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CNBC
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNBC
Idris Elba worked a 'grim' factory job before Hollywood fame: 'Nothing compares to doing that'
Idris Elba has made a name for himself as an actor in some of Hollywood's biggest franchises. The multihyphenate has even booked major gigs like Glastonbury and Coachella under his alias "DJ Driis." But according to the 52-year-old, none of it feels like work. "I consider this a privilege," Elba said during a recent appearance on "Good Hang with Amy Poehler." "This ain't work." That's because Elba still remembers what life looked like before he got his big break when he was cast on HBO's "The Wire" in 2001. "Both my parents [were] working class, didn't have much at all," Elba, who grew up in the 'deprived' London borough of Hackney, said, adding that he has struggled to make ends meet "for longer than I've been famous or successful." He specifically recalled the "grim" night shifts he worked at a Ford Motor Company factory in Dagenham, East London, where he did the same tasks every night for two years. "Nothing compares to doing that," Elba told Poehler, "So when I get an opportunity to come work with you, to come work on a set, it doesn't feel like work. Now everyone else is like, 'You're working really hard,' but it's not that hard." Elba worked several other jobs while trying to make it big as an actor. When he first moved to the United States, he worked as a doorman at a New York City comedy club, booked gigs as a DJ and even sold cannabis, including to major comedians such as Dave Chappelle, he said in a 2022 interview with SiriusXM. "The worst job" of all, he said in a recent episode of "GOAT Talk" for Complex media, was packaging sex toys in a factory for online orders. He described it as "traumatic." Eventually, though, the hustle and persistence paid off. While performing in an off-Broadway production of Shakespeare's "Troilus and Cressida" in 2001, an acting director took notice of his potential, Elba said in a 2018 episode of "Unfiltered with Oli Dugmore." Several introductions and auditions later, that would eventually lead him to getting cast in "The Wire." "At the time it was a small role in a TV show," he said. "It was a massive opportunity for A, me to come out of poverty and B, be seen in an HBO show. I don't think it was ever written to be the legacy it's become." His character, Russell "Stringer" Bell, became one of the most iconic in the series — propelling Elba into other big projects, like playing Heimdall in Marvel's "Thor" and "Avengers" films, and DCI John Luther in BBC's "Luther." Today, Elba continues to work across film, television and music. But even with nearly two decades of success behind him, and several projects on his plate at once, he still sees the job for what it is, he said: "a privilege."
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Cena's Acting Career Almost Never Happened
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Before becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the world, Cena was just trying to make it in the wrestling business. He started his career in Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) in 1999 before signing a developmental contract with WWE in 2000, where he worked in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) before his main roster debut. It was during this formative period that someone gave him advice that could have ended his journey before it truly began. While speaking on Complex's GOAT Talk, Cena was asked to share the worst advice he has ever gotten. He stated he wanted to "protect the innocent" by not naming the person who gave him the advice, but he did not hold back in sharing the career-altering suggestion that he ultimately ignored. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation "I'm not gonna give away who gave it to me, because it's the worst of all time. I want to protect the innocent," Cena said before revealing the advice: "You got to drop this wrestling thing." Ignoring that guidance led to Cena becoming one of the most decorated and successful WWE Superstars in the company's history. His decade-plus run as the face of WWE and his numerous charitable endeavors, especially with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, have cemented a legacy that almost wasn't. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena is introduced before his match against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena is introduced before his match against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, is currently promoting his new movie Heads of State, which is streaming on Prime Video. He has also been vocal about planning for an eventual farewell from in-ring competition, stating that he hopes to have a final run in WWE that ends before his 50th birthday. Cena's acting career began in the mid-2000s with WWE Studios action films like The Marine. He successfully transitioned to mainstream Hollywood with a breakout comedic performance in 2015's Trainwreck, which revealed his surprising comedic timing and led to larger roles in comedies like Blockers. Cena then entered the blockbuster world, joining major franchises with roles in Bumblebee and as Dominic Toretto's brother, Jakob, in F9: The Fast Saga. His most acclaimed role is that of Peacemaker in the DC Universe. After debuting in The Suicide Squad, he starred in the hit television series Peacemaker, which blended action and comedy and cemented his status as a versatile leading man. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Gulf Today
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Selena Gomez reveals she had the biggest crush on rapper Ice Cube
