Question 1

True or false: He was awarded an MBE in 2016 for his services to drama and philanthropy.

Accepted Answer

True. Queen Elizabeth II appointed him Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours.

Question 2

True or false: Idris Elba trained as a professional DJ before he became an actor.

Accepted Answer

True. He started DJing at age 14 under the name 'DJ Big Driis' and still performs at major festivals like Coachella.

Question 3

True or false: He was once a professional boxer, winning a national championship in the UK.

Accepted Answer

False. Elba has never boxed professionally, though he trained for his role in 'The Mountain Between Us' and 'Beasts of No Nation.'

Question 4

True or false: Idris Elba turned down the role of 'Black Panther' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Accepted Answer

False. He never turned it down; Chadwick Boseman was always the top choice. Elba played Heimdall in Thor instead.

Question 5

True or false: Idris Elba once worked as a nightclub bouncer to pay rent while auditioning for roles.

Accepted Answer

True. He worked as a doorman at a London nightclub in the late 1990s, which he says taught him how to handle difficult people.

Question 6

True or false: Idris Elba holds a black belt in karate and has competed in martial arts tournaments.

Accepted Answer

True. He earned his black belt in Shotokan karate at age 19 and once taught martial arts to kids.

Question 7

True or false: He was the first actor to play both Nelson Mandela and James Bond in separate films.

Accepted Answer

False. He played Mandela in 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' but never officially portrayed James Bond in a film.

Question 8

True or false: Elba directed all episodes of the TV series 'Luther' in which he also starred.

Accepted Answer

False. He directed only a few episodes, not all. The show was primarily created and directed by others, like Sam Miller.

Idris Elba Trivia Questions