Who Is Hanne Norgaard? The Untold Story of Idris Elba’s First Wife

You may have heard of Idris Elba, the famous actor known for Luther, The Wire, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. But do you know who his first wife was? Her name is Hanne Norgaard, also known as Kim Elba, and her story is full of strength, beauty, and quiet success.

Hanne is not just “Idris Elba’s ex-wife.” She is a talented makeup artist, a businesswoman, and a mother who has built a wonderful life for herself. In this article, we’ll explore who Hanne Norgaard really is — from her early life and career journey to her love story with Idris, their daughter, and her peaceful life today.

Hanne Norgaard Quick Bio

Early Life and Family Background

Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, in the United Kingdom. She has a very special background. Her mother is from South Korea, and her father is African-American. Because of this, Hanne proudly calls herself “Blasian,” a mix of Black and Asian.

She grew up in different parts of the world — including South Korea, England, and the USA. Living in different places helped her understand many cultures and people. It also helped shape her creativity, which later became very useful in her beauty career.

There’s also a deeper part to Hanne’s early story. For a short time, she lived in a Korean orphanage, and she was once known by her Korean name, Nam Hee Kim. In 2021, she shared that she was looking for her birth mother, Kyue Nam Kim, and even posted an old photo online to ask for help. It’s a powerful reminder that even strong women carry quiet pain.

Finding Her Passion for Makeup

Hanne didn’t always plan to become a makeup artist. She actually started as a teenage model. But while modeling, she realized something interesting — she enjoyed what happened behind the scenes more than being in front of the camera.

She loved watching the makeup artists work, seeing how a little color and technique could change a whole look. She began to imagine herself doing that. Slowly, her love for makeup and beauty grew into something bigger — a passion that would shape her future.

Isn’t it amazing how a small moment — like watching someone do makeup — can lead to a whole career?

Hanne Norgaard’s Beauty Education

To follow her dream, Hanne took her education very seriously. Between 2004 and 2006, she studied at the SC Institute in Washington, D.C. and graduated with the highest honors in Makeup Artistry.

But she didn’t stop there.

She also studied in Europe at the International Makeup Arts Academy, where she trained in makeup, hair, nails, and special effects. Again, she graduated with top results. This gave her strong skills that helped her stand out in a very competitive beauty world.

Her training shows that she didn’t just want to be good — she wanted to be great.

Her Makeup Career Begins

Hanne’s professional journey started in the early 1990s. She took on several roles that helped her grow and learn.

• In 1991, she worked as a talent director at a modeling agency.

• In 1992, she became a makeup artist for the BBC.

• In 1997, she worked as a creative makeup director for a photography studio.

These jobs gave her real-world experience. She wasn’t just learning in classrooms — she was working with people, handling pressure, and getting better every day.

By 2000, she was ready to launch her first business. She founded Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY, a professional beauty company offering makeup services to all types of clients.

Big Clients and Career Success

As time went on, Hanne’s name became well known in beauty circles. She worked with many big brands and famous celebrities.

Some of her most known clients include:

• Robin Williams

• Geena Davis

• Hugh Laurie

• Shaquille O’Neal

• And of course, Idris Elba

She also worked with famous companies like:

• BBC

• BET

• Columbia Tristar

• Calvin Klein

• Rolling Out Magazine

In 2007, she started another beauty service called Makeup Your Mind Inc., which even traveled to other countries. She also became a beauty columnist for websites like BET and was a guest speaker at beauty events.

Through all this, she stayed focused on one thing: helping people feel confident and beautiful.

Meeting and Marrying Idris Elba

Hanne met Idris Elba in London during the late 1990s. At that time, Idris was still chasing his dream of becoming an actor. They fell in love, and in 1999, they got married.

Shortly after the wedding, they moved to New York City. Hanne followed Idris across the ocean to support his career. But things weren’t easy. Idris had a strong British accent, which made it hard for him to get big roles in American movies and TV shows. He took small jobs — like playing bouncers or construction workers — just to survive.

