The wait is over for Luther fans as the detective has finally made his film debut in new Netflix spin-off film, Luther: The Fallen Sun. Idris Elba returns as John Luther, the brilliant but disgraced former Detective Chief Inspector.
The new film picks up where the fifth BBC series left off. Luther has been arrested following the death of his partner (and sometimes lover) Alice Morgan, who was played by Ruth Wilson.
Following its debut in 2010, viewers fell in love with the dark and gritty world of John Luther. The character was last on our screens in 2019 and ever since, a film version has been in development.
Read more: Luther Movie: Cast, plot and release date as first look is revealed at new Netflix adaptation
Over the years, Luther star Idris Elba has proven how dedicated he is to the character of John Luther. But who exactly is the actor? Find out his age, other roles, marital status and net worth below.
How old is Idris Elba?
Idris Elba is 50 years old, celebrating his birthday on September 6. He was born in London in 1972.
Just because he celebrated a big milestone last September, that doesn’t mean the actor had a huge party. Speaking to The Sunday Mirror, he revealed: "I am opting for a chilled dinner with family and friends. Is that boring?
"I feel good. I am excited to turn 50. But I cannot even say the word 50. It is like 'What? I am old!'. That is me - on my way. I feel 50. I wake up in the morning and I am aching and s***.
“The last few years I have realised how precious life is - so I just want to live. I am really just thankful to make it."
What else has Idris Elba been in?
Aside from his starring role in Luther (2010-2019, 2023), Idris has also been in countless other TV and film productions. Starting out on the small screen, he quickly transitioned into cinema roles.
One of Idris’ most well known roles was in the hit American series The Wire between 2002-2004. He played the hugely popular character Stringer Bell.
In 2013, Idris took on the role of Nelson Mandela in the biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. He played opposite James Bond star Naomie Harris in the film, fuelling rumours that Idris would be taking over from Daniel Craig as 007. Over the years, Idris has continually denied the rumours.
Hollywood blockbusters that Idris has been in include several appearances as in the Marvel films, Star Trek Beyond, The Jungle Book, Finding Dory, Pacific Rim and The Suicide Squad.
Is Idris Elba married?
Idris has been married three times: first to Hanne "Kim" Nørgaard (from 1999 to 2003) and then to Sonya Nicole Hamlin (for four months in 2006).
Idris began a relationship with Somali-Canadian model Sabrina Dhowre in early 2017. They became engaged on February 10 2018, during a screening of his film Yardie at an East London cinema. They were married on April 26 2019 in Marrakesh.
He has two children: a daughter with Nørgaard. He also has a son with former girlfriend Naiyana Garth.
What is Idris Elba’s net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Idris is worth $40m, which is I’m £33m in British Pound Sterling. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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