Childhood and Education Journey of Idris Elba in Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Idris Elba. A timeline of key moments.
Idris Elba is a multifaceted English entertainer, recognized as an actor, rapper, singer, and DJ. He's garnered critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award and multiple BAFTA and Emmy nominations. Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2016, Elba's success extends to the box office, where his films have generated over $9.8 billion worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the highest-grossing actors in the industry.
September 1972: Idris Elba's Birth
In September 1972, Idrissa Akuna Elba was born. He is an English actor, rapper, singer, and DJ.
September 1972: Idris Elba Born in London
On 6 September 1972, Idrissa Akuna Elba was born in the London Borough of Hackney to Winston Elba and Eve.
1976: Prince's Trust Founded
In 1976, Prince Charles founded The Prince's Trust, a UK youth charity that Idris Elba credits with helping begin his career.
1986: Started helping with wedding DJ business
In 1986, Elba started helping an uncle with his wedding DJ business; within a year, he had started his own DJ company with some of his friends.
1988: Left Barking and Dagenham College and won place in National Youth Music Theatre
In 1988, Elba left Barking and Dagenham College and won a place in the National Youth Music Theatre after receiving a Prince's Trust grant.
April 2009: Appointed Prince's Trust Anti-Crime Ambassador
In April 2009, Idris Elba was appointed as the anti-crime ambassador for The Prince's Trust, a UK youth charity.
January 2016: Addressed UK Parliament on Diversity
In January 2016, Idris Elba addressed the UK parliament regarding the lack of diversity on screen, emphasizing the need for change regarding race, gender, and sexuality.
2018: Served on the Board of Governors of the British Film Institute
From 2018, Idris Elba served on the Board of Governors of the British Film Institute.
April 2021: Series mainly the brainchild of his wife
In April 2021, Elba said the series is "mainly the brainchild" of his wife, whom he described as a "super geek when it comes to anime".
2022: Stepped down from the Board of Governors of the British Film Institute
In 2022, Idris Elba stepped down from the Board of Governors of the British Film Institute.
June 2024: Launched a new production company called 22Summers
In June 2024, Elba launched a new production company called 22Summers with former Pulse & BBC exec Diene Petterle.
2024: Participated in UK Government's Knife Crime Summit
In 2024, Idris Elba attended the UK government's inaugural knife crime summit, advocating for action and diverse perspectives to address the issue.
January 2025: Revealed He Stopped Eating Meat
In January 2025, Idris Elba revealed that he had stopped eating meat around six months prior.
February 2025: Invested in Kiro Race Co
On February 11, 2025, Idris Elba invested in Kiro Race Co, a team competing in the FIA Formula E World Championship.
2025: Suggested Banning Ninja Swords
In 2025, Idris Elba suggested banning 'ninja swords' and modifying kitchen knives as potential solutions to knife crime.
