Webchat with IDRIS ELBA: Thursday 19th December, 1-2pm

[RachelMumsnet]

We're delighted to end 2013 by welcoming Golden Globe winner Idris Elba to Mumsnet HQ on Thursday 19th December between 1.00 and 2.00pm to answer your questions.

Idris is best known for his portrayal of Russell 'Stringer' Bell in The Wire and later as Detective John Luther in BBC One's Luther. On January 3rd Idris is back on the big screen playing Nelson Mandela in the highly anticipated MANDELA LONG WALK TO FREEDOM for which he is has recently been nominated as ‘Best Actor’ for his portrayal of Mandela at the 2014 Golden Globes.

MANDELA was made with the full support and endorsement of Mr Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. Mr Mandela entrusted his life story to South African producer Anant Singh in the face of fierce competition from the major international studios. Singh spent 16 years developing the film, teaming up with David Thompson and finally commencing principal photography of this UK-South African coproduction in May 2012.

Come and chat to Idris on Thursday at 1.00pm and to find out more about the new film and his other work. If you're unable to join us please post a question in advance to this thread.

@HopAlongOnItsOnlyChristmas

Idris, what have you asked Santa to bring you this year?

(If it was a rampaging horde of flustered, breathless mumsnetters, it would appear that you have been a very good boy this year. )

I've asked Santa to get me a 12 hour period where I can sleep the whole time without having to get up really early. Please Santa can you do that.

made my day that has...off to get mi flat cap and walk the whippet

@osaraf

hi Idris. where do you call home? why do you think British actors are so popular in the US? almost every hit US show seems to have a British lead, The Wire, Homeland, Hannibal, House, Boardwalk Empire etc. Do you think the Brits have a different attitude to acting, or are they just cheaper? (joke! ) what was it like living in Baltimore filming the Wire? Do you keep in touch with anyone? sorry if this is a repeated question, not read the thread.

I think that British actors have always had a history of being good and being able to play other cultures very well ie accents. I'm not sure if there's a conscious trend in the industry because there are just as many American leads in American TV, but I do believe it's part of the ever-changing appetite for viewers who want to see actors who are good but not necessarily well known. When I played in The Wire they didn't know I was English until I got the job. Good question - thank you.

@morethemerrier

How did you audition for the part of Mandela,if you did,and what were you doing when you found out you had got the role?

Actually I didn't have to audition. The script was handed to me and an offer was put on the table. I was working and my agent called me and said 'they want you to play Mandela' I said 'shut up Roger' and put the phone down. My agent is South African so he was tearful. I was really nervous about it.

How did you perfect your accent for the Wire??

I think you're fab by the way

@dottyaboutstripes

Hi Idris, don't suppose you have any Welsh in you and that's where your name's from? We'd be glad to adopt you as our own (and yes, of course I speak for the whole Welsh nation )

Yep unfortunately there isn't much Welsh in my blood. The name Idris, or Idrissa which is my given name, is from West Africa, Sierra Leone, I do believe it means leader or king, which is great!

Sorry to hear you are unwell. Hope you feel better soon.

A little bit controversial but Hackney is - well - more North London despite the postcode. Now Stratford, Forest Gate, Canning Tarrrrrn, Shtam and Custom House. East London.

Do you like Pie and Mash?

poor Roger! that was rude Mr Idris!

Have you ever been to the fab funny little veggie Thai restaurant in Bethnal Green? IsThai food your thing?

@bumbumsmummy

Your portrayal of Nelson Mandela will now form history for those that come after as a record of his life how difficult was it to recreate his charisma

Are you going to write

Thank you for saying that. I'm honoured to have got the role and represented this man in the flesh, at least in a film. It was a challenge to bring his presence alive. Presence is hard to put on screen, and nobody had Mandela's presence. That was our real challenge, to take an actor that doesn't look like him and make it happen. Also it was over a long period of time, being 21 myself (haha!) it's hard to play him over 52 year period which was also challenging.

thanks for answering. I didn't realise you were English either for ages! hope you have a relaxing Christmas.

Cross posts about food!

Soooooo

Pie and Mash or Thai?

@caramelwaffle

Sorry to hear you are unwell. Hope you feel better soon.

A little bit controversial but Hackney is - well - more North London despite the postcode. Now Stratford, Forest Gate, Canning Tarrrrrn, Shtam and Custom House. East London.

