Picture: Idris Elba Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Fall 2012 - Y-3 - Front Row New York City, USA - 12.02.12
British actor Idris Elba shortened his first name when he was a teenager because bullies refused to quit taunting him over the feminine-sounding moniker.
The Wire star, real name Idrissa Elba, was born to two West African immigrants and grew up in the rough neighbourhood of Hackney, east London.
And the 39 year old reveals he was often verbally abused while going to school in the posh area of Canning Town, which was then the hub of extreme right-wing party the National Front.
He tells New York Magazine, "Their beliefs are 'Keep Britain White.' Walking down the street, someone would call you a black c**t. I was like, 'F**k that.'"
And the actor confesses his name only set him up for further teasing, as classmates were convinced Idrissa was better suited for a girl.
Elba eventually tired of beating people up to defend his honour and he dropped the last syllable to avoid future problems.
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