Hanne Norgaard Today: Make-Up Artist, Mother, and Idris Elba’s Ex-Wife

When you hear the name Hanne Norgaard, you might first think of her as Idris Elba’s ex-wife. And yes, that’s part of her story. But there’s so much more to her than just being connected to a famous actor.

Hanne is a talented make-up artist, a loving mother, a businesswoman, and a quiet inspiration to many. She’s built a strong and meaningful life — not in the spotlight, but just behind it — helping others look and feel their best. In this article, we’re going to explore who Hanne Norgaard is today, where she came from, what she’s been through, and how she continues to make a difference.

Hanne Norgaard Quick Bio

Hanne Norgaard’s Early Life

Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, and she has a special background. Her mother is South Korean, and her father is African-American. She proudly calls herself “Blasian”, which is a fun way of saying she’s both Black and Asian. This mix of cultures helped shape the person she is today.

She grew up in South Korea, the United Kingdom and later moved to the United States. Some reports also say she may have spent a short time in a Korean orphanage as a baby before reuniting with her family. These early experiences gave her a deep love for different cultures, art, and self-expression. Even as a child, Hanne was creative, curious, and always exploring new ideas.

Hanne’s journey into beauty started when she was a teenage model. She would spend hours in the make-up chair before photoshoots, and that’s when something clicked. She realized she didn’t just enjoy having her make-up done — she loved watching the artist’s work. The brushes, the colors, the small details… it fascinated her.

Soon, she realized she didn’t want to be in front of the camera anymore. She wanted to be the person behind the scenes, helping others feel beautiful. That’s how her love for make-up truly began — not as a job, but as something she felt passionate about deep in her heart.

Hanne’s Educational Journey

Wanting to turn her passion into a real career, Hanne Norgaard decided to get proper training. She studied at the SC Institute in Washington, D.C. from 2004 to 2006, where she earned a diploma in make-up artistry with the highest honors. But she didn’t stop there.

She also attended the International Makeup Academy in Europe, where she learned even more — including special effects, hair styling, and nail design. These skills gave her a full toolbox to work with in the beauty world. She took her studies seriously and worked hard to become one of the best. Her training made her confident, creative, and ready to take on big jobs.

Hanne Norgaard’s Career in Beauty

Hanne Norgaard started her career in London, working with well-known companies like BBC and Columbia Tristar. That’s a pretty big deal! She got to work on photo shoots, TV shows, and fashion campaigns. Her work was noticed because she had a unique way of bringing out each person’s natural beauty.

She also worked with celebrities, which helped her build her name in the industry. Some of her famous clients included Robin Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, Geena Davis, and, of course, Idris Elba. They trusted her to make them look their best, whether on camera or on the red carpet.

As her career grew, Hanne didn’t just stick to one thing. She became known for her clean, glowing style and for being someone who truly listened to her clients’ needs. That’s why people kept coming back to her again and again.

Her Beauty Business and Brand

Hanne Norgaard didn’t stop at just doing make-up. She had bigger dreams. In 2000, she started her own company called Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY (using her middle name, Kim). Through this company, she offered services to private clients, TV shows, and fashion events all across the U.S.

Later, she launched Makeup Your Mind Inc., a beauty service company that travelled worldwide. Her goal was to help people feel confident in their own skin, no matter their age, gender, or race.

One of her biggest achievements was creating Kim Elba Cosmetics, a cruelty-free and inclusive beauty brand. She wanted to create products that work for all skin tones and types. This was personal for her, especially as someone with a mixed heritage who didn’t always see herself represented in beauty ads growing up.

Her Love Story with Idris Elba

Most people know Hanne Norgaard as Idris Elba’s first wife. They met in London when both were still chasing their dreams. In 1999, they got married and later moved to New York City together to start fresh and grow their careers.

In 2002, they had a beautiful daughter named Isan Elba. But sadly, by 2003, their marriage came to an end. Life in a new country, growing careers, and the pressures of family life took a toll. They decided to part ways — but what’s special is that they stayed respectful and kind toward each other, especially for their daughter’s sake.

Even after their divorce, Hanne kept the last name “Elba” and focused on raising Isan with love, support, and care.

