Internationally acclaimed actor Idris Elba is the “Sexiest Man Alive” 2018.
Elba, 46, is the 33rd person to receive the People Magazine honor, which was announced Monday night on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” by host Jimmy Fallon.
The U.K. native is one of three gentlemen of color to receive the accolade since the inaugural “Sexiest Man Alive” spread in 1985, The other two individuals to receive this prestigious title include actor and wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2016 and award-winning actor Denzel Washington 1996.
Elba, father of two posted on Instagram about the announcement expressing his gratitude to his fans and People Magazine.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp04SKlhpOE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Being named the sexiest man alive, adds to many other great things about him, here are some of them.
1. He is also a DJ
Born Idrissa Akuna Elba, this British Sierra Leone actor also doubles up as a producer, musician, and deejay having begun his career as a DJ long before finding fame on the big screen. According to US Weekly Idris even took over the DJ booth for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s evening reception on May 19th, 2018.
2. He played Nelson Mandela
Elba, who found his breakthrough role as drug kingpin Russell “Stringer” Bell on HBO’s “The Wire,” has starred in dozens of TV series and films throughout his career. One of his most iconic roles was playing the late South African president and human rights activist Nelson Mandela in the 2013 film, “Long Walk to Freedom.”
3. He almost became the first black 007
In August 2018, news of Elba possibly becoming the first ever black James Bond, taking over from Daniel Craig took the World by storm. Elba later refuted these claims, but we can all hope that it comes true one day, right?
4. He is British but speaks like an American
He may be British but he doesn’t sound like one. Elba has been known to be a man of many voices. With the ability to blend into various roles without his signature British accent, Elba honed his American accent in a Brooklyn barbershop.
5. He is a record-breaker
Elba has a need for speed. In May 2015, he broke a British land speed record in a Bentley. He hit over 180 mph, smashing a record previously held by Sir Malcolm Campbell, who set his record in 1927.
6. He has received Royal acclaim
In 2016, Elba became an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The rare honor from the Royal Family was bestowed on him for his contributions to the arts within the United Kingdom. When Prince William presented him with the designation, Elba took his mother to witness the momentous occasion at Buckingham Palace.
7. He is an adrenaline junkie
Elba is clearly a thrill seeker. In an exciting marketing campaign, Elba raced in the Ford Fiesta R1 to bring awareness to its performance and speed and went up against some of the most famous rally racers in the world.
