The first biography of the riveting actor who came to fame in The
Wire
He's the ruthlessly ingenious drug lord "Stringer" Bell in The Wire,
the obsessive Detective Chief Inspector in Luther, and the star of
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Idris Elba inhabits each role as if he
were born to play it, and approaches each performance as if it were his
last. But what of the man himself?This first biography of the onscreen
legend reveals Elba's life behind the lens, exploring just what it is
that makes him so ambitious, adaptable, and endlessly watchable. From
humble beginnings, a second-generation immigrant born in London, Elba
set up his own DJ company at the age of 14 and, encouraged by his drama
teacher to pursue his natural talent, won a place at the prestigious
National Youth Music Theatre. Now a world-class rapper and DJ as well as
an actor and international pin-up, his work ethic is impressive, but not
more so than his enthusiasm for everything he does. From bit parts to
blockbusters, his career has reached dizzying heights."