“It’s not because I don’t like myself”: Marvel Star Idris Elba Confesses His Unhealthy Habits That Was Ruining His Life Outside of Hollywood
The renowned British actor Idris Elba is a remarkable multi-talented individual. Along with being an excellent actor, he is also a talented musician and producer. He has given us standout performances in films like American Gangster, Obsessed, This Christmas, and RocknRolla during the course of his more than 20 years in the entertainment business. He even won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Luther thanks to his superb acting. Idris Elba, however, recently boldly disclosed some unhealthy habits that were interfering with his life outside of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Idris Elba is a workaholic
Behind the scenes, the world of acting can be challenging, and for someone like Idris Elba, whose talents know no bounds, being a workaholic in this industry can have its toll. The Marvel star has discussed his issues with workaholism and how he is actively looking for counseling to fight these habits. The 51-year-old actor revealed openly on the Changes with Annie Macmanus podcast that he tends to overwork himself, but it’s not because he doesn’t like himself; rather, it’s more about recognizing the harmful habits he’s cultivated over time.
Elba said, “It’s not because I don’t like myself or anything like that, it’s just because I have some unhealthy habits that have really formed.” He tagged himself as an “absolute workaholic.”
Elba noted that these habits have been influenced by working in the demanding and competitive industry of Hollywood. The industry often rewards relentless work, making it challenging for individuals like him to step back and find a balance. “Nothing that is too extreme is good, everything needs balance,” he said. Elba reflected on the core causes of his workaholism and identified his early life as a significant factor. He recognizes the need to normalize activities that actually help him unwind and connect with his family. He is committed to making positive adjustments in his life.
Working is more relaxing to Idris Elba than spending time with family on the sofa
Idris Elba clearly loves working. Elba joked when asked if he could work less, saying, “Work less? Come on.” He mentioned that even the activities he finds relaxing often end up involving work. He mentioned how exciting it is to spontaneously create something, as well as how it makes him feel happy and at ease.
Elba admitted while talking on the Changes with Annie Macmanus podcast, “I could work 10 days on a film, underwater sequences holding my breath for six minutes, and come back and sit in his studio and feel relaxed, more so than sitting on the sofa with the family – which is bad right?”
In addition to being a gifted actor, Elba is a devoted father. He is the father of a son, whose name he hasn’t made public, as well as a daughter, Isan, and a son, Winston, from prior relationships. He got married for the third time in 2019 to Canadian model Sabrina Dhowre. And it appears that the actor is now committed to striking the ideal balance.
Source: Changes with Annie Macmanus
