In the glitzy world of Hollywood, it’s easy to get lost in the bright lights, blockbuster films, and red-carpet appearances. But behind many famous faces are individuals whose own stories are rich with resilience, creativity, and influence. Hanne Norgaard, perhaps best known to the public as the first wife of actor Idris Elba, is one such woman. Far from being defined by her marriage, Hanne is a professional makeup artist, businesswoman, and advocate whose journey is filled with purpose, personal strength, and an undying passion for beauty and wellness.

Born to a multicultural background and raised with a global perspective, Hanne has lived a life that spans continents and careers. While she may be connected in the public eye to her famous ex-husband, her contributions to the fashion and beauty industries—and her commitment to mental health awareness—paint a picture of a woman driven by more than fame. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Hanne Norgaard truly is: her background, career, motherhood, and her continuous rise as an inspirational figure.

Table of Contents

Quick Bio

Field	Details
Full Name	Hanne Kim Norgaard
Also Known As	Kim Elba
Date of Birth	April 5, 1977
Place of Birth	United Kingdom
Nationality	British
Ethnicity	Mixed (South Korean mother, Danish father)
Profession	Professional Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, Mental Health Advocate
Famous For	First wife of actor Idris Elba
Business	Founder of Kim Elba Cosmetics
Children	1 (Daughter: Isan Elba, born 2002)
Ex-Spouse	Idris Elba (m. 1999–2003)
Current Spouse	Pastor Andrew L. Friar II (m. 2013–present)
Known Advocacy	Mental Health Awareness, Women Empowerment
Residence	United States
Languages Spoken	English (fluent), exposed to Korean and Danish cultural roots

Early Life and Multicultural Roots

Hanne Kim Norgaard was born in the United Kingdom to a South Korean mother and a Danish father, giving her a rich, multicultural heritage from the start. This unique blend of cultures helped shape her worldview and her understanding of beauty standards across different parts of the world. From a young age, Hanne showed a strong interest in fashion and the arts. Her early years were spent in London, where she was exposed to a diverse community that fueled her creativity.

Her upbringing laid the foundation for her later success in the beauty industry. She often credited her parents for instilling in her the values of hard work, discipline, and cultural appreciation. These qualities would later serve her well as she pursued an international career. Her exposure to various aesthetics and styles in Europe helped her develop a versatile skill set, one that would later become a major asset in her professional journey.

Education and Pursuit of a Creative Career

Unlike many who stumble into the beauty field, Hanne was intentional about her path. She attended prestigious makeup schools, including the International Makeup Academy in London, where she honed her skills in skincare, makeup artistry, and image consulting. Her training was comprehensive, covering high fashion, film, and television makeup techniques. She also took courses in the United States, which broadened her professional knowledge and adaptability.

Hanne’s passion for the beauty industry wasn’t just surface-level. She was interested in how makeup could enhance confidence and self-perception. Her approach was holistic—focused not just on applying makeup but also on helping people feel good in their skin. Her artistry was about transformation, but more importantly, about empowerment.

Love, Marriage, and Life with Idris Elba

It was during her early professional years in London that Hanne met rising actor Idris Elba. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and the two were married in 1999. Soon after, they moved to the United States to pursue better opportunities, especially in the entertainment world. Their union resulted in the birth of their daughter, Isan Elba, in 2002.

However, as Elba’s career began to take off, the pressures of fame, busy schedules, and personal differences began to strain their marriage. By 2003, the couple had amicably divorced. Despite their separation, Hanne has always maintained a respectful and supportive tone when speaking about Idris. Their primary focus remained their daughter, and both have prioritized co-parenting over the years.

Their marriage may have ended, but Hanne never let that define her. In interviews, she’s made it clear that while their relationship was a chapter in her life, it did not dictate her identity. Her focus remained on personal growth, professional development, and raising a grounded daughter.

