After performing in dozens of films 
Sam Martin  Shirt , some fans still feel surprised when Idris Elba opens his  mouth and speaks with a British accent. Born and raised in the UK, Elba made a  name for himself in the United States with roles on several popular television  shows and in a handful of films. His latest film, "Pacific Rim," will likely  introduce new viewers to this actor. 
Elba's life as an actor started at  a young age. Given the name Idrissa Akuna Elba at birth, he grew up as an only  child. His father worked for Ford on one of its assembly lines 
Glover  Quin Shirt , and his mother was a clerical worker. He credits his  parents with his unique look, as his mother moved from Ghana and his father came  from Sierra Leon. The two met in West Africa and moved to Britain before the  birth of their son. 
Elba stumbled into the entertainment world by  accident. His uncle worked as a disc jockey, spinning records at wedding venues  across London. Elba started working with him in 1986, and less than one year  later, he and his friends launched their own company. After finishing  school 
Joique  Bell Shirt , Elba won a Prince's Trust grant that helped him pay  for his studies at the National Youth Music Theatre. Elba admits he worked a  number of different jobs to stay in the program. He also got his brush with  acting during the late 1980s when he worked on the British television series  "Crimewatch," which recreated different murder investigations. 
Despite  working as an actor and studying music, Elba didn't give up on his DJ company.  He spun records in clubs across the city and was known as DJ Big Driis. He also  worked for Ford. By the beginning of the 1990s, he decided to try his hand at  acting. Using the skills he learned on the set of "Crimewatch," he found some  success. 
Elba auditioned for every role he could and took every part he  was offered. He accepted a role on an episode of "Absolutely Fabulous 
DeAndre  Levy Shirt ," which led to a role on "Bramwell," a show that  focused on doctors and medical experts living in the 19th century. Elba gained  more fans after working on "Family Affairs" and "Ultraviolet," but his biggest  break came when he earned a role on the hit show "Dangerfield." 
Like  many British actors, Elba took the advice of those in the industry and moved to  the United States. In 2001, he appeared on "Law & Order 
Stephen  Tulloch Shirt ," and one year later, he earned a starring role on  "The Wire." Elba quickly discovered that some fans thought he was similar to his  character on "The Wire" Russell Stringer Bell. He even admits that he often  shocked fans by talking to them with his real accent and introducing himself  when they used his character's name.