Hanne Norgaard: Makeup Artist, Mother, and First Wife of Idris Elba

6 minutes read

Hanne Norgaard may not be a big celebrity, but her story is full of strength, talent, and quiet success. Many people know her as the first wife of actor Idris Elba. But Hanne is much more than that. She is a skilled makeup artist, a loving mother, and a strong woman who built her own life step by step.

In this article, we will learn all about Hanne Norgaard. We’ll look at her early life, her work, her marriage to Idris Elba, her daughter Isan, her health journey, and her peaceful life today. You’ll see how she followed her passion, stayed strong during hard times, and kept going even when things weren’t easy. Let’s begin

Table of Contents

Who Is Hanne Norgaard?

Hanne Norgaard is a British-American makeup artist and businesswoman. She became known to many people after marrying Idris Elba. But long before that, she had already started her career and worked hard to build a name in the beauty world.

She was born on April 5, 1977, in the United Kingdom. Hanne has a mixed background. Her father has African roots, and her mother is from South Korea. That’s why her full name is Hanne Kim Norgaard, and some people also know her as Kim Elba.

Even though she was once married to a famous actor, Hanne prefers to live a very quiet and private life. She doesn’t like the spotlight. She focuses on her work, her family, and her personal peace.

Hanne Norgaard’s Early Life

Hanne was born on April 5, 1977, so she is 48 years old in 2026. Her zodiac sign is Aries, which often means someone who is brave and focused. And those words fit her well—she has stayed strong through many parts of her life.

Even though she’s not often seen in public, people are always curious about her age and what she’s doing now. Many want to know how old she was when she moved to the U.S. or when she had her daughter. She was only 22 years old when she and Idris Elba moved to America in 1999.

Knowing her age helps us see how much she has done in her life. She started her career young, became a mom in her twenties, and is still going strong in her forties.

Hanne Norgaard’s Education and Beauty Training

Hanne always loved makeup and beauty work. That’s why she decided to get proper training in this field. From 2004 to 2006, she studied at the S.C. Institute in Washington, D.C. and earned a Diploma with Highest Honors in Makeup Artistry.

She didn’t stop there. She also went to the International Makeup Artist Academy in Europe. There, she learned how to do makeup, hair, nails, and special effects. She also earned another diploma, again with the highest honors.

This training helped her become one of the best in her field. It gave her the skills she needed to work with top clients and build her own business. She worked hard, studied a lot, and used her talent to move forward.

Hanne Norgaard’s Career in Makeup

Hanne’s makeup career started more than 30 years ago. She worked with many big companies like BBC, BET, Columbia Tristar, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein. She even did makeup for famous people like Robin Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, and Idris Elba.

In 2000, she started her own business called Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY. Later, she launched Makeup Your Mind Inc., which offered makeup services worldwide. She also shared her beauty tips as a blogger, speaker, and magazine writer.

Her work was so strong that she was honored with the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. This award celebrated her long and successful journey in the beauty world.

Hanne Norgaard’s Marriage to Idris Elba

Hanne met Idris Elba in London. They fell in love and got married in 1999. At that time, Idris was still trying to become an actor. Hanne moved with him to New York to help him follow his dream.

Life was not easy at first. Idris struggled to find acting work, and money was tight. But Hanne stood by him. In 2002, they had a daughter named Isan Elba. Sadly, just one year later, they divorced in 2003.

Even after the split, Hanne kept the last name “Elba.” She later said she believed in Idris’s talent but didn’t expect the level of fame he reached. She also said her love for him gave her the greatest gift — their daughter.

Meet Hanne Norgaard’s Daughter

Hanne’s daughter with Idris Elba is named Isan Elba. She was born in 2002, one year before her parents separated. Even though they divorced, both Hanne and Idris stayed close to their daughter and raised her with love.

Isan grew up around cameras and red carpets because her father is a famous actor. In 2019, she was chosen as the Golden Globe Ambassador, which made her even more known in Hollywood. She looked confident and happy, and both of her parents were very proud.

Isan has said she wants to work in the entertainment world. She enjoys acting, modeling, and also likes learning how movies are made. She has a strong bond with her mom and dad, and she speaks kindly about both of them in interviews.

Hanne Norgaard’s Second Marriage

After divorcing Idris Elba, Hanne found love again many years later. In 2013, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. He works at Heart Strong Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The two had a beautiful wedding by the beach on Treasure Island.

They celebrated their big day with a yacht cruise, good food, dancing, and close friends. It was a joyful day filled with love. Hanne is now known as the First Lady of the church, which means she helps and supports the church community.

Even though she is married to a pastor, Hanne continues to work in the beauty world. She keeps her life private but still shares kindness and support with others around her.

Hanne Norgaard’s Health and Mental Struggles

Hanne has quietly faced mental health issues for many years. In 2019, her daughter Isan spoke about it for the first time during a public event. She said her mother was living with bipolar disorder, depression, and chronic anxiety.

Isan said it was hard to hear at first. But talking about it helped both of them. They sat down and had a real conversation. That moment brought them even closer together and gave Hanne a safe space to share her feelings.

By opening up, Hanne helped others feel less alone. A donation of $50,000 was made in Isan’s name to a group that helps raise awareness about mental health in the Black community. It was a big step for both of them.

What Is Hanne Norgaard Doing Now?

Today, Hanne still works as a professional makeup artist. She runs her beauty brand and sometimes shares her tips through blogs or speaking events. But she mostly stays away from the spotlight.

She spends a lot of time at her husband’s church, helping people and sharing her faith. She lives a peaceful life in Georgia, focusing on family, faith, and quiet success.

Even though she isn’t on TV or social media all the time, many people still admire her. They respect her strength, her work, and how she raised her daughter with care.

Hanne Norgaard’s Net Worth

Hanne has built a strong career on her own. Her estimated net worth is around $900,000. She earned this through her makeup business, brand deals, and years of hard work in the beauty world.

She never chased fame or the spotlight. Instead, she focused on doing her job well and helping others. She lives a calm and comfortable life with her husband and stays true to her values.

Her ex-husband, Idris Elba has a net worth of around $40 million, but Hanne has made her own path. She shows that success doesn’t always mean being loud or famous — sometimes it’s quiet, steady, and full of heart.

Final Thoughts

Hanne Norgaard is more than just Idris Elba’s first wife. She is a talented artist, a kind mother, a strong woman, and a peaceful leader. Her story shows how someone can rise with quiet strength, even when life is tough.

She has faced struggles, found love again, and built a life full of purpose. Whether it’s through makeup, faith, or family, Hanne has touched many lives in quiet but powerful ways.

Her journey reminds us that we don’t always need fame to live a good life. Sometimes, grace, peace, and inner strength are what truly shine the brightest.