Idris Elba is People magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2018
What's the story
Idris Elba is best known for portraying Heimdall in 'Thor' movies. The British actor was also rumored to be the next Bond, signaling the first black Bond in the franchise's history. Although that life-altering moment did not ultimately materialize, 2018 is still turning out to be a good year for Elba. He was voted 'Sexiest Man Alive' by the People Magazine. Here's more.
The news
Hold on, the sexiest man is announced
Elba, aged 46, has become the 33rd man to receive this honor from the People magazine. The news was announced on Monday, November 5 on NBC's 'The Tonight Show'. Show host Jimmy Fallon had the pleasure of announcing the great news as he live-streamed with Elba, who was in London. Elba was visibly excited as Jimmy congratulated him and showed him the magazine cover.
Elba's reaction
How did Elba react to the news?
Elba gracefully acknowledged the recognition saying he was "really happy" with the decision and that his mother would be proud of him. On Fallon's request, he flashed a shy smile and flexed his bicep too. However, he used his moment in the spotlight to urge his fans to exercise their civic duty and cast their vote for the US midterm elections on November 6.
Twitter Post
Check out Elba's tweet
Who'd have thought it! Thank you @people all the fans for naming me #SexiestManAlive. Don't forget to grab your issue this week https://t.co/WI7eWfXOPB. I'm honoured thankful. What’s even more important is your vote in the midterm elections. Your vote can make a difference!👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/TBQapjxJsT
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) November 6, 2018
Award history
Other people of color who have won the award
Elba whose breakthrough role was on HBO's 'The Wire', where he played Russell "Stringer" Bell, the drug kingpin, is among very few colored actors who have won the People magazine's honor. Since the award's inauguration in 1985, only Denzel Washington won it in 1996 and Dwayne Johnson won it in 2016.
Do you know?
A long list of sexy men
When the People magazine award started, the first winner was Mel Gibson, who was 29-year-old then. The list of other notable names over the years, which Elba has joined, include David Beckham and Channing Tatum, among others.
Twitter reactions
The road to salvation
Elba's announcement drew great joy from Twitter fans who could hardly contain their excitement as they proclaimed their love for the actor. One fan wrote that justice had finally prevailed and this was the most important election of our times. Another fan pointed out to the Blake Shelton debacle expressing gratitude that People Magazine redeemed themselves by voting Elba to take home the title.
Twitter Post
Fans love Idris Elba unconditionally
Looks like @people redeemed themselves from that Blake Shelton debacle last year!! #SexiestManAlive pic.twitter.com/8P8IRqVo1p
— J 🦋 (@LadyBolton127) November 6, 2018