Idris Elba, known for his roles in hit shows like “The Wire,” made a memorable appearance on the talk show “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross.” During the interview, Elba discussed his American accent and his experience playing a British character in an American film.
Ross commended Elba on his convincing American accent, noting that it is often a difficult skill for British actors to master. Elba revealed that he lived in the States for a long time and initially struggled with the accent but eventually learned it. He humorously mentioned that words with the letter “r” were particularly challenging.
Elba, who now resides in Florida, also talked about his new show, “Luther,” set in London. He expressed his excitement about the series, describing his character as a passionate detective who breaks boundaries to catch criminals. Elba praised the show’s dark and psychological nature, mentioning that it has been well-received.
The conversation then shifted to Elba’s career, with Ross asking him about the transition from the UK to the US. Elba explained that he moved to the States in 1997 because he wasn’t getting the type of roles he desired in the UK. Initially, he faced some challenges in Hollywood and was out of work for four years. Elba emphasized that the American market was bigger and presented more opportunities.
Before his acting career took off, Elba revealed that he had a stint as a DJ on pirate radio stations in London. He mentioned the legality of pirate radio back then and shared an anecdote about a fellow DJ getting caught after he left the show.
Ross also touched upon Elba’s physical fitness, with Elba modestly admitting that he doesn’t actively maintain a workout routine. However, he did mention playing football and kickboxing as his primary forms of fitness.
The interview concluded with Elba discussing his role as Heimdall in the Marvel movie “Thor.” Elba talked about Heimdall’s role as the gatekeeper of Asgard and his special powers. He light-heartedly mentioned that his character wears a big helmet but couldn’t provide any more details due to his contract.
Overall, Elba’s appearance on “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” showcased his charm, wit, and versatility as an actor. Audiences can look forward to seeing more of Elba’s talent in his upcoming projects, including “Luther” and “Thor.”
