From Hackney to Hollywood: Idris Elba wins Golden Globe 2012

Idris Elba: best actor in a mini-series or TV movie at the Golden Globes for his performance in Luther

Hackney-born Idris Elba won a prestigious Golden Globe this week (15 January) for his role in the BBC crime drama Luther.

After a Golden Globe nomination last year, Elba won this week’s award for an actor in a series, miniseries or motion picture made for television.

He fought off competition from the stars of Downton Abbey, Page Eight, and The Hour to win the award.

Elba, who grew up on the Holly Street Estate, has also starred in hit US series The Wire. His Los Angeles life is now a far cry from his first career break as a backstage hand in an East End production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

But in 2011, Elba returned to his Hackney roots after a new affordable homes scheme was named after his in recognition of his links to the area.

The £6.2million ‘Elba House’ A2Dominion project transformed a derelict factory site into 23 new homes with affordable rents for local people.

Elba is also a patron of The Prince’s Trust, a youth charity that helps transform young peoples’ lives.

When asked by BHM Magazine if he preferred LA or Hackney, Elba replied: “I live in LA but I would consider moving my business to east London, my whole production side, the music, the movies set up. It’s a great place for inspiration as an artist.”