Sure, he might have already received the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to drama — butIdris Elbahas now been crowned Sexiest Man Alive!
From his breakthrough role in America as drug kingpin Russell “Stringer” Bell on HBO’s hit seriesThe Wireto his commanding portrayal of Norse God and Asgardian gatekeeper Heimdall in Marvel’sThorfranchise, the British heartthrob, 46, has become one of Hollywood’s biggest — and sexiest — stars.
So what did Elba think when he first heard about his latest title? “I was like, ‘Come on, no way. Really?'” the actor tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “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.”
David Burton
Elba is PEOPLE’s 33rd Sexiest Man Alive, joining a long list of Hollywood’s hottest, starting with a then-29-year-old Mel Gibson in 1985 to last year’s pickBlake Shelton.
For more fromPEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive— and to see who else made the cut — pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday
When he’s not being one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Elba might be deejaying in Ibiza, kickboxing in Thailand, or designing his own clothing line, not to mention planning his wedding to his fiancée Sabrina Dhowre, 29, a model, to whom he proposed in February. But picking the happiest moment of his life is easy.
“Being witness to the birth of my children is the biggest and best thing ever,” says Elba, who has a 16-year-old daughter, Isan, and a 4-year-old son, Winston (both from previous relationships). “I’m super doting, big hugs, kisses, lots of love-yous. I’m sure my daughter’s like, ‘All right Dad, chill out.’ My son is still at that age where he loves a cuddle.”
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As for making a connection, Elba has learned the importance of “eye contact and empathy. You know, sort of reading someone’s vibe,” he says. “I love being confident, but also I know when to rein it in and just stay humble and grounded.”
For now, the actor strives to live with as few regrets as possible. “Life isn’t about thinking about what you should have done,” adds Elba, who is currently shooting theFast & Furiousspin-offHobbs & Shawwith former Sexiest Man Alive Dwayne Johnson. “I think everyone should adopt the philosophy that tomorrow is not promised so just go for it today, man. You might as well do it to your heart’s content.”
For even more onPEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, clickhereand be sure to pick up the issue, on stands Friday. And nab your own officialSexiest Man Alive shirtfrom our brand new Amazon store!
source: people.com