During this hard time, Hanne stayed by his side. She believed in his talent and supported him fully.

In 2002, they welcomed their daughter, Isan Elba. It was a joyful time for them — but also very challenging.

Hanne Norgaard and Idris Elba’s Daughter

Their daughter Isan is a big part of both their lives. She was born in January 2002, just one year before Hanne and Idris ended their marriage. Even though the marriage didn’t last, their love for Isan remained strong.

As a child, Isan often joined her dad at red carpet events. In 2019, when she was just 17, she was chosen as the Golden Globe Ambassador — a big honor given only to children of well-known actors. Idris was very proud of her, and so was Hanne.

Isan once shared that she wants to join the entertainment industry. She started with acting dreams but later became interested in filmmaking after seeing how her dad directed a movie. Like her parents, she’s exploring all sides of the creative world.

Divorce and Life After Idris Elba

Even though Hanne Norgaard and Idris Elba shared love, dreams, and a daughter, their marriage didn’t last. In 2003, just one year after their daughter Isan was born, they decided to separate.

At the time, Idris was struggling in his career. He had small acting roles and not much money. The pressure was heavy. Hanne stood by him, but things became too hard. Fame, stress, and financial struggles can be tough on any marriage.

Hanne once shared that she had no doubt about Idris’s talent. But she didn’t expect how fame would change their life. She kept silent about their split for years and focused on raising Isan and building her career.

Hanne Norgaard’s Second Marriage

After years of working on herself and her dreams, Hanne found love again. In 2013, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. Their wedding was beautiful and peaceful — held on a beach at Treasure Island, with a sweet cruise and dinner celebration afterward.

Andrew is not a celebrity. He is a kind and spiritual man who supports Hanne deeply. Today, they live in Georgia, where Hanne is the First Lady of their church, Heart Strong Church.

This new chapter in her life brought peace, purpose, and love. Even though she doesn’t talk much about her private life, it’s clear that Hanne is now in a much happier and healthier place.

Mental Health Challenges and Strength

In 2019, during a special event in Beverly Hills, Hanne’s daughter Isan Elba spoke publicly about her mom’s health. She shared that Hanne had told her about bipolar depression, chronic anxiety, and other struggles she faced quietly for many years.

This moment was powerful. Isan said she had no idea her mom was going through so much. It helped them talk openly and brought them closer. Isan also became a voice for mental health awareness, especially in the Black community.

Because of that moment, a $50,000 donation was made in Isan’s name to the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation — an organization helping Black families learn about mental health.

Hanne’s story reminds us that mental health matters, and it’s okay to ask for help. She showed strength not just in business or motherhood, but in facing what many people keep hidden.

Hanne Norgaard’s Life in 2025

As of 2025, Hanne Norgaard is living a calm and happy life. She is still doing what she loves — makeup, beauty, and helping others. Her brand, Kim Elba Cosmetics, is growing slowly and proudly. It focuses on inclusion and cruelty-free products.

She also works closely with her husband in their church community, helping women grow spiritually and feel confident inside and out.

Hanne stays away from the spotlight, but those who know her work admire her deeply. She has built a full and peaceful life — not as someone’s ex-wife, but as a woman of faith, strength, and beauty.

Hanne Norgaard’s Net Worth

Even though she doesn’t show off her success, Hanne Norgaard has done well. Her net worth is estimated to be around $900,000.

She earned this through her makeup services, beauty brand, writing, and speaking events. It may not be as high as Idris Elba’s $40 million, but Hanne made it on her own terms, with honesty and heart.

She never chased fame. She chased purpose.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Hanne Norgaard?

She’s not just Idris Elba’s first wife. She’s a makeup artist, a mother, a survivor, and a role model. Her story is not about being famous — it’s about being real.

From modeling as a teen to running her own beauty brand, from heartbreak to healing, Hanne’s journey teaches us that we all have the power to rise again.

If you’ve ever faced struggles, loss, or doubt — just look at Hanne. She shows us that with patience, love, and faith, we can create something beautiful from even the hardest times.

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