Sir Idris Elba wants to create a lasting legacy.
Idris Elba is conscious of his legacy
The 53-year-old actor has enjoyed huge success in Hollywood, starring in movies such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and American Gangster – but Idris has admitted to being concerned about his long-term legacy.
The London-born star told GQ magazine: “There’s a changing of the guards in the world.
“Generationally, my age – we’re on the way out. And that new generation that’s being born today, what is it that’s there for them? What do you want to leave for that? That’s what I’m living for. Because when we’re in that room, and someone’s dressing our body, all that’s left of you is the legacy of what you’ve done. That’s important to me.”
Despite this, Idris doesn’t see himself as a role model.
The actor shared: “I struggle with it, a little bit. The responsibility, accepting it, like, Yes! I’m an upstanding hero! I’m a role model! I’m not. I’m imperfect, massively.
“That line, that cusp, is hard to maintain: you’re either a hero, or you’re not – which is it? And I sort of sit in the middle. I didn’t ever chase being a knight. Or chase being a sort of public hero – that’s not what I’m chasing.”
Meanwhile, Idris previously revealed that he’s determined to “make a difference for young people”.
The actor was awarded a knighthood “for services to young people”, following his campaign against knife crime in the UK, and Idris was thrilled that his efforts had been recognised.
He told Extra: “I’ve worked, you know, trying to raise as much awareness about what young people are going through, especially in the UK and other parts of the world.
“It’s a real honour to be recognised for that. Not for my acting work, but, you know, for trying to make a difference for young people.”
Idris has already achieved a lot in his career, but he still has ambitions that he wants to fulfil.
Asked if he’s thinking about retirement, Idris replied: “You naturally retire … There are things that I’ve done I don’t need to do again and the things I’d like to progress towards; directing is one of them.”
