Idrissa Akuna "Idris" Elba (born 6 September 1972) is a British actor, singer, rapper and producer who has starred in both British and American productions. He grew up in Canning Town, East London. He is best known for playing Russell "Stringer" Bell (a Baltimore drug lord and aspiring businessman) in HBO's critically acclaimed show The Wire and the title role of Detective John Luther in Luther, which airs on BBC One. Elba has won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of DCI Luther. One of Elba's first acting roles was in the soap opera Family Affairs. As a film actor, Elba has appeared in American Gangster, Takers, The Losers,Thor, Prometheus and Pacific Rim. In addition to his acting work, Elba is a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis/Big Driis the Londoner, and a hip-hop soul recording artist.
