Hanne Norgaard, also known as Kim Elba, is a multi-talented and accomplished individual. She has made her mark as a professional makeup artist, cosmetic brand owner, former model, and devoted mother. Notably, she was the first wife of renowned actor Idris Elba, with their marriage spanning from 1999 to 2003. This article delves into the life of Hanne Norgaard, exploring her early years in Korea, her professional journey in London and New York, and her personal experiences, including her marriage to Idris Elba and subsequent separation. We will also highlight her current relationship with a pastor and her dedication to the makeup industry, alongside her quest to reconnect with her birth mother.
Who Is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard, often referred to as Hanne Kim Norgaard, is a remarkable figure in the beauty industry. While some may recognize her as the former wife of the acclaimed actor Idris Elba, she has independently established herself as a makeup artist, entrepreneur, and author.
Her journey in the beauty world is truly inspiring. From working behind the scenes on major film productions to enhancing the looks of models for fashion shows, Hanne has made a significant impact in every endeavor. Additionally, her cosmetics line, Kim Elba Cosmetics, is a testament to her passion and dedication, offering products designed to empower and inspire.
Biography Of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard’s life story begins with a unique fusion of cultures. Born on April 5, 1977, she is currently 47 years old as of 2024, with a heritage that blends Afro and Asian roots. Her mother, Kyue Nam Kim, hails from South Korea, though details about her father and any siblings remain undisclosed.
Growing up, Hanne experienced a nomadic childhood across South Korea, England, and the USA, which imbued her with a diverse array of life experiences and perspectives.
Her journey into the beauty industry began with a deep dive into makeup artistry. From 2004 to 2006, she honed her skills at the SC Institute in Washington, DC, where she earned accolades for her exceptional talent and dedication.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full name | Hanne Kim Norgaard |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | April 5, 1977 |
| Age | 47 years (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac sign | Aries |
| Birthplace | United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Ethnicity | African-Asian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Height | 158 cm or 5’1″ |
| Weight | 61 kg or 134 lbs |
| Body measurements | 34-28-35 inches or 86-71-89 cm |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Andrew L. Friar II, Pastor (since 2013), Idris Elba (1999–2003) |
| Children | 1 (Isan Elba) |
| Parents | Kyue Nam Kim (mother) |
| Profession | Makeup artist, businesswoman, writer |
| Famous as | Idris Elba’s ex-wife |
| Net worth | $900,000 |
| Social media |
Hanne Norgaard’s Age
Hanne Norgaard was born in the United Kingdom on April 5, 1977, making her 47 years old as of 2023.
Physical Attributes
Hanne Norgaard stands at a height of 5 feet 2 inches and weighs around 61 kg (134 lbs). She often shares her modeling photos on Instagram, showcasing her beautiful brown eyes and brown hair.
Early Life And Education
Hanne Norgaard, born on April 5, 1977, boasts an Afro-Asian heritage. Her mother, Kyue Nam Kim, is from South Korea, while details about her father and siblings remain private. Hanne’s upbringing across South Korea, England, and the USA contributed to her diverse outlook on life.
Hanne began her journey in the beauty industry by pursuing Makeup Artistry at the International Artist Make Up Academy in London, where she graduated with the highest honors from 2004 to 2006.
Hanne Norgaard Family
Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, and experienced a multicultural upbringing, having lived in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Despite keeping much of her personal life private, it’s clear that her childhood was richly diverse and influential.
Hanne met actor Idris Elba while working as a makeup artist in London. Their connection blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1999. The couple moved to New York to further their careers, and in 2002, they welcomed their daughter, Isan Elba. However, their marriage faced challenges, and they separated in 2003. Despite the separation, they have remained close, especially for significant events in their daughter’s life, such as her sixteenth birthday celebration.
After spending a decade on her own, Hanne found love again with Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. Their wedding was a stunning event, highlighted by a picturesque boat ride. Hanne often expresses deep gratitude for her husband’s patience, faith, and unwavering support.In 2019, Isan Elba courageously spoke about her mother’s battle with mental health issues, including bipolar depression, anxiety, and chronic depression. With the support of her family, Hanne continues to navigate these challenges with resilience.Fluent in both English and Danish, Hanne’s linguistic abilities underscore her rich multicultural heritage and varied life experiences.
