After conquering Hollywood, tackling DJ turntables and trying his hand in rapping, it seems actor Idris Elba is checking one more thing off his bucket list before the New Year. You may now address him as Sir Idris Elba after he was given one of the highest honors in Great Britain.
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Elba along with fellow British stars like actress Cynthia Erivo and comedian Meera Syal were all named in King Charles III’s New Year’s honors list, the Guardian reported. The list is designed to recognize more than 1,000 people for public service. Given Elba’s history with giving back to his children in his native country and other youth globally, it’s not shocking that “The Wire” star was honored.
The English actor — full name Dr. Idrissa Akuna Elba — was knighted for his work with young people through his charity, the Elba Hope Foundation. The organization supports education, community empowerment, youth advocacy and sustainable development. Elba’s work also targets prominent knife crime in the nation while also fighting poverty.
“I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence,” the actor said after the honor.
It’s important to note that not everyone on the King’s list became a knight. The honors span a full range of contributions and corresponding recognitions. In truth, Elba joined a short list of Black Brits who have been given the honor. This year, Welsh rugby legend Billy Boston became the first Black rugby player and the first ever in his sport to be knighted. A handful of Black athletes have also been honored over the years.
The oldest honoree on this year’s list was a 102-year-old judo instructor named John Hearn; the youngest, 20-year-old Toby Roberts, is an Olympic gold medalist. Both were named Members of the British Empire (MBE).
“Wicked” star Erivo, who co-starred with Elba in the 2023 film “Luther: The Fallen Sun,” was also named a MBE for her contribution to the arts. On Dec. 30, she celebrated the distinction.
She wrote on her Instagram story, “To be given this recognition to celebrate the work that I love to do within the arts, specifically music and drama, is an honor I could never have thought would happen. I hope it shows that I care deeply about the work and will continue to do so to the best of my abilities.”
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