Hanne Norgaard, also known as Kim Elba, is a British-American professional makeup artist, entrepreneur, writer, and educator with nearly 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. Widely recognized as the first wife of actor Idris Elba and the mother of their daughter, Isan Elba, Hanne has built a remarkable career collaborating with top brands and celebrities, including Ralph Lauren, BBC, Robin Williams, and Shaquille O’Neal. Her pioneering work and creative talent have earned her a loyal following and prestigious awards, including the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Beyond her celebrity connections, Hanne is the founder of Kim Elba Cosmetics and Makeup Your Mind Inc., empowering aspiring artists with her expertise and innovative beauty services. Known for her dynamic personality, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, she has become a respected figure in the global makeup and fashion industry, inspiring countless professionals to pursue excellence in both artistry and business.
Key Fact
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hanne Kim Norgaard (also known as Kim Elba) |
| Birth Date | April 5, 1977 |
| Birth Place | England (some sources also mention Denmark or Atlanta) |
| Age | 48 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed African and South Korean |
| Family Background | Father was a local store manager in London; mother a homemaker |
Early Life of Hanne Norgaard
Born on April 5, 1977, in England, Hanne Norgaard grew up in a culturally rich household, blending South Korean heritage from her mother and African ancestry from her father. Raised in London, she was exposed to diverse influences from an early age, which nurtured her creativity, independence, and passion for beauty and artistry. Her father worked as a local store manager while her mother was a homemaker, providing Hanne with a stable foundation and strong family values that shaped her future ambitions.
From a young age, Hanne displayed a remarkable interest in makeup, fashion, and creative expression, setting the stage for her future career as a professional makeup artist and entrepreneur. Her early dedication to learning the craft and her natural talent for artistry laid the groundwork for a journey that would eventually lead her to work with top celebrities, build her own cosmetics brand, and earn international recognition in the beauty industry.
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Full name/Real name:
Hanne Norgaard, also known as Kim Elba.
Birth date/Birth place:
Born on April 5, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States (some sources also mention the United Kingdom as a birthplace).
Family background:
She has a mixed ethnicity background; her mother is South Korean, and her father has African ancestry. Hanne was married to actor Idris Elba from 1999 to 2003, with whom she has a daughter, Isan Elba. She remarried Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013.
School/University:
Hanne Norgaard earned a Diploma with Highest Honors in Makeup Artistry from the S.C. Institute in Washington DC (2004–2006). She also attended the International Makeup Artist Academy in Europe, where she received a Diploma with Highest Honors in Makeup, Hair, Nails, and Special Effects.
Career Journey of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard began her illustrious career in makeup artistry over 30 years ago, quickly gaining recognition for her exceptional talent and creativity. She honed her skills at the S.C. Institute in Washington DC and the International Makeup Artist Academy in Europe, earning diplomas with highest honors. Early on, she collaborated with top brands like Columbia Tristar, BBC, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein, as well as celebrities including Robin Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, Sean Combs, and Idris Elba, establishing her as a trusted name in the beauty and entertainment industry.
Her breakthrough came when she launched her own brand, Kim Elba Cosmetics, and founded Makeup Your Mind Inc., providing innovative makeup services and educational programs. During her peak years, Hanne’s work spanned TV shows, stage productions, movies, adverts, and fashion shows, earning her the prestigious BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Her notable work includes collaborating with high-profile celebrities, creating signature looks for magazine shoots, and mentoring aspiring makeup artists, cementing her status as a pioneering entrepreneur and industry influencer.
Physical Appearance of Hanne Norgaard
Age:
Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, making her 48 years old as of 2025.
Height:
She is 5 feet 2 inches (158 cm) tall.
Weight:
Her weight is approximately 55-61 kg (about 121-134 lbs) according to different sources.
Body measurement:
Her body measurements are around 34-27-35 inches (86-71-89 cm), with a bra size of 33B or 34B.
Physical attributes:
She has brown or black hair, blue or black eyes depending on the source, and wears a US shoe size 6. Hanne Norgaard is noted for her mixed African-Asian ethnicity, with a South Korean mother and African father. She has a slender yet curvy figure with a height and measurements typical for her physique.
Major Achievements of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard has established herself as a trailblazing makeup artist and entrepreneur, leaving a remarkable impact on the beauty and entertainment industry. She is the proud founder of Kim Elba Cosmetics and Makeup Your Mind Inc., pioneering innovative makeup services and educational programs that empower aspiring artists. Over her 30-year career, she has collaborated with top celebrities such as Idris Elba, Robin Williams, and Shaquille O’Neal, as well as major brands like Ralph Lauren, BBC, and Columbia Tristar, earning widespread recognition for her creative expertise and professional excellence.
Among her most notable accolades, Hanne Norgaard received the prestigious BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, celebrating her outstanding contributions to makeup artistry and entrepreneurship. Her influence extends beyond professional achievements, inspiring countless individuals through her mentorship, innovation, and dedication to the craft. With a legacy marked by successful businesses, celebrity collaborations, and industry recognition, Hanne continues to be a leading figure in the global beauty community.
Personal Life of Hanne Norgaard
Family:
Hanne Norgaard is the mother of one daughter, Isan Elba, with her first husband Idris Elba. She is currently married to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. She lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Nationality:
She holds dual citizenship as British-American.
Religion:
Hanne Norgaard is a Christian.
Ethnicity:
She has mixed African-Asian ethnicity, with a South Korean mother and African ancestry on her father’s side.
Marital status/Relationship:
She was married to actor Idris Elba from 1999 to 2003. They have one daughter together. She remarried Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013 and is currently married to him.
Net worth:
around $900,000 to $1 million
Social media presence:
Hanne Norgaard is active on Instagram under the username @kimelba where she shares content related to her makeup artistry and business endeavors.
| Platform | Username | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| @KimElba | Active, shares makeup and business content | |
| TikTok | (Not confirmed) | No clear official account found, but related content exists |
| (Not confirmed) | No verified official account discovered |
Interesting Facts About Hanne Norgaard
- Hanne Norgaard is also known as Kim Elba, the name behind her successful cosmetics brand.
- She was the first wife of actor Idris Elba and is the mother of their daughter, Isan Elba.
- Hanne has over 30 years of experience in makeup artistry, working with celebrities and top global brands.
- She received the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for her exceptional contributions to the beauty industry.
- Hanne combines her African and Asian heritage in her unique creative style, inspiring artists worldwide.
Conclusion of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard stands as a trailblazing makeup artist, entrepreneur, and educator, whose career spans over three decades in the beauty industry. From her early beginnings in England to founding Kim Elba Cosmetics and Makeup Your Mind Inc., she has consistently showcased creativity, professionalism, and innovation. Her work with top celebrities and brands, combined with awards like the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award, cements her reputation as one of the most influential figures in makeup artistry today.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hanne Norgaard has successfully balanced her personal life, co-parenting her daughter Isan Elba with actor Idris Elba and continuing her journey with her second husband, Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. Her story is a testament to resilience, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring aspiring makeup artists and businesswomen worldwide to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hanne Norgaard
1. Who is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard is a British-American professional makeup artist, entrepreneur, and educator, known for founding Kim Elba Cosmetics and Makeup Your Mind Inc.
2. When and where was Hanne Norgaard born?
She was born on April 5, 1977, in England and has a mixed African and Asian heritage.
3. Who is Hanne Norgaard married to?
She was first married to actor Idris Elba and later married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013.
4. What are Hanne Norgaard’s major achievements?
She received the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award and founded her own successful cosmetics and makeup education businesses.
5. What is Hanne Norgaard’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $900,000, earned from her makeup artistry career and business ventures.
