Idris Elba Explains Why He No Longer Describes Himself as A ‘Black Actor.’

Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE is an English actor. An alumnus of the National Youth Theatre in London, he is known for roles including Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

According to the Ace Actor Idris Elba, our obsession with race can hinder people's 'aspirations' and 'growth.'

Idris Elba said in a recent interview disclosed that, he has stopped describing himself as a "Black actor" because it put him in a "box" in his career.

He noted; "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," the "Beast" actor told Esquire U.K. in an article published Wednesday. "As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth."

He agreed that racism should be discussed.

He added; "Racism is very real," Elba said. "But, from my perspective, 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."



But he said he didn’t become an actor 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 said. "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." He concluded.