Idris Elba's most irritating TV role that even his most devoted fans hate
Idris Elba shot to fame thanks to stellar performances in shows like The Wire and Luthor, as well as films including Thor, The Suicide Squad, Molly's Game and more, but one role isn't remembered too fondly
Idris Elba is an incredibly popular and versatile actor known for his impressive portrayal of Stringer Bell in hit HBO show The Wire, as well as the eponymous DCI John Luther in the BBC favourite, Luther. He’s starred in a string of beloved films and even lent his voice to several animated characters - but not every role he’s played is remembered fondly.
The actor, who’s celebrating his 53rd birthday today (September 6), is originally from Hackney in London. He caught the acting bug during childhood and trained with the prestigious National Youth Theatre.
After a medley of television appearances, the talented performer eventually bagged the lead role of Stringer Bell in The Wire in 2001, which introduced him to wide audiences across the US and helped secure his reputation as a leading actor.
His divisive part on The Office, however, still remains one of his most unpopular roles. The US adaptation of The Office - the mockumentary that made stars of creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, as well as actor Martin Freeman - ran for nine seasons from 2005 until 2013.
Like the original UK version, the comedy series follows the lives of a group of people working in an office.
Set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the first seven seasons were fronted by Steve Carell, who played Michael Scott, the regional manager at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company.
In 2009, Elba was cast as Charles Miner, a new rival to Michael Scott, in a six episode story arc. He was a suave, no-nonsense business man who was the perfect foil for the hilariously needy, insecure and comedically incompetent Scott.
The pair soon clashed, which led to Michael dramatically resigning from Dunder Mifflin and starting up his own paper company, leaving Charles to step into the role of manager.
His treatment of fan favourite Jim Halpert - played by John Krasininski - as well as his general strict, serious nature did not endear him to fans.
On Reddit, one person observed: “It’s fairly incredible that Idris Elba had a part on the Office. And was incredible and I hated him so much. One of my favourite actors.”
In the comments section, fellow Office fans shared their thoughts. One person said: “He’s the exact kind of boss that office needed, even if he was a huge d**k."
Another disagreed: “Any manager that demands results without a plan of action is a bad one. And that’s exactly what Charles does.”
A third pondered: “Not sure why people have hate for Charles. He seems to be a competent business man. He didn’t like the idea of shenanigans going on instead of running a paper company. It makes sense to me.”
But someone else replied: “Um, do you remember how he treated Jim?”
One person shared: “A character I love to hate. He did a great job!”
Another said: “Brilliant writing right there. Take one of the most beautiful talented men on the planet and make him insufferable.”
And another added: “You hated him so much BECAUSE he’s an incredible actor.”
Others were quick to highlight Idris Elba’s good looks - something the show utilised through his character. One of Charles Miner’s most famous lines is: “I’m aware of the effect I have on women.”
One Reddit user quipped: “I realise now, I liked him as a character, because of the effect he had on me.”
Another said: “That man has serious charisma.”
Someone else joked: “Probably the greatest villain he ever played."