Many people first heard about Hanne Norgaard because she was married to famous actor Idris Elba. But her life story is much bigger than that. She is a talented makeup artist, a successful business owner, and a strong supporter of mental health. Her journey shows how hard work and staying true to yourself can help you build something special.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Hanne Kim Norgaard |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1977 |
| Age | 48 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | United Kingdom |
| Background | African-American and South Korean (Blasian) |
| Job | Makeup Artist, Business Owner |
| Known For | First wife of actor Idris Elba, Beauty expert |
| Daughter | Isan Elba (born 2002) |
| Current Husband | Pastor Andrew L. Friar II (married 2013) |
| Companies | Make Up Your Mind Inc., Kim Elba Cosmetics |
| Net Worth | Around $900,000 |
Early Life and Family Background
Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, in the United Kingdom. Her father is African-American and her mother is South Korean, which gives her a mixed background. Growing up in different countries like South Korea, England, and the United States helped her see the world in a unique way. This mix of cultures made her interested in beauty and fashion from a young age.
Her mother’s name is Kyue Nam Kim, who came from South Korea. Having parents from different backgrounds taught Hanne to appreciate different kinds of beauty. This would later become very important in her work as a makeup artist.
Education and Training
Hanne knew from a young age that she wanted to work with makeup and beauty. She worked hard to learn her skills properly. She went to the SC Institute in Washington, DC, from 2004 to 2006 and graduated with the highest honors in Makeup Artistry. She also studied at the International Makeup Academy in Europe, where she learned about makeup, hair, nails, and special effects.
Her training gave her strong skills that helped her stand out in the beauty world. She learned not just how to do makeup, but how to make people feel confident and beautiful.
Starting Her Career
Hanne’s career got off to a great start when she joined the BBC in 1992, just after finishing school. This was a big opportunity that let her work on professional television shows. One year later, in 1993, she became a main makeup artist for Columbia Tristar, a major film company.
These early jobs helped her learn a lot and meet important people in the entertainment world. She worked on movies, TV shows, fashion shows, and magazine photo shoots. Her skills and creativity made her popular with many clients.
Working with Famous People
As Hanne’s skills grew, she started working with famous people. Her celebrity clients included Robin Williams, Idris Elba, and Shaquille O’Neal. She also worked with big fashion brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Sean Combs.
What made Hanne different from other makeup artists was her belief that every person is beautiful in their own way. She didn’t try to make everyone look the same. Instead, she helped each person show their natural beauty.
Marriage to Idris Elba
In 1999, Hanne married British actor Idris Elba. At that time, Idris was still building his acting career. The couple moved to New York together so they could both follow their dreams.
Their daughter, Isan Elba, was born in 2002. Becoming a mother was a special time for Hanne. However, the couple separated in 2003, just one year after their daughter was born.
Even though their marriage ended, Hanne and Idris stayed friends. They worked together to raise their daughter in a loving way. They were seen celebrating their daughter’s 16th birthday together in 2018, showing that they kept a good relationship for their child.
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Building Her Own Business
After her divorce, Hanne focused on building her own career. In 2007, she started her beauty business called ‘Make Up Your Mind’. This company offers different makeup services, including helping people at photo shoots, styling hair in different ways, and even hosting makeup parties where women can learn new beauty skills.
In 2016, she launched Kim Elba Cosmetics, a makeup line focused on serving people with all different skin colors. This was very important to Hanne because she noticed that many makeup brands didn’t make products for darker skin tones. Her products are made without harmful chemicals and are not tested on animals.
Fighting for Fair Beauty
One of the most important parts of Hanne’s work is making sure everyone feels included in the beauty world. From 2009, she has worked with the ‘My Black is Beautiful’ event. This event celebrates Black beauty and works to change how society thinks about what is beautiful.
Hanne has always believed that beauty products should work for all skin colors, not just light skin. She has worked hard to create makeup that looks good on everyone. Her message is clear: every person deserves to feel beautiful, no matter what they look like.
Supporting Mental Health
In recent years, Hanne has also become a strong voice for mental health. In 2019, her daughter Isan shared that Hanne has dealt with chronic anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. This was a brave thing to talk about because many people, especially in the African-American community, don’t talk openly about mental health problems.
Isan was chosen as the 2019 Golden Globe Ambassador and used this position to talk about mental health awareness. Hanne supported her daughter’s work and also began sharing her own story. She wants people to know that it’s okay to ask for help and that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Finding Love Again
Ten years after her divorce from Idris Elba, Hanne married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013. Their wedding was special, ending with a romantic boat cruise. Pastor Andrew works at Heart Strong Church in Atlanta, and Hanne is actively involved in the church community.
This new chapter in her life has brought her peace and happiness. Her faith has helped her through difficult times and continues to guide her work and personal life.
Her Daughter Isan Elba
Isan Elba, born in 2002, has become known not just because of her famous parents but also through her own work as a mental health supporter. She has used her voice to help young people understand the importance of mental wellness.
Hanne has been a loving and supportive mother, helping Isan grow into a confident young woman. The strong relationship between Hanne, Isan, and Idris shows that families can stay close even after divorce.
What Hanne Does Now
Today, Hanne continues to work in the beauty industry while also supporting causes she cares about. She runs her makeup businesses, works with clients, and speaks about mental health. She also mentors young makeup artists who want to learn from her experience.
Her net worth is around $900,000, which she earned through years of hard work in makeup artistry and running her businesses. But for Hanne, success isn’t just about money. It’s about helping others feel confident and beautiful, and making the beauty world more fair for everyone.
Lessons from Her Life
Hanne Norgaard’s story teaches us many important things. She shows that you can start over after difficult times. When her marriage ended, she didn’t give up. Instead, she built successful businesses and became even stronger.
She also teaches us that beauty comes in all colors and types. By making products for all skin tones, she has helped many people feel seen and valued. Her work reminds us that everyone deserves to feel beautiful.
Finally, she shows us that it’s okay to talk about mental health. By sharing her own struggles, she has helped break down walls and made it easier for others to ask for help.
Final Thoughts
Hanne Norgaard is much more than Idris Elba’s ex-wife. She is a talented artist, a smart business owner, a loving mother, and a brave voice for mental health. Her life shows us that with hard work, creativity, and staying true to yourself, you can build a meaningful life.
From her early days learning makeup in London to running her own beauty companies today, Hanne has always worked to make the world a more beautiful and fair place. Her story continues to inspire people around the world who are following their dreams and working to make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Hanne Norgaard famous for?
Hanne Norgaard is famous for being a professional makeup artist and business owner. She is also known as the first wife of actor Idris Elba and for her work supporting mental health and fair treatment in the beauty world.
2. How old is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, which makes her 48 years old as of 2025.
3. Does Hanne Norgaard have children?
Yes, Hanne has one daughter named Isan Elba, who was born in 2002. She shares her daughter with her ex-husband, actor Idris Elba.
4. What businesses does Hanne Norgaard own?
Hanne owns two main businesses: Make Up Your Mind Inc., which offers makeup services and styling, and Kim Elba Cosmetics, a makeup line that focuses on products for all skin colors.
5. Is Hanne Norgaard married now?
Yes, Hanne married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013. They live together in Georgia and are active in their church community.
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