(WENN) — Idris Elba admits he struggles with the “celebrity status” he has gained alongside his successful acting career.
The British actor was thrust to stardom by his role as Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in acclaimed U.S. series The Wire, one he played from 2002 to 2004. Since then he has been in demand on both sides of the Atlantic, earned two Screen Actors’ Guild Awards earlier this year and roles in a string of blockbuster films, including one as the primary villain in the forthcoming Star Trek Beyond sequel.
However, the star says the celebrity status he’s acquired is not something he is comfortable with.
“I’m still adjusting to celebrity, to be honest,” he tells Britain’s NME magazine. “You can’t imagine what it’s like until you get there and I’m still there now. I like the work, that’s what I like. The celebrity aspect is something else entirely.
“I’m good at being an actor, I’m not necessarily good at being a celebrity. I don’t get a job and then think I need to be a good celebrity that’s in Star Trek.”
Idris’ personal life hit the headlines in February when he and Naiyana Garth, his girlfriend and the mother of his 23-month-old son Winston, announced they were to split. Since then the twice-married actor has denied a romantic link to supermodel Naomi Campbell, who insists they are just good friends.
In addition to his acting career, Idris also has a sideline in music spinning under the name DJ Big Driis, and has featured on albums by hip hop stars Jay Z and Pharaohe Monch. The star worked with legendary dance musician Fatboy Slim for his latest music project on a track to be released in conjunction with his new film Bastille Day. Bastille Day arrives in U.K. cinemas on 22 April . It is yet to receive a U.S. release date.
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