Idris Elba Explains Why He Doesn't Call Himself A 'Black Actor' Anymore

Idris Elba has revealed he has stopped describing himself as a Black actor as one shouldn't be obsessed with race.

"I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box," the 50-year-old English actor told Esquire on Wednesday. "We've got to grow. We've got to. Our skin is no more than that: it's just skin."

Elba went on to add that whenever he is in the U.S., he considers himself as "a member of the British community."

"Of course, I'm a member of the Black community. You say a prominent one. But when I go to America, I'm a prominent member of the British community," he continued. "If we spent half the time not talking about the differences but the similarities between us, the entire planet would have a shift in the way we deal with each other. As humans, we are obsessed with race."

Elba noted that this obsession with race can "really hinder people's aspirations, hinder people's growth." The actor feels racism should be discussed as it is "very real," but it is "as powerful as you allow it to be."

The "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" star shared he entered the film industry not because many Black people were not into the business but for his love for filmmaking.

"I did it because I thought that's a great profession and I could do a good job at it," he said. "As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it's like to be the first Black to do this or that. Well, it's the same as it would be if I were white."

He added, "It's the first time for me. I don't want to be the first Black. I'm the first Idris."

Elba will be next seen in the crime drama "Luther: The Fallen Sun," which is slated to release on March 10. The actor will also give his voice to Knuckles' character in the animated comedy franchise "Sonic the Series," which is expected to release on Oct. 12.

He will also appear in the movies like "Hijack" and "Cyberpunk 2077 - Phantom Liberty."