Hanne Norgaard’s Life After Idris

After her divorce from Idris Elba, Hanne Norgaard focused on healing. It wasn’t easy. She had just become a mother, her marriage had ended, and she was living in a new country. But instead of giving up, she took a break from her busy career to take care of herself and her daughter.

In time, Hanne found love again. In 2013, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. Their wedding was held on a yacht at Treasure Island, surrounded by close friends and family. It was a peaceful and joyful celebration — just what she needed after years of challenges.

Today, Hanne lives in Georgia, where she supports her husband’s work at Heart Strong Church. She plays a big role in the church community as the First Lady, offering guidance and care to others.

One of the most important parts of Hanne Norgaard’s life is being a mother. She raised Isan Elba to be kind, smart, and strong. Even after the divorce, Hanne and Idris stayed on good terms so they could raise Isan together with love and respect.

In 2019, Isan was chosen as the Golden Globe Ambassador, a big honor that made headlines. She walked red carpets, gave speeches, and represented the next generation in Hollywood. Hanne stood proudly by her side, cheering her on every step of the way.

Isan has said many times that her mother is one of her biggest inspirations. Hanne supported her not just as a mom but also as a woman who chased her own dreams and never gave up.

Hanne’s Journey with Mental Health

In the same year, 2019, Isan revealed something deeply personal at a public event. She shared that her mother, Hanne Norgaard, has battled with chronic anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. This was the first time many people had heard about Hanne’s health struggles.

It wasn’t easy for Hanne to speak up about it, but she wanted to help others who were going through the same thing. She and Isan talked openly, which helped them both heal and grow closer.

By sharing her story, Hanne helped break the silence around mental health in the Black community. She showed that it’s okay to struggle, and more importantly, it’s okay to ask for help.

Where Is Hanne Norgaard Now?

So, where is Hanne Norgaard today in 2025?

She’s living a peaceful life in Georgia, focusing on what matters most to her — family, faith, and beauty. She still runs her beauty business and helps others through coaching, speaking events, and makeup artistry.

She keeps a low profile and stays away from social media fame. But behind the scenes, she continues to inspire many with her quiet strength and graceful presence. Her life may not be on magazine covers, but it’s full of meaning.

Hanne Norgaard’s Net Worth and Success

Thanks to her long career in beauty and her own brand, Kim Elba Cosmetics, Hanne has built a strong income for herself. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is between $900,000 and $1.5 million.

She also earned the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, a major honor in the Black entertainment and fashion world. This award shows how much people respect her work and her impact.

Even though she avoids the spotlight, Hanne Norgaard’s success speaks for itself. She built her own name, one step at a time.

Final Thoughts

Hanne Norgaard is so much more than just Idris Elba’s ex-wife. She’s a talented make-up artist, a kind mother, a businesswoman, and a woman who never gave up — even when life got tough.

Her story shows us that you don’t need to be loud to be powerful. You can stay quiet, do your work, and still change lives. Whether it’s through beauty, parenting, or honesty about mental health, Hanne continues to leave her mark.

In a world that often chases fame, Hanne Norgaard reminds us that grace, strength, and purpose are just as powerful — maybe even more.

(FAQs)

Who is Idris Elba married to now?

Idris Elba is now married to Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a model and actress. They tied the knot in 2019 in a beautiful 3-day wedding in Morocco. This is his third marriage!

What is Hanne Norgaard’s nationality and ethnicity?

Hanne Norgaard is British-American. Her background is mixed — her mother is from South Korea, and her father is African-American, making her proudly Blasian.

How much is Hanne Norgaard worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Hanne Norgaard’s estimated net worth is between $900,000 and $1.5 million. She earned this from her long career in beauty, her brand Kim Elba Cosmetics, and public speaking.

How old is Hanne Norgaard?

Hanne was born on April 5, 1977, which makes her 48 years old in 2025. She still looks youthful and full of energy today!

Was Hanne Norgaard famous when she was young, and is she on Instagram now?

Yes, Hanne started young as a teen model and became a pro make-up artist in her 20s. But no, she’s not active on Instagram today. She chooses to stay private and avoids social media.