Do you like Pie and Mash?

Well noted, but the E in E8 stands for East! And yes, I do like pie and mash. My favourite is by the West Ham football ground - loads of liqueur!

Ok, should ask serious type question, but's Christmas and I'm high on lemsip, (quick tip lemsip and a can of coke, you'll feel fine). What's your christmas tree like, subtle and tasteful, or full on bauble and tinsel explosion extravaganza?

@MrsDeVere

Idris Are you doing panto this year?

Actually no. When I was 18/19 I was a stage-hand for Danny Baker's Dick Whittington at Barking Town Hall – yes Danny, that was me. It actually helped me out because I got to be backstage and see the production. Just coming out of school that was amazing for me.

Dear Edris,

I luff you and you're work, it worries me you don't wear socks, but that's a separate issue.

What role, if any, in the history of roles, characters and real people would you like to play (that you haven't already) and why?

PositivelySwooningTiggaxx

Look at you lot objectifying a fine actor. I ask you.

Hello Idris
I read a linguist's comment who said that your accent for the Wire was the most extraordinary he had ever seen portrayed, and that the fact that you picked up the Baltimore idiom despite being English showed real talent.

If you would like the link to the review please PM me

@eggsandham

Hello Idris. Thanks so much for coming on here. I can't wait to see the Mandela film - I have just read the book and found it one of the most compellingly written autobiographies I've ever read. His story is astonishing and truly inspiring.

So my Q is this - as I read the book, it struck me that in some ways it worked in Mandela's favour to have been caught and imprisoned before actually committing any acts of violence. I'm wondering if you agree that had he actually done so, it would have been far harder for him to achieve what he then did?

Well observed. He even admitted post-prison that his time in prison helped to mould him and helped him with patience. He re-educated himself in prison. The fact that he was in prison with his comrades straightened him and kept him focussed on that dream that he was prepared to die for. I spent a night in the prison and I came out feeling so angry. I felt such injustice at where Mandela had spend 19 year and he came out with forgiveness. It had a lot to do with his growth in prison.

I'm seriously impressed with Idris' typing skills - he's flying through these questions!

@Theonlyoneiknow

Are you doing any DJ gigs in the near future?

What is your favourite track, guaranteed to get your arms in the air and on the dancefloor?

Yes I am DJing. I'm actually doing it the day after Boxing Day, but I don't really want to put it out there. I love DJing, it sort of grounds me. When you're running around the world being an actor, and when you DJ people just want to hear good music. I think any Michael Jackson record from his golden era.

Hi Idris

I grew up in Hackney. I went to St Ignatius primary school and lived in the Guinness Trust. Which school did you go to?

Loved your work in The Wire. I don't think I've ever heard an English actor do such a convincing Anerican accent - and that includes Dominic West :)

@Hanginggardenofboobylon

As you can see from the reaction on here to your presence at MN Towers you tend to get us ladies (and some men no doubt) a little hot under the collar - MN loves you Idris!

My question is: There are of course many stories in the press about you becoming a dad again, you already have a daughter, what have you found the hardest thing about being a parent?

I think the hardest thing is being as present as you can be when you have a high-pressured occupation. I have a great relationship with my kid that I cherish. I wouldn't forfeit my relationship with her for what I do for a living. Parenting is an honour. It's a gift. I'm super-excited about having a little one coming. In this year, that's been the biggest highlight for me.

A question has just come in from twitter: @MumsnetTowers @idriselba would you be tempted to make a movie of Luther? The character is so loved & adored. Also congats on the baby news

@Mignonette

Hi there-

What film and book are you looking forward to watching/reading?
Who was your favourite actor growing up- if you had one?

Loving the work and I'm keeping it clean .

I'm terrible with books and films, I never read or watch anything apart from what I'm doing.

I was really into Robert De Niro. On one of my many trips to New York, Mr De Niro had this production company, and although I was just visiting, I managed to get in for an audition. I completely blagged it. I went up to his office with my head shot, and the next thing I knew I was on my way up to his office. I never met him but I got close. I just gave him my resume and headshot.

Hiya and welcome Idris you gorgeous son of a gun you

I'm not sure if you missed my question during the mad rush so I'll just repeat it now just incase.

If you had to snog one of them, who would it be. Chris Hemsworth or Tom Hiddleston.

I thank you in advance.