From the streets of Peckham in South East London to the glamorous heights of Hollywood, Damson Idris has carved a name for himself as one of the most compelling British-Nigerian actors of his generation.
At just 33, his resume spans theatre, television, and blockbuster film—with each role affirming his talent, grit, and global appeal.
Born Adamson Alade‑Bo Idris to Nigerian parents, Damson grew up in a modest household, the youngest of six children raised by a single mother, Philippa Idris, a hardworking entrepreneur from Oyo State.
Despite their financial struggles, Damson often credits his mother’s unwavering determination and the strong family values she instilled as the foundation of his success.
While his siblings pursued careers in law, business, and IT, young Damson had different dreams.
At first, he aimed for a career in sports, excelling in football and rugby. In fact, he once met Queen Elizabeth II during the Golden Jubilee as a youth athlete.
But a knee injury derailed his sporting ambitions, prompting him to turn to the arts—a decision that would change his life forever.
Idris studied Theatre, Film, and Television at Brunel University London and honed his acting skills at the prestigious Identity School of Acting, known for producing stars like John Boyega and Letitia Wright.
Early roles on British television led to his breakthrough in 2016 when he was cast as Franklin Saint in FX’s critically acclaimed crime drama Snowfall.
For six seasons, Idris captivated audiences with his portrayal of a young drug kingpin caught in the chaos of 1980s Los Angeles.
His performance earned widespread praise and helped propel him to international stardom.
But Damson didn’t stop there. His film work includes Farming (2018), an autobiographical drama directed by Adewale Akinnuoye‑Agbaje, for which Idris won Best Performance at the Edinburgh Film Festival.
He also co-starred in the Netflix sci-fi action film Outside the Wire (2021) alongside Anthony Mackie, further showcasing his versatility.
In 2023, he was announced as the lead opposite Brad Pitt in F1: The Movie, a Formula 1 drama directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski. Filmed on actual Grand Prix tracks in Abu Dhabi and the U.K., the project is one of the most anticipated film releases on Apple TV+.
Idris described his first day on set as surreal: “I look to my left, it’s Brad Pitt. I look to my right, it’s Javier Bardem. I look at my hands—they’re shaking.”
Away from the screen, Damson Idris is a fashion icon and car enthusiast. As Tommy Hilfiger’s menswear ambassador, he blends British cool with Hollywood sophistication.
His car collection includes a Mercedes-AMG GT, a Porsche 911 GTS, and a Bentley Flying Spur—symbols of how far he’s come from his humble beginnings. In 2021, he reportedly purchased a $4 million mansion in Studio City, Los Angeles.
Though born and raised in the UK, Idris remains deeply connected to his Nigerian roots.
Fluent in Yoruba and vocal about his identity, he frequently takes on roles that explore African narratives.
He proudly identified as British-Nigerian, bridging cultures with authenticity and grace.
As for his personal life, Damson made headlines in 2023 following a brief public romance with Lori Harvey. Despite the media attention, he keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight, preferring to let his work speak for itself.
With talent, charm, and a tireless work ethic, Damson Idris is redefining what it means to be a global actor.
