De Niro inspired Idris Elba to get into acting

London Jan 8 (IANS) Idris Elba says it was because of veteran Hollywood star Robert De Niro that he got into acting.

"I was inspired by Robert De Niro " Elba said when asked what inspired him to make the move from being a wedding DJ to movies reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I had skipped school one afternoon when I was 16 to go and see Once Upon A Time In America . I was blown away by his performance. The following day I told my school acting teacher that I wanted to be like De Niro " he told Psychologies magazine.

Elba added: "My teacher who believed in my talent told me it was important to pursue your dreams and that one day I would become a great actor. That is what set me on my way."

Asked if his successes over the past two decades have ever felt surreal he said: "I m still shocked by how I ve managed to reach these great heights after 25 years of hard work and a lot of struggle but it makes me want to work harder than ever."

--IANS
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