Singer-actress Selena Gomez revealed to have a crush on rapper Ice Cube, when she was five. Appearing on a new episode of Complex's GOAT Talk, the 32-year-old actress, who is engaged to record producer Benny Blanco, said: 'Can I tell you my first one that I had a crush on, Ice Cube? I had the biggest crush on him when I was, like, five.' Gomez subsequently said why she was so infatuated with the rapper. She shared: 'It's so weird, but I just thought he would protect me. I'm only saying it simply based on my childhood.' Gomez actually listened to a lot of rap music during her younger years, and she was a huge fan of rapper Eminem at the time, too, reports She explained: 'One of (my favourite rappers) was Eminem only because I grew up listening to him. My dad was a DJ so he would remix all kinds of songs, and every time it was an Eminem song, I would just get so excited.' Gomez announced her engagement to Benny in December 2024, and she previously revealed that she feels 'so excited' about the prospect of having children. The singer said she would love to raise children with Benny one day. She said on the Jay Shetty Podcast: 'I don't know what will happen, obviously, but I love children. I have an 11-year-old sister that I absolutely adore. I love making (children) laugh; they're just so sweet. So absolutely, when that day comes, I'm so excited for it.' Gomez began her career as a child actress, appearing on the children's television series 'Barney and Friends' and emerged as a teen idol for her role in 'Wizards of Waverly Place.' She signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed the band Selena Gomez and the Scene, which released three successful albums: 'Kiss and Tell,' 'A Year Without Rain,' and 'When the Sun Goes Down.' Meanwhile, Selena has come out in support of pop sensation Taylor Swift after the latter bought back her music following Scooter Braun drama. Recently the 'Only Murders in the Building' actress, 32, cheered on her fellow singer, 35, after it was revealed that Swift finally owns her masters, reports 'People' magazine. 'Yes you did that Tay', Selena Gomez wrote on her Instagram Story using all caps, adding, 'So proud!' Almost six years ago, her catalogue was sold to Braun, who then sold it to private equity firm Shamrock Capital. Swift's upload showed three photos of her sitting on the floor of a portrait studio, wearing a periwinkle top, denim jeans and her signature red lip as she smiled, surrounded by her first six albums. During the years long battle for ownership, the 'Love Story' singer famously re-recorded albums, adding 'Taylor's Version' to the titles. Selena has supported Swift since their friendship began more than a decade ago. The two singers were introduced by the Jonas Brothers in August 2008 and have been besties ever since. Indo-Asian News Service
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"I had a crush on...": Selena Gomez reveals her childhood crush; expresses she would like to collaborate with THIS artist
Selena Gomez , the 'Hands to Myself' hitmaker, recently spilled her childhood secret, revealing who her childhood crush was. Citing that her crush would protect her, Gomez had a 'biggest crush' on a rapper. Selena Gomez's childhood crush was... In an episode of Complex's GOAT Talk with Karol G , the 32-year-old singer expressed that she liked the rapper, Ice Cube , when she was 5. When asked about the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) rappers, Selena voiced out her opinions. 'One of mine was Eminem only because I grew up listening to him,' she said, before adding, 'My dad was a DJ, so he would remix all kinds of songs, and every time it was an Eminem song, I would just get so excited,' according to People Furthermore, the beauty mogul opened up about her childhood crush. 'Can I tell you my first one that I had a crush on, Ice Cube? I had the biggest crush on him when I was, like, 5,' the 'Single Soon' singer dropped the crumbs. 'It's so weird, but I just thought he would protect me. I'm only saying it simply based on my childhood,' she continued. The host admired the huge revelation about the billionaire's childhood feelings. Selena Gomez would like to collaborate with Ariana Grande ... Additionally, Gomez went on to reveal that earlier she found Eminem to be a GOAT, but now she thinks it's Nicki Minaj . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo 'The first rapper in my life that I was super obsessed with was Eminem, and then now, I think for me, Nicki Minaj,' she said, adding, 'For me, one of the best.' In the episode, when Selena was asked about the best collaboration she has ever done, she decided not to answer it to avoid hurting the feelings of her fellow artists. However, the engaged singer said that she would love to collaborate with Ariana Grande.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Selena Gomez Says Ice Cube Was Her Childhood Celebrity Crush: ‘I Just Thought He Would Protect Me'
Selena Gomez has revealed that she had a crush on Ice Cube during her childhood. Gomez joined Karol G for an episode of Complex's GOAT Talk on Wednesday (June 25), where she opened up about her Eminem fandom and why she loved Ice Cube so much. More from Billboard Offset Reveals Sabrina Carpenter as His Celebrity Crush: 'She Got It All Together' AC/DC Plug In Extra Stadium Dates for Australia's Power-Hungry Fans Brandy and Monica Reveal 'The Boy Is Mine' Was Inspired by 'Jerry Springer' 'Can I tell you my first one I had a crush on, Ice Cube?' the multi-hyphenate admitted around the 12-minute mark. 'I had the biggest crush on him when I was, like, 5. It's so weird, but I just thought he would protect me. I'm only saying it simply based on my childhood.' Gomez didn't specify if it was his music or the various blockbusters Cube starred in throughout the '90s that caught her eye. The 32-year-old singer/actress also showed love to Eminem while recalling her father, who was a DJ, cooking up remixes featuring Slim Shady. 'One of mine was Eminem only because I grew up listening to him. My dad was a DJ and he would remix all kinds of songs, and every time it was an Eminem song, I would just get so excited,' she explained. Karol G listed a pair of rhymers for her GOAT rapper, going with Eminem when she was growing up and Nicki Minaj for the new school. As far as her love life these days, Gomez is engaged to producer Benny Blanco. The couple teamed up for a 26-track joint project, I Said I Love You First… And You Said It Back, in May, which features Gracie Abrams, GloRilla, J Balvin and The Marias. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
