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.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Culture2 weeks ago
Brooklyn community rallies behind beloved shoe shiner Byron Neal known as “The Light on the Corner”
-
Black And Missing2 weeks ago
Search continues for missing 10-year-old Arkansas girl swept away in Florida waters
-
Social Justice1 week ago
Family of Jabari Peoples demands answers after fatal police ehooting in Alabama
-
Beauty & Fashion2 weeks ago
Young mother dies after cosmetic surgery complications
-
News7 days ago
Marilyn Mosby completes home detention, begins new chapter after federal convictions
-
Crime & Justice7 days ago
14-year-old was shot by best friend since 3rd grade while playing with gun
-
Health & Wellness5 days ago
Teen misses graduation while awaiting heart transplant—hospital hosts emotional ceremony
-
News5 days ago
Louisville teen 13-year-old Derrick Saunders Jr. drowns in Ohio River