In his latest role, Idris Elba is voice acting as Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but those not tuning into the animated film likely know him as an actor, producer, rapper and DJ. His work explores everything from street life and fatherhood, to being a superhero – something Elba could’ve only dreamed of when he took jobs in cold-call advertising sales and working at Ford’s car factory before acting brought in enough to pay his bills. Eventually, the Black icon’s creative aspirations led him to New York City where he began to make a name for himself before getting his start on HBO’s The Wire. The success of his career has allowed the multi-hyphenate to accrue millions and secure generational wealth for his family. Here’s what we know about Idris Elba’s net worth.
Exploring Idris Elba’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Idris Elba was born to Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian parents in Hackney, London. He developed an interest in acting at an early age, also establishing a love for music; this passion for the arts would propel him to establish careers in both, attending the National Youth Music Theater before starting his own DJ business. Elba began to take on acting roles in his early 20s, mostly British television series including Crimewatch, Bramwell, Absolutely Fabulous, The Bill and Family Affairs.
The 52-year-old has sustained a lengthy career as an actor, achieving several roles in a host of films and series outside of his home country. He starred in Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls and Obsessed opposite Beyoncé. The latter performed well at the box office thanks to its star-studded cast, raking in close to $30 million in the opening weekend though it has a critics score of just 19% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Elba would also go on to win a Golden Globe for his lead role performance in Jamie Payne’s Luther. He made his directorial debut with Yardie (2018) and established his own production company, Green Door Pictures through which he aims to empower diverse talent. Roles in Thor, Pacific Rim and Star Trek Beyond only helped to amplify his career, along with voice acting roles in Zootopia, The Jungle Book and most recently Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Entertainer’s Success Continues in Music and Love
While he’s best known for his work on the big screen, Elba has been known to take gigs as a DJ at celebrity parties (including the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle). As a producer, he’s worked with a wide range of artists, from hip-hop royalty like Jay-Z to R&B vocalist K. Michelle. He’s collaborated with the former as a lyricist, also teaming up with Skepta, Madonna and Taylor Swift on “London Boy” for her Lover LP.
You can add father, husband and designer to Elba’s many roles. He has two children – Isan and Winston – from past relationships. In 2017, he met his now-wife, Sabrina Elba, at a party; the two married just two years later. Together, they co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation with hopes of furthering their work on food security, and youth advocacy. They’ve also attended red carpet events and worked together professionally as models.
In one of his more underrated roles, Elba played a DJ in Netflix’s Turn Up Charlie, which he also co-created. While short-lived, the series alluded to Elba’s capacity for blending his worlds and amplifying his passions. In 2018, Elba launched his own music label, eventually signing Che Lingo. Several other artists have since joined 7Wallace, and the founder continues to release music under his label, helping to build his impressive net worth.
What Is Idris Elba’s Net Worth?
Idris Elba made a feature in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw for which he was reportedly paid $8 million in 2019. In 2021, the entertainer held a lead role in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, which allowed him to achieve another $8 million payout. Since then, Elba has also signed a multi-book deal with publisher HarperCollins; he plans to publish books for young readers that are inspired by his daughter.
In 2018, Idris launched his own clothing line called 2HR SET. The collection, inspired by his career as a DJ, is also representative of how long the actor gives himself to study something, whether it’s a new mix or a new script. Elba followed the collection up with a second fashion brand, Don’t Stab Your Future (DSYF), which was created to increase awareness around knife crime. Through DYSF, he also partnered with the football club Arsenal.
Another fashion brand partnership, this one with his wife, Sabrina, and Christian Louboutin, helped the couple and brand raise $2 million for charity. Let’s not forget the couple’s genderless skincare brand, S’Able Labs. It’s no wonder that the star, who has mastered the art of creating and managing several revenue streams, has garnered a net worth of approximately $50 million.
