Idris Elba is an English actor, writer, producer, rapper, singer, songwriter and DJ. He is known for roles including Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. He has been nominated four times for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film, winning one, and was nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy Award.

In addition to his acting work, Elba performs as a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis and as an R&B musician. In 2016, he was named in the Time 100 list of the Most Influential People in the World. As of May 2019, his films have grossed over $9.8 billion at the global box office, including over $3.6 billion in North America, where he is one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors.

Elba landed his first major acting role in the 2002 HBO drama series The Wire. From 2002 to 2004, Elba portrayed Russell "Stringer" Bell in the series, perhaps his best-known role in the United States. He then appeared in Sometimes in April, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and made an appearance on NBC's The Office.

In September 2009, Elba signed a deal to star as the lead role on the six-part BBC television series Luther. His performance in the show has earned him multiple Emmy nominations, multiple Golden Globe nominations and one win, and a SAG award.

In 2019, Elba began starring in the Netflix original series Turn Up Charlie. The show follows Charlie, a struggling DJ and eternal bachelor, who is given a final chance at success when he reluctantly becomes a manny to his famous best friend's problem-child daughter. In the same year, he performed at Coachella music festival.

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