Let me to introduce you to Hanne Norgaard, better known by her professional name, Kim Elba. While she holds the title of being the first wife of the renowned Actor Idris Elba, Hanne is a standout professional makeup artist in her own right.
Characterized as Afro-Asian, her varied upbringing gives her identity a distinct and deep depth. Outside of her relationship with the well-known actor, Hanne has made a name for herself in the business by lending her skills to BBC TV series and movie production companies like Columbia Trista.
Her artistry doesn’t stop there – she has collaborated with esteemed makeup brands such as Sean Combs, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Some of the biggest names, such Idris Elba himself, Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis, Jenna Redgrave, and Robin Williams are among her clients. Not content with just that, she has ventured into creating her own makeup line, Kim Elba Cosmetics, driven by the belief that every face possesses unique beauty and makeup serves as a tool to enhance and celebrate that individuality.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
On April 5, 1977 (As of now Feb-2024, 46 years old), Hanne Norgaard was born. She was raised by an African-American father and her mother is from South Korea. She grew up in the USA, England and South Korea. Kyue Nam Kim is her mother’s name. Hanne has not disclosed information about her early life or the names of her siblings or father.
Venturing to London independently, she soon realized the importance of education in her chosen field. Encouraged by her parents, she pursued studies in makeup artistry, ensuring her sustained presence in the beauty and fashion industry that captivated her.
Norgaard’s academic journey led her to the SC Institute in Washington, DC, where she dedicated her time from 2004 to 2006, ultimately earning a Diploma in Makeup Artistry with the highest honors. Subsequently, she further honed her skills in makeup, hair, nails and special effects at the International Makeup Academy in Europe, graduating with distinction. Her career took flight when she secured a position with BBC within the first week of completing her studies.
In 1999, she and Idris Elba moved to New York following their marriage. She participated in photo sessions for movies, TV series, fashion shows and magazines. Following her divorce from her husband in 2003, her professional path slowed down.
however, in 2007 she rekindled it with her cosmetics campaign, “Make Up Your Mind.” Through this service, Norgaard and her group of skilled hairstylists and makeup artists provide a wide range of make-up services to clients, such as personal styling, different hairstyles and accompanying clients on photo shoots.
Another unique service provided by this company is makeup parties. They help ladies learn how to apply makeup and enhance their appearance by helping them arrange Christmas parties.
Since 2009, Norgaard has been actively involved in the ‘My Black is Beautiful‘ event, contributing her expertise as a makeup artist and advisor. This initiative celebrates the beauty of the color black and strives to reshape societal perceptions of beauty. Nonetheless, her remarkable career earned her the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Adding another dimension to her entrepreneurial endeavors, ‘Kim Elba Cosmetics‘ emerged as Norgaard’s brainchild, offering a line of paraben-free and cruelty-free cosmetics. Beyond her professional pursuits, she has made special appearances on the reality TV show ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’
In collaboration with her husband, Friar Andrew, Norgaard co-directs the ‘Heart Strong Ministry‘ in Georgia. The ministry’s mission centers around guiding individuals to make ‘Heart decisions’ that foster a closer connection to God.”
Family and Ex-Husband Idris Elba
The romantic saga between Hanne Norgaard and Idris Elba unfolds with uncertain beginnings, leaving the timeline of their first encounter and the commencement of their relationship shrouded in mystery. However, their story takes root during Elba’s early struggles in the acting world, initiating in 1994 with “The Boot Street Band.”
Five years into their journey, at the tender ages of 27 and 22, Elba and Norgaard exchanged vows, marking the inception of their marital chapter. Then they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where Elba worked as a bar bouncer and had to focus on improving his American accent.
According to accounts, the marriage had already started going down the wrong path a few years into it when Hanne became pregnant in 2001. They divorced in 2003 for an undisclosed cause. Nonetheless, given Elba’s limited finances at the time, these rumors are speculative. The makeup artist and Elba would rather keep their marriage out of the press, despite speculation.
In 2002, their daughter, Isan Elba, entered the world. Her father was delighted when she was selected as the 2019 Golden Globe Ambassador at the age of 16.
Despite the challenges, Norgaard and Elba chose to navigate the complexities of co-parenting with grace. This was evident when they were spotted celebrating their daughter’s 16th birthday together, showcasing a bond that transcended the confines of a failed marriage.
Hanne Norgaard Husband
A significant chapter in Norgaard’s personal narrative unfolded in 2013, marking her remarriage to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II after a decade of singlehood. The celebration of their union was adorned with a romantic yacht cruise. Reflecting on her first marriage anniversary with Friar, Norgaard expressed her gratitude, describing him as a special gift from God.
On Treasure Island, both of them got married against the backdrop of the beach. Furthermore, no other details about their private lives are available. Hanne, however, claims that Andrew is a really nice, understanding, and helpful man.
She and her hubby Andrew have been together for more than ten years since they are having a good life together.
Hanne Norgaard Mental Illness
In a 2019 interview with “People,” Isan Elba talked about witnessing her mother struggle with mental illness. Isan Elba claims that her mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, and ongoing anxiety.
Isan gave $50,000 to the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2019 in order to support the Golden Globes Ambassadorship, which helps her cope with her mother’s challenging illness. She also tries to alter the stereotype of mental illness in African-American communities.
Hanne Norgaard is a multilingual person who speaks Danish and English well.
Hanne Norgaard Ner Worth
Although Hanne has undoubtedly had a successful career, her income is not as well-known as her brand and company. Because of this, her net worth is unknown, despite media rumors suggesting that she could be worth close to $1 million as of now in 2024.
Her ex-husband, nevertheless, is more well-known for his entertainment career. In addition to producing music, competing in kickboxing, making appearances in popular movies, and becoming a DJ and rapper. Idris Elba’s estimated net worth is $50 million.
Hanne Norgaard Height and Weight
Her height is 5 feet 2 inches. She is about 61 kg in weight. She has gorgeous warm brown eyes and brown hair aside from that. Her fans appear delighted to express their appreciation for her updates on Instagram, where she frequently thrills them with photographs of her modeling.
FAQs
Who is Hanne Norgaard, also known as Kim Elba?
Hanne Norgaard, professionally known as Kim Elba, is renowned as the first wife of actor Idris Elba. Beyond that, she stands out as a professional makeup artist with an impressive career in the beauty and fashion industry.
What is Hanne Norgaard’s net worth?
Despite a successful career, Hanne Norgaard’s exact net worth remains unknown, shrouded in media speculation that places it near $1 million.
What is Hanne Norgaard’s ethnicity?
Hanne Norgaard’s ethnicity is described as Afro-Asian. She embraces a diverse cultural background, reflecting her unique heritage.
How old is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977. As of now, her age is 46 years as of now Feb-2024.
