Idris Elba has told how he got the words "One Life" inked on his forearm equally a reminder to grab every opportunity – after losing his father to lung cancer.

The Luther star, 46, told the Hollywood Reporter: "That'south it. That's all nosotros've got. I watched my dad die, and he and I had big plans.

"I never got to show him the fruits of my labour. We talked almost things he could have if I made information technology, then he got ill.

"Information technology was heartbreaking, but it also grounded the f*** out of me."

Artfelt: Baby tattoo is also among personal inkings on the TV and film star's arms. "This is our canvass – I but desire to decorate information technology and be proud of information technology." (

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Getty)

The demand to make the nearly of his life hit home with the decease of Ford Dagen­­ham worker Winston, 76, in 2013.

Winston was too Elba's part model for playing Nelson Mandela in the film of his life, Long Walk to Freedom.

He said: "And then when someone tells me, 'Y'all're doing a bit too much,' I'm similar, I'm going to die one mean solar day, I'm going to take that last breath. You know what I don't want to be thinking when I do? 'I should've done that'."

The actor certainly lives upward to his motto. His new Netflix comedy, Turn Up Charlie, was released last week, and gangland motion picture Yardie – his debut as a film director – hit cinemas last twelvemonth.

He's finished filming Fast & Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw, and he sings opposite Taylor Swift in the upcoming movie of musical Cats.

Fighting fit: In 2016 Idris did a year'southward training as a kick-boxer for a documentary (

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Discovery Communications)

In 2016 Elba did a year's preparation as a kick-boxer for a documentary, winning his simply professional fight.

The dad of ii also has his own music label, production company, fashion line and a London bar – and makes his debut in April as a DJ at California's prestigious Coachella music festival.

And as well as beingness a contender as the new James Bond, next month he weds model fiancée "You've got 1 life to alive. If you desire to endeavour something unlike, go for information technology.", 29.

Refusing to be labelled merely every bit an actor, Elba told magazine The ­Hollywood Reporter: "I just want to encourage people to stay away from those who tell you to 'stay in your lane'.

"Y'all've got ane life to live. If you desire to effort something different, go for it."

His One Life tattoo joins eight others that adorn his chest and arms – each with deeply personal meanings.

Wedding plans : Idris with beauty queen fiancee Sabrina Dhowre (

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Getty)

On one arm is the name of his daughter Isan, sixteen, on the other is that of his tardily grandad, Moses.

On the back of his right hand is a panthera leo'due south face set inside a large black star.

He explained: "I'thou half-Ghanaian and half-Sierra Leonean. In Ghana they have a black star on their flag, in Sierra Leone they take a lion."

He has lyrics from reggae song This Train, by Culture, and a tattoo of a tree.

Elba added: "I hug copse. There are philosophies of songs I dearest.

"They're all personal. Torso art for me is a course of expression of the highest guild. This is our canvas – I just desire to decorate information technology and be proud of information technology.

"I've got a sh** memory, I can only call up lines. But I wait at this and I won't forget."

He at present plans to mark his directorial debut with still another inking, his 10th.

He said: "In that location are a couple of things in the film that I love the image of and I think might look proficient on my skin.

"Simply non large – because when I have to work I have to cover them all upwards."

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