Hanne Norgaard’s Relationships
Hanne Norgaard and Idris Elba’s romantic journey began in London, where they met and quickly fell in love. In 1999, they moved to the United States and got married, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.
Their daughter, Isan Elba, was born in 2002 and later gained attention in 2019 when she was named the Golden Globe Ambassador. Despite the happiness of their growing family, Hanne and Idris faced challenges in their marriage, leading to their separation just a year after Isan’s birth and four years after their wedding. Hanne decided to keep her ex-husband’s last name after their divorce.
Despite their split, Hanne and Idris remained close friends and dedicated co-parents to Isan. Their commitment to their daughter was evident when they celebrated her sixteenth birthday together in 2018.
Isan also has a younger brother, Winston Elba, who was born on April 17, 2014. Winston’s mother is Naiyana Garth, Idris Elba’s former girlfriend.
Hanne Norgaard Career
Hanne Norgaard began her journey into the beauty and fashion industries as a young model, venturing into London to kickstart her career and satisfy her curiosity about the world. Despite her early passion for modeling, her parents emphasized the importance of education, encouraging her to pursue studies in makeup artistry as a sustainable path in the industry. Hanne excelled in her education, graduating with honors from the prestigious “International Artist Makeup Academy” in London.
Her professional trajectory gained momentum when she secured a prominent position at BBC right after college in 1992. Subsequently, in 1993, she expanded her influence as the lead makeup artist for several notable Columbia Tristar feature films.
After marrying Idris Elba in 1999, Hanne relocated with him to New York City, where she continued to thrive in makeup artistry across film, television, fashion events, and magazine shoots. Despite a career pause following her separation in 2003, she rebounded in 2007 with the launch of ‘Make Up Your Mind,’ a beauty initiative offering personalized styling and makeup services, including festive makeup tutorials for women.
Since 2009, Hanne has been actively involved with the ‘My Black is Beautiful’ event, contributing her expertise as a makeup artist and advisor. This event aims to celebrate and redefine societal standards of black beauty.Hanne’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish “Kim Elba Cosmetics,” a brand that prides itself on offering cruelty-free and paraben-free products. She has also made notable appearances on reality TV, including “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
Outside of her professional pursuits, Hanne and her husband, Friar Andrew, co-manage the ‘Heart Strong Ministry’ in Georgia, dedicated to guiding individuals in making faith-driven decisions that resonate with their beliefs and bring them closer to spiritual fulfillment.
Hanne Norgaard’s Expertise In Cosmetics
Hanne Norgaard has embraced diverse roles throughout her career journey. She founded ‘Decide,’ an establishment offering makeup parties, personalized styling consultations, and top-notch makeup and hairstyling services. Her brand, ‘Kim Elba Cosmetics,’ focuses on producing environmentally-friendly products that are cruelty-free and free of parabens.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Hanne has made appearances on television, including the lively show ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ where she shared her vibrant personality with viewers.Away from the spotlight, Hanne and her husband, Friar Andrew, are devoted to their faith. They jointly manage the ‘Heart Strong Ministry’ in Georgia, guiding individuals to make heartfelt decisions aligned with their spiritual beliefs. Balancing a dynamic life of beauty, business, and spiritual commitment, Hanne navigates her journey with grace and unwavering passion.
Hanne Norgaard’s Health Challenges
In 2019, Isan spoke publicly about her mother’s struggles with mental health during the Golden Globe Ambassador Luncheon. She bravely shared that Norgaard has been managing depression, bipolar disorder, and chronic anxiety. This candid revelation shed light on the challenges faced by many families dealing with similar mental health conditions.
