Actor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/idris-elba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Idris Elba</a> said that he’s no longer interested in being defined by the color of his skin during an interview published Wednesday.
The 50-year-old British star discussed his feelings on the subject during an <a href="https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a42621203/idris-elba-interview-luther/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> with Esquire U.K. 
&#8220;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,&#8221; the &#8220;Beast&#8221; <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/celebrities">actor</a> told the publication. &#8220;As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth.&#8221;
While Elba believes that racism is still a problem, he went on to say that obsessing over skin color was limiting for him.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/racism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Racism</a> is very real,&#8221; the actor continued. &#8220;But, from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that. It&#8217;s just skin. Rant over.&#8221;
When asked if he considered himself a &#8220;member of the black community,&#8221; Elba replied that his British citizenry is recognized more than his race when in the U.S.
&#8220;You say a prominent one,&#8221; Elba replied. &#8220;But when I go to America, I’m a prominent member of the British community. ‘Oh, U.K.’s in the house!’&#8221;
He expanded on his thoughts about the significance of race a bit more, saying, &#8220;I might be the first to look like me to do a certain thing. And that’s good to leave as part of my legacy. So that other people, black kids, but also white kids growing up in the circumstances I grew up in, are able to see there was a kid who came from Canning Town who ended up doing what I do. It can be done.&#8221;
Ultimately, Elba concluded that race was not a motivating factor for him to succeed in Hollywood.
“I did it because I thought that’s a great profession, and I could do a good job at it,&#8221; he said of acting. &#8220;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. It’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first black. I’m the first Idris.&#8221;

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Idris Elba On Why He No Longer Describes Himself As A ‘Black Actor’: ‘It’s Just Skin’

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Idris Elba On Why He No Longer Describes Himself As A ‘Black Actor’: ‘It’s Just Skin’