Idris Elba reveals why he no longer calls himself a ‘black actor’

Hollywood actor Idris Elba spoke about his experiences with racism and profiling as an actor. In a recent interview, Elba claimed that while racism is real, it’s only as strong as you allow it to be.

The “Beast of No Nation” star said he no longer calls himself a “black actor” and explained that it comes with many limitations and obstacles.

He also talked about why he chose acting as a career, pointing out that he didn’t want to prove himself, but believed from the beginning that he could do a great job.

Read on for more details.

Why Idris Elba Doesn’t Describe Himself as a ‘Black Actor’ Anymore

During a recent interview NobleElba discussed his background, his rise in the industry, and the profiling and racism he faces as an actor of African descent.

The “Luther” star pointed out that because of so many embargoes, he no longer calls himself a “black actor” and said it “put me in a box.”

Elba, while pointing out that the humans are overly obsessed with the race, explained that it is overpowering on his part as it inhibits the growth and aspirations of the humans.

The 50-year-old actor acknowledged the presence of racism in the system and how important it is to discuss it, but added that it’s only as strong as people let it be.

“We have to grow. I have to. Our skin is nothing more than that: it’s just skin,” Elba noted. “If we spent half the time talking about similarities instead of differences, the way we treat each other would change across the planet.”

He was a victim of racism

According to Elba, one of the most important topics people want to know about him is whether he has been a victim of racism in the past, and he revealed it. She said that when she encounters racism, she doesn’t “go talk to my black friends and ask them to tell me about racism.”

The actor said: “I’m no longer black because I’m in a white area, or rather black because I’m in a black area. I’m black.”

“And that skin stays with me wherever I go, every day, in black areas with white people or in white areas with black people. I’m just as black, he added.

The “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” star explained that while he may be the first to do something, he doesn’t want his legacy to be limited to black people, he wants to show others that anything is possible regardless of background.

Idris Elba reveals why he chose acting

Elsewhere a Noble In an interview, the Golden Globe-winning actor talked about why he decided to pursue an acting career, especially in Hollywood.

Elba said she didn’t set out from the start to be a front-line black person changing the narrative about industry representation, but she says it’s a “great profession.”

“I did it because I thought it was a great profession and I could do a good job at it. As you move up the ladder, they ask you how it feels to be the first black person to do this or that. Well, it’s the same as if I were white. This is my first time. I don’t want to be the first black. I am the first Idris.

For him, coming to America to pursue his dreams was a no-brainer, no matter what success he had achieved before the switch. He noted that the country’s opportunities, culture, music, etc. helped in the decision.

“…You just felt the possibilities. You can start with a dollar in New York and go up. This was real. That’s why I went. Is this the same America we are looking at today? Maybe not. Things have changed. But now I look at it with the eyes of a 50-year-old,” he said.

Idris Elba discusses his fears and insecurities

During your conversation with him Noble, Elba shared that she has fears and insecurities just like everyone else. Referring to Stringer Bell, the character he played in “The Wire,” the actor pointed out that his life and the character’s life are somewhat similar.

“I identified with him a lot. He was an underdog, right? I had no chance. And the feeling that I’m not the guy, but the guy next to the guy. Or I’m not the guy yet, but I can be the guy.”

He went on to explain that he fears that one day he will be like Stringer Bell.

Elba said: “I was always like, damn, this guy has been going places, he was smart as hell, everyone liked him, and he was out. I always feel like this could be me. They can run you over, stab you, shoot you. I can get a disease. Nothing is permanent.”

The “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” actor then revealed that his insecurity is imposter syndrome, explaining that it messes with his personality. She shared that imposter syndrome makes you not stand up for yourself because you “feel like you shouldn’t be in the room.”