performance in “Molly’s Game” (2017), where he exhibited his dramatic skills. In 2023, he appeared in the Apple TV+ series “Hijack.”

Elba has also ventured into producing and directing, further diversifying his career. His directorial debut occurred with “Yardie” (2018), which tells the story of a Jamaican immigrant in 1980s London. Through his production company, Green Door Pictures, he aims to create opportunities for diverse talent.

Moreover, Elba’s enthusiasm for music has led him to be successful as a DJ and musician, performing at clubs and festivals across the globe, illustrating his extensive artistic abilities.

Early Life

Born Idrissa Akuna Elba on September 6, 1972, in Hackney, London, he comes from parents with Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian roots. Elba developed a passion for acting at an early age, while also fostering an interest in music, ultimately launching his own DJ business. He was a member of the National Youth Music Theater, initially focusing on music before he began auditioning for acting roles in his 20s.

Acting Career

Elba commenced his acting journey in 1994, featuring in British television shows such as “Crimewatch,” “Bramwell,” “Absolutely Fabulous,” “The Bill,” and “Family Affairs.” Following appearances on “Ultraviolet” and “Dangerfield,” he made the decision to move to New York City.

Establishing himself in America, he took on a theater role in a production of “Troilus and Cressida.” Soon, he accepted a supporting role on “Law & Order,” before landing one of his most famous roles in “The Wire.” His portrayal of Russell “Stringer” Bell from 2002 to 2004 made him a recognizable figure across the United States.

After “The Wire,” he returned to his roots and took a prominent role in the film “Sometimes in April,” which addresses the Rwandan genocide. He subsequentlyIdris Elba secured a role in “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” which was shot in Botswana. In 2009, he obtained a recurring character in “The Office” during a six-episode storyline, and he also appeared in the season finale. That same year, he landed the lead in “Luther,” a psychological crime drama series, for which he later received a Golden Globe award. Following this, in 2010, Idris Elba made an appearance in “The Big C.” He then assumed the lead role of Charlie in the Netflix comedy series “Turn Up Charlie,” though it was canceled after only one season.

In addition to his television work, Idris boasts an extensive list of film credits. One of his significant early roles was in the 2007 romantic comedy “Daddy’s Little Girls.” This was soon followed by roles in films such as “28 Days Later” and “This Christmas” within the same year. In 2008, he starred in “Prom Night” and Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla.” The following year saw Elba in “The Unborn” and the hugely popular “Obsessed.” Co-starring with Beyonce, “Obsessed” earned $29 million in its opening weekend and ultimately grossed over $73 million at the box office.

Idris Elba is well-recognized for his portrayals of military characters in action films, including his roles in 2010’s “Legacy” and “The Losers.” He has also received notable acclaim for portraying Heimdall in the “Thor” films and other entries within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Further significant roles include parts in “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.”

Moreover, Idris Elba possesses a variety of voice acting credits. In 2016, he lent his voice to Chief Bogo in “Zootopia,” Shere Khan in “The Jungle Book,” and Fluke the sea lion in “Finding Dory.”

In 2016, Elba displayed his voice-acting skills in two significant animated features. He voiced Chief Bogo in the acclaimed Disney film “Zootopia” and the menacing tiger Shere Khan in the live-action/CGI “The Jungle Book,” based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale. Both roles reflected his ability to infuse animated characters with depth and charm, broadening his already versatile portfolio.

Continuing to impress, Elba took on the role of the primary antagonist, Krall, in “Star Trek Beyond” (2016). His interpretation of a multifaceted villain added considerable depth to the film’s story. In 2017, he starred as the lead in “The Dark Tower,” a sci-fi western drawn from Stephen King’s novel series. Although the movie received mixed reviews, Elba’s performance was widely acclaimed.

In 2019, Elba made his return to television with the fifth season of “Luther,” reprising his role as the central character, DCI John Luther. His portrayal in this intense crime drama continued to earn praise for its profundity and intensity. That same year, he portrayed a DJ in Netflix’s “Turn Up Charlie,” a series he co-created. Though the show was short-lived, it showcased Elba’s ability to explore diverse storytelling aspects.

Elba’s seamless transition between genres was further highlighted by his role as the cybernetically-enhanced villain Brixton Lore in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” (2019). His presence in the action-packed film was formidable.

In 2021, Elba took the lead in “Concrete Cowboy,” depicting urban horseback riding in Philadelphia. His performance as a stoic and troubled father figure in this drama was recognized for its genuine emotional weight. Additionally, he voiced Knuckles in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (2022), showcasing his adaptability as a voice actor.

In 2023, Idris starred in the thriller “Hijack” on Apple TV+.

Music Career

Despite the fact that acting has become Idris Elba’s main focus, he actively works on his music career as well. His background in music has led him to DJ at a range of events, including high-profile celebrity gatherings. Furthermore, Idris served as the DJ for the BET series Rising Icons. In 2006, he launched a four-track EP, and then followed it up in 2009 with a six-track EP featuring the single “Please Be True.” As a music producer, he has collaborated with various artists, including Jay-Z, K. Michelle, Mr. Hudson, and others. In 2018, he established his own record label named 7Wallace.

Idris Elba’s work as a rapper and musician has seen him partner with a range of artists, including Jay-Z, Pharoahe Monch, Phyno, Loose Tapestries, Skepta, D’banj, Madonna, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Wiley, Taylor Swift, and Jay Robinson. Additionally, Elba frequently appears in music videos for other musicians, occasionally taking on directing roles as well.

In 2017, Idris Elba faced complaints from neighbors after he built a large basement studio in his 2.5-million-pound home in Hackney. He intended for the studio to operate 15 hours a day to allow collaboration with various artists, which caused concern among neighbors who noted that the previous owner had kept noise levels down much more.

Relationships

Idris Elba tied the knot with his first wife, Hanne “Kim” Nørgaard, in 1999. However, by 2003, the couple divorced, having welcomed one child during their marriage. While in a relationship with Naiyana Garth, Elba welcomed another child. In 2019, he married Sabrina Dhowre, who is Somali-Canadian.