Idris Elba Shares Daring Career Move That Got Him Kicked Out Of Robert De Niro’s Office As A Teen

Idris Elba Shares Daring Career Move That Got Him Kicked Out Of Robert De Niro’s Office As A Teen

Idris Elba was determined to make it big as an actor.

Idris Elba

The Luther actor opened the 2024 SAG Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, with the traditional “I Am An Actor” monologue. For his segment, Idris Elba revealed how he got kicked out of Robert De Niro’s office as a teen. He recalled,

“When I was just starting out in this business, I was 19 years old. I scammed my way up to Robert De Niro’s office in Tribeca, where auditions were taking place for A Bronx Tale. And they started that week even though I was very late and wasn’t even invited.”

According to Idris Elba, he used his “English charm” to trick security guards and receptionists into thinking he had an appointment despite not being invited to the audition. Afterward, he made it to the elevator, where he described psyching himself out with his best Robert De Niro impression.

“I was like, ‘What are you going to do, when you get in there what are you gonna do? Idris, come here.’”

The British actor quipped, adding,

“And that’s how I ended up in A Bronx Tale. No, I’m lying. I wasn’t in A Bronx Tale. I got kicked out of the office by Robert De Niro’s producing partner at the time, a gesture that I took to mean, ‘Kid, you’re going to go places.’”

Wrapping up the segment, the actor exclaimed, “I’m Idris Elba, I’m an actor.”

Among those also sharing memories during the segments were Barbie star Michael Cera and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, who told the audience that she found a dead mouse in her Spamalot stage costume.

What do you think about Idris Elba sneaking his way into Robert De Niro’s office? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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