Idris Elba Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive

Idris Elba has been named People Magazine’s 2018 Sexiest Man Alive.

Elba, 46, has become one of Hollywood’s most well-known names and faces, first hitting the scene as the drug kingpin Russell “Stringer” Bell on HBO hit “The Wire.” The actor has also portrayed Nelson Mandela in the 2013 “Mandela Long Walk to Freedom” and, in 2017, played Thor in the Marvel franchise.

Of his new title, Elba actually found it hard to believe himself. “I was like, ‘Come on, no way. Really?” he told People. “Looked in the mirror, I checked myself out. I was like, ‘Yeah, you are kind of sexy today.’ But to be honest, it was just a nice feeling. It was a nice surprise — an ego boost for sure.”

This year’s pick was revealed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” Monday evening with Elba saying, “My mom is going to be very, very proud.”

Believe it or not, the “it-man” Idris actually went through an awkward phase himself. Though he played football, basketball, and cricket at his all-boys school in London, Elba said he was a target of bullying. “I was very tall and skinny,” said the 6’3″ British actor. “And my name was Idrissa Akuna Elba, okay? I got picked on a little bit,” he added, the only child of African immigrants.

“But again, as soon as I could grow a mustache, I was the coolest kid on the block,” he added. “Grew a mustache, had some muscles, bonkers.”

When he’s not being the “sexiest man alive,” he spins records under the name DJ Big Driis and designs his own clothing line.

Elba is all about making the most of it all. “Life isn’t about thinking about what you should have done,” he said. “I think everyone should adopt the philosophy that tomorrow is not promised so just go for it today. You might as well do it to your heart’s content.”

On top of all he’s doing, he’s also currently planning a wedding to model Sabrina Dhowre, 29, who he proposed to in February.

With his new title and his new bride-to-be, Elba makes it a point to keep it cool. “I love being confident, but also I know when to rein it in and just stay humble and grounded.”