Culture
Idris Elba says don’t label him “A Black Actor,” Believes It Puts Him “In A Box”
Actor Idris Elba says he no longer refers to himself as a “Black actor” because he feels the label puts him in a “box”, adding “obsession” with race can hinder aspirations and growth.

Actor Idris Elba says he no longer refers to himself as a “Black actor” because he feels the label puts him in a “box”, adding “obsession” with race can hinder aspirations and growth.
Idris Elba on being labeled a Black actor
In an interview with Esquire UK, Elba said that while he is a prominent member of the Black community, such separatism in Hollywood can hold entertainers back.
“If we spent half the time not talking about the differences but the similarities between us, the entire planet would have a shift in the way we deal with each other,” Elba told the publication.
“As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth.”
For Elba “racism is very real,” but he believes that “it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be.”
“I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: it’s just skin. Rant over,” he said.
Elba also discussed his reasons for pursuing a career in entertainment, saying it was never to break barriers as a Black man.
“I did it because I thought that’s a great profession and I could do a good job at it,” he explained. “As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first Black to do this or that. Well, it’s the same as it would be if I were white. It’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first Black. I’m the first Idris.”
Up next for the actor
The Golden Globe winner is set to premiere in the Netflix film, “Luther: The Fallen Sun,” the follow-up to his critically acclaimed crime series “Luther”, when it hits theaters on February 24.
----------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Unheard Voices on X, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
Download the app on Google Play or ITunes.
----------------------------------------------------------
Unheard Voices Magazine is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
New Jersey1 week ago
New Jersey mother says 2-year-old daughter was missing a braid when she picked her up from day care
-
News4 weeks ago
South Carolina veteran dies on his birthday while saving 13-year-old boy from drowning
-
Black And Missing4 weeks ago
Update: The body of missing Ohio 13-year-old has been found; her father charged for her murder
-
Crime & Justice2 days ago
Two former Delaware firefighters charged with hate crimes after reportedly chasing Black co-worker with a noose
-
Crime & Justice3 weeks ago
Authorities release cause of death for Kei’Mani Latigue
-
Social Justice3 days ago
California man in jail awaiting trial files lawsuit claiming deputies left him paralyzed
-
Crime & Justice5 days ago
Walmart employee shoots multiple co-workers
-
Crime & Justice6 days ago
Mother and teen daughter fatally shot inside their New Jersey home