Idris Elba reflects on experiencing death 'right above' him

Idris Elba recently lifted the lid on how his father Winston Elba’s death completely changed his view on life.

GQ published an interview on Monday, June 8, where the 53-year-old English actor, DJ, and rapper reminisced about the worst impact of his father’s death, who succumbed to lung cancer in September 2013.

Idris shared with the outlet, “He was my guy, you know what I mean? Only child, you have a slightly different relationship with your parents.”

Following the diagnosis of his father’s cancer, the Beast star, who had finished filming two seasons of Luther, gave his seal of approval to “a stupid film with Sean Penn” called The Gunman, trying to “save” his dad by accumulating some funds for his ongoing treatment.

However, things took a dark turn for him when he was informed that Winston did not have enough time to live.

Recounting his dad’s last moments, Idris quipped, “When he was dying, he was partly in a coma before he went. The last breath, the last breath, he opened his eyes. I was standing right above him, like this, holding his hand.”

“He looked directly at me. Medically, he probably wasn't looking at me. But it felt like he was. I was like, ‘That's what happens when you die?' It was mind-blowing.”

“I don't like talking about it, because I get emotional about it, but it is the thing that absolutely changed my life – that's where it comes from. I had energy before, but to see life gone... Hoo!” Idris Elba stated.