Movies

Here's How Much Idris Elba Is Actually Worth

Idris Elba Angela Weiss/Getty Images
By Naaz Modan

Over the past week, the topic of coronavirus has swiftly moved from the fringes of our minds to smack-dab in the center. With more public places (including restaurants and bars) closing, the postponement of production for movies and shows like The Bachelorette, and even some of our favorite celebrities testing positive for coronavirus and isolating themselves, it's become harder to ignore the impact COVID-19 is having on our daily lives and the world around us.

And on March 16, there was another devastating blow to the film industry: Days after actor Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson tested positive for coronavirus, Idris Elba joined the small but growing circle of Hollywood heartthrobs that have been diagnosed with the disease.

To perhaps no one's surprise, The Wire star handled the announcement with grace and poise. "This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I'm doing. No panic," Elba posted on his Twitter, alongside an informative video.

The circulation of this news has led to more chatter about People's 2018 sexiest man alive, including just how much fans love him. And another question: How much is Elba actually worth?

Idris Elba is sexy *and* a millionaire

Idris Elba Emma Mcintyre/Getty Images

The British actor — who is well known for BBC's Luther and movies like Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom — has accumulated quite some wealth over the years. Idris Elba now has a net worth of $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

And for good reason. Not only is he an absolute babe to many fans, but he also has some serious skill in other areas. Besides being on screen, the 47-year-old is also an experienced DJ, who performed at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal wedding. He's also tried his hand at music production and rap with fellow star Jay Z, according to Genius.

But not everything was easy on his road to fame. Elba dropped out of school and supported himself through various odd jobs between acting roles, including making sales calls and working in nightclubs under the stage name DJ Big Driis. He finally began auditioning for TV in his early 20s and landed a few sweet gigs as early as the 1990s in soap operas and other dramas. The father-of-two eventually rose to fame as Stringer Bell on HBO's acclaimed drama, The Wire.

In a 2018 interview with People, the DJ-turned-actor credits his success to the opportunities he's grabbed over the years. "Life isn't about thinking about what you should have done," Elba said. "I think everyone should adopt the philosophy that tomorrow is not promised so just go for it today, man."

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