Rising as a Beauty Expert and Entrepreneur

Following her divorce, Hanne dove headfirst into her work. She founded Kim Elba Cosmetics, a brand that reflected her personal philosophy—beauty with integrity. Her company quickly gained recognition for its inclusive range of products designed for all skin tones. Hanne’s multicultural background gave her a unique advantage in understanding diverse beauty needs, which translated into her brand’s success.

In addition to her business, Hanne worked as a freelance makeup artist for high-profile clients in fashion, film, and television. She’s credited with working on editorial shoots, runway shows, and red carpet events. Her expertise became highly sought-after, and she became known not only for her talent but also for her professionalism and calm demeanor on set.

What set Hanne apart was her belief that makeup should not mask who someone is but rather highlight their natural essence. This belief resonated with many of her clients, some of whom included prominent celebrities, models, and TV personalities.

Motherhood and the Bond with Daughter Isan Elba

Of all her roles, Hanne is most proud of being a mother. Her daughter, Isan Elba, has spoken openly about the strong relationship she shares with her mom. While Idris Elba’s Hollywood fame often placed the spotlight on him, Hanne was the steady force at home, guiding and nurturing Isan with care.

In fact, when Isan was named the Golden Globe Ambassador in 2019, she used the platform to advocate for mental health awareness, a cause close to her and Hanne’s heart. Isan revealed that Hanne had struggled with mental health challenges in the past, and it was this deeply personal experience that inspired her advocacy.

Hanne’s openness about her struggles made a significant impact, especially in communities where mental health is often stigmatized. Rather than shy away from the conversation, Hanne encouraged it—proving once again her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Marriage to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II

In 2013, Hanne found love again and married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. The couple has maintained a relatively private life, focusing on their faith and shared mission in community work. Their union brought new joy and stability into Hanne’s life, offering a fresh chapter filled with spiritual growth and purpose.

While she now lives a more low-profile life, Hanne continues to influence others through her church involvement, beauty work, and motivational speaking. Her journey is a testament to the idea that life after divorce, fame, and struggle can still be full of meaning, peace, and achievement.

Advocacy for Mental Health and Community Service

In recent years, Hanne has become more vocal about mental health, self-worth, and the importance of personal development. She’s participated in panels, seminars, and church events where she discusses her experiences and encourages others to seek help when needed.

Her advocacy is rooted in personal experience. She doesn’t approach the topic from a theoretical standpoint but from a real-life understanding of the emotional toll mental health challenges can take. This authenticity has made her a powerful and relatable voice in the wellness community.

Beyond mental health, she’s involved in community service through her church and beauty outreach programs. From helping women in shelters with makeovers to mentoring young creatives, Hanne’s life mission has expanded far beyond the beauty chair.

Redefining Beauty and Purpose

For Hanne Norgaard, beauty is more than skin deep—it’s about healing, acceptance, and confidence. She often speaks about the transformative power of self-love and how external beauty can reflect inner peace when done with the right intent.

In a world obsessed with perfection and youth, Hanne’s message stands out. She believes in aging gracefully, embracing natural features, and using makeup as a tool rather than a crutch. Her work has helped redefine beauty standards, especially for women of color, and her legacy in the industry is one of inclusion and empowerment.

Conclusion: The True Identity of Hanne Norgaard

So, who is Hanne Norgaard? She is a mother, entrepreneur, beauty expert, mental health advocate, and survivor. Though her name is often mentioned in connection with Idris Elba, her own story is rich, multi-faceted, and deserving of recognition. Her journey from London to Hollywood, from makeup studios to church ministries, reflects a woman of deep purpose, relentless resilience, and unwavering faith.

In many ways, Hanne embodies the strength it takes to rise beyond public perception and embrace a life of private fulfillment and service to others. Whether it’s through her cosmetics, her community work, or her parenting, she continues to inspire with grace, humility, and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Hanne Norgaard known for?

Hanne Norgaard is best known as the first wife of actor Idris Elba, but she is also a successful makeup artist, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate.