Idris Elba - Nadia Cohen

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.