Idris Elba On Why He No Longer Describes Himself As A ‘Black Actor’: ‘It’s Just Skin’

Actor Idris Elba said that he’s no longer interested in being defined by the color of his skin during an interview published Wednesday.

During an interview, the British star of 50 years discussed his feelings about the topic. Interview With Esquire U.K. 

“If we spent half the time not talking about the differences but the similarities between us, the entire planet would have a shift in the way we deal with each other,” The “Beast” Actor The publication was informed. “As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth.”

Elba is adamant that racism remains a problem. However, he said that obsessing about skin color was too restrictive for him.

“Racism is very real,” The actor continued. “But, from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that. It’s just skin. Rant over.”

When asked if he considers himself to be a ‘professional athlete,’ he replied that he did. “member of the black community,” Elba stated that his British citizenship is more widely recognized in the U.S. than his race.

“You say a prominent one,” Elba replied. “But when I go to America, I’m a prominent member of the British community. ‘Oh, U.K.’s in the house!’”

He elaborated on his thoughts on the importance of race by saying: “I might be the first to look like me to do a certain thing. And that’s good to leave as part of my legacy. So that other people, black kids, but also white kids growing up in the circumstances I grew up in, are able to see there was a kid who came from Canning Town who ended up doing what I do. It can be done.”

Elba eventually concluded that race wasn’t a factor in his success in Hollywood.

“I did it because I thought that’s a great profession, and I could do a good job at it,” He spoke of acting. “As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first black to do this or that. Well, it’s the same as it would be if I were white. It’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first black. I’m the first Idris.”

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases