Hanne Norgaard is a talented makeup artist and businesswoman who has built a successful career in the beauty industry. While many people first heard about her as Idris Elba’s first wife, her story goes far beyond that connection. She has worked hard for over 30 years to create her own path, help others feel beautiful, and support important causes like mental health and diversity in beauty.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Hanne Kim Norgaard |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1977 |
| Age | 48 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Ethnicity | African-American and South Korean (Blasian) |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Profession | Professional Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur |
| Education | International Artist Makeup Academy (London), SC Institute (Washington DC) |
| Known For | Makeup artistry, Kim Elba Cosmetics, Ex-wife of Idris Elba |
| Children | Isan Elba (daughter, born 2002) |
| Current Spouse | Pastor Andrew L. Friar II (married 2013) |
| Previous Spouse | Idris Elba (married 1999-2003) |
| Net Worth | Around $900,000 |
Early Life and Background
Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, and comes from a mixed background that includes an African-American father and a South Korean mother. Her mother’s name is Kyue Nam Kim, who came from South Korea. Growing up with two different cultures helped shape how she sees beauty and the world around her.
Hanne spent her early years moving between South Korea, England, and the United States. This experience of living in different countries gave her a special understanding of different people and cultures. From a young age, she loved art, fashion, and beauty, which later became her life’s work.
Education and Training
Hanne knew she wanted to work with makeup, so she decided to get proper training. She studied at the International Artist Makeup Academy in London, where she learned the skills needed to become a professional. She also attended the SC Institute in Washington, DC, where she focused on hair, nails, special effects, and makeup. Her hard work paid off, and she graduated with high honors.
Just one week after finishing her studies in 1992, Hanne got her first big job with BBC. This quick success showed her talent and helped her start building a strong career in the beauty world.
Career as a Makeup Artist
Hanne’s career in makeup has been impressive and long-lasting. She worked as a principal makeup artist for Columbia Tristar and gained experience with top fashion magazines and brands. Her skills took her to work on television shows, movies, fashion events, and photo shoots.
She has worked with major companies including BBC, Columbia Tristar, and fashion brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. Her client list includes famous people like Robin Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, Hugh Laurie, and Geena Davis.
In 2009, she became part of the ‘My Black is Beautiful’ event, which celebrates black beauty and works to change how society views different skin colors. This shows her commitment to making everyone feel valued and beautiful.
Building Her Own Business
Hanne didn’t just work for others she also created her own businesses. She founded Make Up Your Mind Inc., offering makeup services, personal styling, and themed events. This company allowed her to help people feel confident and express their personal style.
In 2016, she launched Kim Elba Cosmetics, a brand focused on multicultural beauty. Her commitment to cruelty-free and paraben-free products showed her care for ethical choices in the beauty industry. She wanted to create makeup that worked for people of all skin colors, not just a few.
Marriage to Idris Elba
Hanne Norgaard and Idris Elba first met in London, where both were building their careers—Hanne in makeup artistry and Idris in acting. Their connection grew quickly, leading to marriage in 1999. At that time, Idris was starting to become known as an actor, and they moved to New York City together to chase their dreams.
In 2002, they welcomed their daughter Isan Elba. However, life was not easy. Idris worked small jobs like being a bouncer and a laborer while trying to become a successful actor, which brought financial pressure. Their marriage ended in 2003, but they have remained respectful toward each other.
Despite their separation, they remained friends and were even seen together celebrating their daughter’s birthday. Hanne and Idris Elba have continued to co-parent successfully and maintain respect for each other. This mature approach shows their commitment to their daughter’s happiness.
Life as a Mother
Isan Elba has stepped into the public eye through her own work as a mental health advocate. In 2019, Isan was chosen as the Golden Globe Ambassador, a role that helped her raise awareness about mental health. Hanne has been a strong support for her daughter throughout her life.
Hanne maintained a respectful and caring relationship focused on co-parenting their daughter and supporting each other’s paths. Isan has publicly credited her mother for being a cornerstone of strength during her mental health advocacy efforts. The close bond between mother and daughter is clear and inspiring.
Finding Love Again
After staying single for ten years, Hanne found love again. In 2013, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in a beautiful celebration that ended with a yacht cruise. Together, they live in Georgia and are deeply involved in their church community.
As the First Lady of the church, Hanne actively supports their shared mission through the Heart Strong Ministry, which focuses on helping people grow spiritually and find guidance in their lives. This new chapter shows her values and commitment to helping others in different ways.
Mental Health Advocacy
Hanne has been open about her own mental health struggles. She has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety and bipolar depression to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Her honesty helps others feel less alone when facing similar challenges.
Isan and Hanne sat down and spoke about mental health, which Isan believed to be healing for her mother, talking about her daily mental struggles with someone she loved and receiving an outlet. This openness has encouraged many people to seek help and talk about their own experiences.
Championing Diversity in Beauty
One of Hanne’s greatest contributions is her work for diversity in the beauty industry. She has worked to ensure that beauty products cater to people of all skin tones, challenging the industry standards. Her mission goes beyond makeup; she promotes confidence, inclusion, and representation for communities often overlooked by mainstream brands.
Her multicultural background gave her a unique view of what beauty means. She understood that beauty products should work for everyone, not just people with certain skin colors. This belief drove her to create products and services that truly celebrated all kinds of beauty.
Financial Success
Hanne’s net worth is estimated to be around $900,000, earned through years of professional makeup artistry, running successful businesses, and building a personal brand. This success shows her hard work, creativity, and business skills. She built this wealth on her own terms, staying true to her values.
Conclusion
Hanne Norgaard is much more than Idris Elba’s ex-wife. She is a talented makeup artist, successful businesswoman, caring mother, and brave mental health advocate. Her story is about following your passion, working hard, and staying true to your values.
From her multicultural upbringing to her successful career in beauty, Hanne has shown that beauty comes in all forms. She has helped change the beauty industry by making it more inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Her openness about mental health has helped break down walls and encourage others to seek support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard is a professional makeup artist and businesswoman with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. She is also known as the first wife of actor Idris Elba and the mother of their daughter, Isan Elba.
2. What businesses does Hanne Norgaard own?
She owns Make Up Your Mind Inc., a company offering makeup services and styling, and Kim Elba Cosmetics, a beauty brand focused on inclusive products for all skin tones.
3. How many children does Hanne Norgaard have?
She has one daughter, Isan Elba, who was born in 2002 with her ex-husband Idris Elba.
4. Is Hanne Norgaard married now?
Yes, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013, and they live together in Georgia.
See more amazing Information visit Fact News
