When most people hear the name Hanne Norgaard, they often think of her as Idris Elba’s first wife. But there’s a lot more to her than just being the former partner of a Hollywood superstar. She’s a talented makeup artist, a proud mother, and an inspiring figure in the beauty industry. Over the years, she’s built a name for herself with hard work, creativity, and resilience.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Hanne Norgaard’s life, her career, her relationship with Idris Elba, and the journey that shaped her into the woman she is today. Whether you’re a fan, a makeup enthusiast, or just someone who loves a great comeback story — this one’s for you.
Who Is Hanne Norgaard?
Let’s start with the basics. Hanne Norgaard, also known professionally as Kim Elba, is a British-American makeup artist and entrepreneur. Born in the UK to a multi-ethnic family (her father was African-American and her mother was South Korean), Hanne grew up in a culturally diverse environment. This background helped shape her unique approach to beauty and style.
She’s best known not only for her high-profile marriage to Idris Elba, but also for her incredible skills in makeup artistry, working with some big names in entertainment and fashion.
But how did she go from a quiet life in London to the buzzing world of celebrities, red carpets, and beauty brands? Let’s dig in.
Early Life and Dreams
Like many great artists, Hanne’s journey started with a dream — a dream to make people feel beautiful and confident. Growing up in London, she was always fascinated by colors, textures, and the way makeup could completely transform a person’s look and mood.
Her parents were supportive, even though the beauty industry wasn’t always seen as the most “stable” career. After finishing school, she decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her passion.
She attended prestigious beauty schools in London and later in the United States, sharpening her craft and building a solid foundation. Her early work was humble — local photo shoots, freelance gigs, and assisting more experienced makeup artists. But her talent stood out.
How Hanne Norgaard Met Idris Elba
Now let’s talk about the relationship that brought her into the spotlight.
In the late 1990s, while both living in London, Hanne met a young aspiring actor named Idris Elba. At the time, neither of them was famous. Idris was still grinding, taking small roles and trying to break into the acting world, while Hanne was growing her career in beauty.
Their chemistry was instant. They shared big dreams, late-night talks, and a mutual understanding of what it means to work hard for what you want.
In 1999, they got married. Shortly after, they moved to the U.S. so that Idris could chase bigger opportunities in Hollywood. This was a massive transition for both of them. New country, new challenges — but also new possibilities.
Life in the Spotlight — and the Shadows
While Idris started landing more acting roles, Hanne focused on her own career and supported their family. In 2002, they welcomed a daughter, Isan Elba, who would later grow up to become a budding star in her own right.
However, success didn’t come without strain. The fast-paced nature of Hollywood, growing career demands, and the pressures of life in the spotlight began to take a toll on their marriage.
By 2003, just four years after their wedding, Hanne and Idris decided to go their separate ways. The divorce was private, respectful, and free from the drama we often see in celebrity breakups.
💬 “It was hard, of course. But sometimes, people grow in different directions. We just had to accept that and move forward with love and respect.” — Hanne (from a rare interview)
Even after their separation, they remained committed to co-parenting their daughter and maintained a healthy relationship for the sake of family.
Finding Her Own Identity After Divorce
For many, a high-profile breakup might have meant fading away from the public eye. But Hanne Norgaard chose a different path.
She doubled down on her passion for beauty, refined her skills, and launched her own brand. She began working under the professional name Kim Elba, a rebranding that helped her stand out on her own terms — not just as Idris Elba’s ex-wife, but as a successful woman with her own identity.
She started working with high-end clients in TV, film, and fashion. Her style was classy, versatile, and deeply influenced by her multicultural background.
Step-by-Step: Hanne’s Career in Makeup Artistry
Here’s a quick look at how Hanne Norgaard built her career in makeup — a path that you can follow if you’re dreaming of becoming a makeup artist too:
Step 1: Get Educated
She attended reputable beauty schools in London and the U.S., including the International Makeup Artist Academy. This gave her formal training and credibility.
💡 Pro tip: Start with a solid education. Online courses can also help if you’re starting out.
Step 2: Build a Portfolio
Before working with celebrities, Hanne built her reputation through freelance jobs, photo shoots, and assisting other artists.
💡 Pro tip: Offer free makeup for events or work with photographers on styled shoots to create a professional portfolio.
Step 3: Create a Unique Style
Hanne’s multicultural influences helped her develop a distinct style that blended Eastern and Western beauty standards.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t try to copy others. Find your own signature look.
Step 4: Network
She worked in cities like New York, where she met people in entertainment and fashion. Word-of-mouth and professionalism helped her land bigger gigs.
💡 Pro tip: Always be professional and friendly. Your attitude can get you just as far as your skills.
Step 5: Launch a Brand
Eventually, she created her own makeup line and started offering coaching to aspiring artists.
💡 Pro tip: Once you have the experience, consider launching products or offering classes.
Personal Life Today
These days, Hanne Norgaard is happily married to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II, and they lead a more private, spiritually grounded life. She’s active in her church, does charity work, and occasionally appears at public events with her daughter, Isan Elba.
Isan, now a young adult, has often spoken about how her mother has been her role model.
💬 “My mom showed me what strength looks like — not loud strength, but the quiet kind that never gives up.” — Isan Elba
Overcoming Depression and Mental Health Challenges
In one of her rare public interviews, Hanne shared that she once struggled with depression and self-doubt — especially after her divorce and while raising her daughter alone in a demanding city.
But with therapy, faith, and support from loved ones, she overcame those dark times. Today, she’s a mental health advocate and often speaks about the importance of self-care, faith, and healing.
This part of her story is especially powerful because it reminds us that even strong, successful women have their battles. And more importantly — they survive them.
Why Hanne Norgaard Deserves the Spotlight
It’s easy to live in someone else’s shadow — especially when that someone is as famous as Idris Elba. But Hanne Norgaard didn’t let that define her.
She’s built a fulfilling career, raised a bright daughter, and created a life that reflects her values. She’s also used her platform to uplift others — whether it’s mentoring young makeup artists or supporting mental health awareness.
She may not seek fame, but her story deserves to be told. It’s a story of grace, grit, and growth.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Hanne’s Journey
If there’s one thing we can learn from Hanne Norgaard, it’s that success doesn’t always look flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet and steady. It’s about bouncing back, staying true to yourself, and building a life you’re proud of.
So whether you’re a makeup lover, a single parent, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking for inspiration — remember Hanne’s story.
