Idris Elba recalls the time he had a gun held to his head in the US

Richard Bevan
Richard Bevan
3 Min Read

Renowned actor Idris Elba recently opened up about a harrowing incident nearly cost him his life in the United States. The 50-year-old Luther star shared his chilling experience with the Daily Mail, revealing how he was threatened at gunpoint during an altercation outside a club.

Elba recounted the incident vividly, explaining that he intervened when he witnessed a man aggressively threatening his girlfriend. Showing his concern for the woman, the Suicide Squad actor confronted the man, saying, “Look how beautiful she is. Why would you talk to this beautiful princess like that?”

However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the man, misconstruing Elba’s intentions, pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at the actor’s face. “You talking about my girl?” he demanded, misunderstanding Elba’s genuine intentions.

The Wire actor, known for his composed and commanding presence on-screen, recalled the tense moment, “I remember thinking, ‘Don’t play negotiations like that’… Consequences, man.” Thankfully, Elba managed to defuse the situation and avoid any further escalation, but the frightening encounter left a lasting impact on the star.

Idris Elba in Apple TV’s Hijack

Despite such terrifying moments, Idris Elba thrives in the entertainment industry. The British actor has a remarkable career, earning accolades for performing in various iconic roles. From Stringer Bell in The Wire to DCI John Luther in Luther and Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Elba has displayed remarkable versatility and earned widespread acclaim.

Elba’s talent has also graced Hollywood blockbusters like American Gangster, Prometheus, and Pacific Rim. He made his mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Heimdall in Thor. Further, he showcased his acting prowess in the critically acclaimed Beasts of No Nation, which earned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.

Recently, the actor starred in the Apple TV+ series Hijack, a gripping thriller portraying a business negotiator tasked with resolving a hijacking situation during a flight from Dubai to London. His compelling performance continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Idris Elba’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his accomplishments extend beyond acting. He is also a skilled DJ, performing under the moniker DJ Big Driis or Idris, and even received a spot in Time magazine’s 100 List of the Most Influential People in the World.

Currently, fans can catch Idris Elba staring as the star of the thrilling Apple TV+ show, Hijack. With his remarkable talent on and off-screen, it’s no surprise that he remains one of the top-grossing actors and an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

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