In a recent interview with Esquire UK, Idris Elba has shared that he no longer considers himself a “Black actor.”
The actor explained that the label limited him and placed him in a restrictive box. Instead, he wants to be known simply as an actor.
Elba stated, “We’ve got to grow. Our skin is nothing more than just skin.” He went on to say that he recognizes that he may be the first person who looks like him to achieve certain milestones in his career, but he wants to leave a legacy that will inspire others.
He hopes that Black and White children alike will see that it’s possible to achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.
The actor, who was born and raised in Canning Town, London, wants to be a source of inspiration for others and show that anything is possible.
He wants to break free from the confines of labels and be recognized for his talent and hard work, rather than just his skin color.
“…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,” he added.
