Hanne Norgaard is best known to the public as the first wife of Hollywood actor Idris Elba, but her own story stands firmly on its own. She built a respected career as a professional makeup artist, worked with major names in entertainment, and later became an advocate for mental health awareness. Long before her name became linked to a global movie star, Hanne was already carving out a path in the beauty industry through years of training and hands-on experience. This article looks at her early life, her career, her marriage to Elba, and the life she has built since.
Hanne Norgaard Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hanne Kim Norgaard |
| Also Known As | Kim Elba |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1977 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Heritage | South Korean and African American |
| Profession | Makeup artist, businesswoman, writer, mental health advocate |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Idris Elba |
| Business | Founder of Makeup Your Mind |
| First Marriage | Idris Elba (1999–2003) |
| Child | Isan Elba (born 2002) |
| Current Spouse | Pastor Andrew L. Friar II (married 2013) |
| Current Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
Early Life and Background
Hanne Norgaard was born in London, England, in 1977. She grew up with a multicultural background, as her mother has South Korean roots and her father is African American. This mixed heritage shaped much of her early identity, and she has described her upbringing as a blend of different cultures and traditions that moved between England, South Korea, and the United States.
Her childhood exposure to different countries and customs gave her a broad worldview from a young age. That early adaptability would later serve her well in the fashion and beauty industry, where she needed to work with clients from many different backgrounds and cultural expectations.
Career as a Makeup Artist
Hanne trained formally in cosmetology and makeup artistry in London, where she studied special effects makeup, bridal styling, and professional techniques. This training gave her the technical foundation to work across film, television, and editorial projects. Over the following decades, she built a client list that included well-known names such as Geena Davis, Robin Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hugh Laurie.
She later founded her own makeup service called Makeup Your Mind, which grew into an internationally recognized brand. Before starting the company, she worked as a talent director at a modeling agency and as a creative makeup director for a photography studio, roles that helped her understand both the artistic and business sides of the beauty industry. Hanne has also written beauty columns for outlets such as BET Online and Rolling Out, further building her reputation as an expert in her field.
Marriage to Idris Elba
Hanne met Idris Elba in London during the late 1990s, when she was starting her makeup career and he was an aspiring actor with only a handful of television credits. The two grew close and married in 1999. Shortly after their wedding, the couple relocated to New York City so Idris could pursue better acting opportunities.
The early years of their marriage were not easy financially, but Hanne remained supportive as Idris worked to establish himself in Hollywood. In 2002, the couple welcomed a daughter, Isan Elba. Despite their bond and the arrival of their daughter, the marriage ended in divorce in 2003. Hanne and Idris have maintained a respectful relationship since then, focusing on co-parenting Isan, and Hanne has kept her married name.
Life After the Divorce
After her divorce from Idris Elba, Hanne Norgaard continued to grow her career in the beauty industry rather than stepping away from public life entirely. She used the following decade to strengthen her business and expand her professional network across the fashion and entertainment world.
In 2013, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in a beach ceremony that included a yacht cruise. The couple has been together for over a decade and lives in Atlanta, Georgia, along with Hanne’s daughter, Isan. Hanne has not had additional children with Andrew, and the couple appears to maintain a private, low-key lifestyle away from the spotlight that follows her ex-husband.
Advocacy and Personal Growth
Beyond her career in beauty, Hanne Norgaard has become known as an advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken openly about the importance of personal well-being and has used her platform to encourage others facing similar struggles, particularly women of color in creative industries.
Her openness about personal challenges has resonated with many who see her as more than a celebrity’s former spouse. She has framed her journey as one of resilience, showing that setbacks in life can become the foundation for a stronger, more purposeful path forward.
Conclusion
Hanne Norgaard’s story goes far beyond her connection to Idris Elba. She built a respected career in the beauty industry, raised a daughter, found lasting love a second time, and became a voice for mental health awareness. Her journey shows that a public label does not have to define a person’s entire story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hanne Norgaard? Hanne Norgaard is a British-American makeup artist, businesswoman, and mental health advocate best known as the first wife of actor Idris Elba.
When did Hanne Norgaard marry Idris Elba? Hanne married Idris Elba in 1999, and the couple divorced in 2003 after having a daughter together.
Does Hanne Norgaard have children? Yes, she has one daughter, Isan Elba, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Idris Elba.
Is Hanne Norgaard married now? Yes, she has been married to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II since 2013.
What does Hanne Norgaard do for a living? She works as a professional makeup artist and is the founder of the beauty brand Makeup Your Mind.
