It was an ironic twist of fate.
Hours after Idris Elba walked up the red carpet for the UK premiere of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, it was announced that Nelson Mandela had died.
Elba, who portrays the late South African President in the film, issued a statement saying: “I am stunned at this very moment. We have lost one of the greatest human beings to have walked this earth, I only feel honoured to be associated with him.”
Ironic timing aside, taking on the lead role in Justin Chadwick’s drama was always set to be huge for the actor.
Already known for playing troubled detective John Luther in the BBC series and drug kingpin ‘Stringer’ Bell in US show The Wire, 41-year-old Elba’s now making his mark on the world stage and his performance has met with awards buzz – so far, he’s up for a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild award. He’s also hotly tipped for a Best Actor nod at the Oscars (nominations are unveiled on January 10).
Read the full story at Manchester Evening News.