Hanne Norgaard’s Net Worth
Hanne Norgaard prefers to keep her financial details private, though estimates suggest her net worth is approximately $900,000. In contrast, her ex-husband Idris Elba boasts an impressive net worth of $40 million. While actively involved in the entertainment and beauty sectors, Hanne intentionally avoids public attention and prefers a more private lifestyle. Apart from managing her businesses, she fulfills the role of first lady at her husband’s church, Heart Strong Church in Georgia. This reflects her grounded nature and steadfast commitment to family and faith, balancing success with humility and dedication.
Some Interesting Facts
Multifaceted Career: Hanne Norgaard has excelled in multiple fields including makeup artistry, entrepreneurship with her brand Kim Elba Cosmetics, and even made appearances on reality TV, notably on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
Cultural Fusion: Born with Afro-Asian heritage, Hanne’s upbringing in South Korea, England, and the USA has shaped her into a person with a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and perspectives.
Education and Expertise: She graduated with honors from the International Artist Makeup Academy in London, showcasing her dedication and skill in the beauty industry.
Family Life: Despite her high-profile marriage to actor Idris Elba ending in 2003, Hanne and Idris have maintained a close co-parenting relationship, especially for their daughter Isan’s significant milestones.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Hanne launched ‘Make Up Your Mind,’ offering personalized styling and makeup services, and founded Kim Elba Cosmetics, known for its cruelty-free and paraben-free products, aligning with her commitment to environmental consciousness.
Philanthropic Efforts: Actively involved in initiatives like ‘My Black is Beautiful,’ Hanne contributes her expertise to celebrate and redefine societal standards of black beauty.
Faith and Community: Together with her husband, Pastor Andrew L. Friar II, she co-manages the Heart Strong Ministry in Georgia, guiding individuals towards faith-driven decisions and spiritual fulfillment.
Health Advocacy: In 2019, her daughter Isan bravely spoke about Hanne’s struggles with mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, and chronic anxiety, raising awareness and fostering understanding about these conditions.
FAQs About Hanne Norgaard
Q: What is Hanne Norgaard known for?
A: Hanne Norgaard is recognized for her successful career as a makeup artist, her entrepreneurial endeavors with Kim Elba Cosmetics, and her appearances on reality television, notably on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” She is also noted for her previous marriage to actor Idris Elba and her commitment to charitable causes.
Q: How did Hanne Norgaard begin her career in makeup artistry?
A: Hanne started her journey by studying Makeup Artistry at the International Artist MakeUp Academy in London from 2004 to 2006. She excelled in her studies and later worked extensively behind the scenes on major film productions and fashion shows.
Q: What is Kim Elba Cosmetics known for?
A: Kim Elba Cosmetics, founded by Hanne Norgaard, is celebrated for its range of cruelty-free and paraben-free beauty products. The brand is dedicated to offering high-quality cosmetics that empower and inspire its customers.
Q: How has Hanne Norgaard contributed to philanthropy?
A: Hanne actively participates in initiatives such as ‘My Black is Beautiful,’ leveraging her expertise as a makeup artist to promote and redefine societal standards of black beauty. Additionally, she co-manages the Heart Strong Ministry in Georgia with her husband, Pastor Andrew L. Friar II, focusing on guiding individuals through faith-driven decisions.
Q: What personal challenges has Hanne Norgaard faced?
A: Hanne has openly shared her personal struggles with mental health, including experiences with depression, bipolar disorder, and chronic anxiety, as highlighted by her daughter Isan Elba during the Golden Globe Ambassador Luncheon in 2019.
Conclusion
Hanne Norgaard’s life journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a wealth of talent across multiple domains. From her culturally rich upbringing spanning South Korea, England, and the USA to her impactful career in makeup artistry and entrepreneurship, Hanne has consistently shattered boundaries and served as an inspiration to many. Her commitment to excellence is evident in the success of Kim Elba Cosmetics, where she champions empowerment through beauty products of the highest quality.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hanne’s role as a dedicated mother to Isan Elba and her active involvement in philanthropy underscore her compassionate nature and unwavering strength. Despite navigating personal challenges, Hanne Norgaard continues to embrace life with grace, leaving an indelible mark as a beacon of inspiration in the beauty industry and beyond.
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