Many people know the name Hanne Norgaard because she was once married to actor Idris Elba. But her story is much bigger than one marriage. She is a skilled makeup artist, a businesswoman, and a mother who has built her own path in life. In this article, we will look at who she is, how she met Idris Elba, what she does now, and why people still talk about her today.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hanne Kim Norgaard (also known as Kim Elba) |
| Born | 1977, England |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed African-American and South Korean (Blasian) |
| Profession | Makeup artist, businesswoman, writer |
| Known For | First wife of actor Idris Elba |
| Married to Idris Elba | 1999 to 2003 |
| Daughter | Isan Elba (born 2002) |
| Current Spouse | Pastor Andrew L. Friar II (married 2013) |
| Current City | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Business | Makeup Your Mind Inc. |
Early Life and Background
Hanne Norgaard was born in 1977. Sources do not fully agree on her birthplace, but many say she was born in London, England. She comes from a mixed background. Her father has African-American roots, and her mother has South Korean roots. Because of this mix, Hanne often describes herself as “Blasian,” a term used for people with both Black and Asian heritage.
Growing up around different cultures gave her a wide view of beauty and style from a young age. This background later helped her when she built a career in the beauty industry. She studied cosmetology and makeup artistry in London, where she learned skills like special effects makeup, bridal makeup, and professional styling.
How She Met Idris Elba
Hanne met Idris Elba in London during the 1990s. At that time, Idris was just starting his acting career and had only appeared in a few small TV roles. Hanne was working hard to build her name as a makeup artist. The two connected quickly and became a couple.
In 1999, they got married. Soon after the wedding, the couple moved to New York City. Idris wanted to grow his acting career in the United States, and Hanne supported him during this move. Life in a new country was not always easy, and the couple faced financial struggles in the early years. Even so, Hanne stayed by his side and believed in his talent.
In 2002, Hanne and Idris welcomed their daughter, Isan Elba. Isan has since grown up to become a model and a mental health advocate herself.
Their Divorce
Even though the couple shared a strong bond, their marriage did not last. In 2003, Hanne and Idris divorced. Neither of them has shared many public details about why the marriage ended. What we do know is that they chose to stay respectful of each other after the split.
The two have focused on co-parenting their daughter Isan. Over the years, they have been seen together at family events, including their daughter’s birthday celebrations. Hanne also chose to keep the Elba name after the divorce, which is why some people still call her “Kim Elba” or “Hanne Elba.”
After the divorce, Idris went on to marry again more than once before meeting his current wife, Sabrina Dhowre, in 2017. They married in 2019 in Morocco.
Her Career as a Makeup Artist
Hanne Norgaard’s career did not stop after her marriage ended. In fact, she has spent more than 30 years working as a professional makeup artist. Over time, she has worked with many well-known names, including Geena Davis, Robin Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hugh Laurie. She has also done makeup work for her ex-husband, Idris Elba.
Before starting her own company, Hanne held several jobs in the beauty and fashion world. She worked as a talent director for a modeling agency and as a creative makeup director for a photography studio. These jobs gave her the experience she needed to start her own business later on.
Hanne founded a company called Makeup Your Mind Inc. This business has grown into an international brand. She also created her own cosmetics line, sometimes linked to the name Kim Elba Cosmetics, which focuses on inclusive and cruelty-free beauty products. Her goal has been to make beauty products that work for people of all skin tones and backgrounds.
Besides her work behind the makeup brush, Hanne has also written beauty columns for magazines such as BET Online and Rolling Out. This shows that her skills go beyond applying makeup — she also knows how to share beauty tips through writing.
Mental Health Advocacy
Along with her beauty career, Hanne Norgaard has become known for speaking openly about mental health. She has shared her personal experience with anxiety and bipolar depression. By talking about her own struggles, she has helped reduce the shame that many people feel around mental health issues.
Her openness has also inspired her daughter, Isan Elba, who has become a mental health advocate too. Isan has spoken publicly about her own mental health journey, and many believe her mother’s honesty helped pave the way for those conversations.
Life After Idris Elba
After staying single for about a decade following her divorce, Hanne found love again. In 2013, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. The wedding took place on a yacht cruise near Treasure Island, a beautiful and memorable setting for their special day.
Hanne and Andrew have been married for more than ten years now. They do not have children together, but they live as a family with Hanne’s daughter, Isan, in Atlanta, Georgia. Hanne has chosen to keep her life private since moving away from the spotlight. She prefers to let her work and her advocacy speak for her, rather than chasing public attention.
Today, Hanne Norgaard lives a quiet and stable life. She continues to run her beauty business, support mental health causes, and stay close to her family. While many still recognize her as “Idris Elba’s ex-wife,” her own achievements show that she is much more than that title.
Conclusion
Hanne Norgaard’s life shows that a person’s story does not have to be defined by just one relationship. Yes, she was married to a famous actor, and that connection brought her some public attention. But her real story is about hard work, creativity, and honesty. From building a respected career as a makeup artist to speaking openly about mental health, Hanne has created a life full of purpose. She remains a good example of someone who turned personal experience into strength, while still keeping her private life calm and grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard is a professional makeup artist, businesswoman, and mental health advocate. She is best known as the first wife of actor Idris Elba, and they were married from 1999 to 2003.
Does Hanne Norgaard have children?
Yes, she has one daughter named Isan Elba, born in 2002. Isan is Hanne’s child with Idris Elba, and she has also become a mental health advocate in her own right.
Is Hanne Norgaard married now?
Yes, Hanne Norgaard married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013. They live together in Atlanta, Georgia, along with Hanne’s daughter, Isan.
