This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Idris Elba: From Street Boss To 'Office' Politics
Idris Elba was born in London; his mother is originally from Ghana, his father from Sierra Leone.
(
Michael Kappeler
/
AFP / Getty Images
)
Listen
0:00
Actor Idris Elba is best known for his stint on HBO's acclaimed drama The Wire, where he played Russell "Stringer" Bell, a drug dealer and aspiring real-estate mogul.
Although "Stringer" never made it in the corporate world, Elba will soon be donning a suit: Starting next week, he'll play Michael Scott's new boss in NBC's popular prime-time comedy The Office. The trade journal Variety reported in January that he'll be with the show for a six-episode arc, playing "a no-nonsense hire at Dunder Mifflin's corporate office who will throw Michael Scott into turmoil."
Elba, 36, was with The Wire from 2002 to 2004. He's also appeared in many movies, including American Gangster, 28 Weeks Later, and Sometimes In April. He's also a DJ and a singer.
The London-born actor stars in the thriller The Obsessed, due out later this year. He talks to Fresh Air's Terry Gross about his work in music and movies, and about life after The Wire.
Copyright 2022 Fresh Air. To see more, visit Fresh Air. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
