What do Robin Williams, Hugh Laurie, and Idris Elba have in common? They’ve all had their faces transformed by the same visionary makeup artist—Hanne Norgaard, a woman who turned personal struggles and a year in a Korean orphanage into a platform for revolutionizing beauty standards across the globe.
Hanne Norgaard is more than just the former wife of actor Idris Elba. She’s a celebrated makeup artist, beauty entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who has spent over three decades championing diversity in an industry that once overlooked it. Her journey from a Korean orphanage to working with Hollywood’s elite is a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to making beauty accessible to all.
Who Is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Kim Norgaard, professionally known as Kim Elba, was born on April 5, 1977. Now 48 years old, she identifies as “Blasian”—a term celebrating her Afro-Asian heritage. Her father is African-American, and her mother, Kyue Nam Kim, is South Korean.
This multicultural background shaped her worldview from an early age. Growing up between South Korea, England, and the United States gave her a unique perspective on beauty standards across different cultures. Today, she resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she balances her roles as a makeup artist, business owner, and first lady of Heart Strong Ministry alongside her husband, Pastor Andrew L. Friar II.
| Quick Bio | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hanne Kim Norgaard |
| Also Known As | Kim Elba |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1977 |
| Age | 48 years (as of 2025) |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Asian (Blasian) |
| Height | 5’2″ (157 cm) |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Profession | Makeup Artist, Beauty Entrepreneur |
| Languages | English, Danish |
| Current Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Net Worth | $900,000 (estimated) |
| Children | Isan Elba (daughter) |
| Current Spouse | Pastor Andrew L. Friar II (m. 2013) |
| Previous Spouse | Idris Elba (m. 1999-2003) |
Early Life and Multicultural Roots
Hanne’s childhood was marked by movement and cultural diversity. Her African-American father worked as a local store manager in London, while her South Korean mother was a homemaker. Moving between continents taught her to appreciate different definitions of beauty and identity.
As a child, Hanne faced the challenges of fitting into different cultural environments. Yet these experiences became her strength, fueling her passion for helping others feel beautiful regardless of their background. Her parents valued education highly and encouraged her creative interests, insisting she pursue formal training when she expressed interest in the fashion world.
From Korean Orphanage to Global Success
Before her adoption, Hanne spent a year in a Korean orphanage where she was known as Nam Hee Kim. This experience profoundly shaped her character and worldview. In 2021, she made a public appeal on Facebook to find her birth mother, Kyue Nam Kim, sharing childhood photos and her story.
Without complete personal information, locating her mother proved challenging. However, this search for identity reinforced her commitment to helping others feel seen and valued. Her early experiences of displacement and searching for belonging directly influenced her later work in championing inclusivity in the beauty industry.
Education and Professional Training
Hanne’s professional journey began with rigorous training at the International Artist Make Up Academy in London, where she graduated with honors in 1992. Her education combined traditional techniques with modern approaches, covering everything from theatrical makeup to high-fashion looks.
Years later, between 2004 and 2006, she attended the SC Institute in Washington, DC, earning another Diploma with Highest Honours in Makeup Artistry. This commitment to continuous learning set her apart in a competitive industry. She developed a signature style that viewed each face as a unique canvas rather than following cookie-cutter approaches.
Career Breakthrough: From BBC to Hollywood
Hanne’s career took off remarkably fast. Within the first week of her 1992 graduation, she landed a job with the BBC—an incredible achievement that most makeup artists only dream about. This early success opened doors and gave her confidence in her abilities.
In 1993, she secured another major position with Columbia TriStar in London as their key makeup artist. Working on high-profile film projects, she learned the demanding world of television and film makeup while building a reputation for reliability and exceptional skill.
Celebrity Clients and Major Projects
Throughout her career, Hanne has worked with an impressive roster of clients, including:
- Robin Williams
- Hugh Laurie
- Geena Davis
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Jenna Redgrave
- Idris Elba
She also collaborated with major fashion brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Sean Combs. What set her approach apart was her philosophy: “Every face is uniquely beautiful and makeup should be used to enhance that beauty.” She took time to understand each client’s features rather than imposing a standard look.
Marriage to Idris Elba: The Untold Story
Hanne met Idris Elba in London when she was working as a makeup artist and he was an upcoming actor. Their connection was immediate, and they married in 1999, moving to New York to pursue better opportunities.
Those early years tested their relationship. Idris struggled to land significant roles, working as a laborer and nightclub bouncer to make ends meet. Hanne supported the family financially while he pursued his acting dreams. “I knew what Idris wanted to achieve would take major sacrifices, so I held on for the ride,” she later reflected.
In 2002, they welcomed their daughter Isan Elba. However, the mounting financial pressure and demanding careers took their toll. The couple separated in 2003, just one year after Isan’s birth, ending four years of marriage.
Despite their divorce, Hanne and Idris remained friends and committed co-parents. They’ve been seen together celebrating Isan’s birthdays and milestones over the years. Notably, Hanne kept the Elba surname professionally, continuing to be known as Kim Elba in the beauty industry.
Building a Beauty Empire
After her divorce, Hanne’s career slowed as she adjusted to single motherhood. But in 2007, she launched Make Up Your Mind, marking a fresh chapter where she took control of her professional destiny.
Make Up Your Mind offers comprehensive beauty services, including makeup artistry, hair styling, and personal styling. One unique offering is “makeup parties,” where women can host gatherings to learn techniques and improve their looks for special occasions. This personal touch set her business apart from typical makeup services.
Hanne also launched Kim Elba Cosmetics, her own line of cruelty-free and paraben-free products. The cosmetics line reflects her values about ethical beauty and inclusivity, with products designed to work for diverse skin tones while meeting high-quality standards.
“My Black Is Beautiful” Movement
Since 2009, Hanne has been associated with the “My Black Is Beautiful” event as a makeup artist and advisor. This initiative celebrates Black beauty and works to change society’s narrow perceptions of what beautiful means.
Her involvement demonstrates her commitment to representation in the beauty industry. She uses her platform to advocate for better products and marketing that reflect the diversity of real people. Thanks to pioneers like Hanne, inclusivity has become a mainstream expectation in beauty campaigns.
Mental Health Advocacy: Breaking the Silence
One of Hanne’s most admirable qualities is her openness about mental health. She has publicly shared her battles with bipolar disorder, depression, and chronic anxiety—conditions that affect millions but remain stigmatized.
Her daughter, Isan, brought this into public focus during the 2019 Golden Globe Ambassador luncheon. Isan shared how her mother approached her to discuss these struggles, creating an honest dialogue about mental health. The event resulted in a $50,000 donation to the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in Isan’s name—an organization bringing change and awareness to the African American community about mental illness.
Finding Love Again: Life with Pastor Andrew L. Friar II
After spending a decade single and focused on her daughter and career, Hanne found love again in 2013. She married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in a beautiful beach ceremony at Treasure Island that ended with a romantic yacht cruise.
Hanne describes her husband as “a special gift from God,” praising his patience, understanding, and confidence. Together, they run Heart Strong Ministry in Georgia, helping people make decisions that bring them closer to God and strengthen their faith. She balances her role as first lady of the church with her beauty career, finding fulfillment in both spiritual and creative work.
Hanne Norgaard’s Legacy and Current Life
Today, Hanne Norgaard continues working in the beauty industry while dedicating time to ministry and family. With an estimated net worth of $900,000, she’s built a life that honors both her creative passions and spiritual values.
Her contributions to the beauty industry extend far beyond makeup techniques. She championed diversity and inclusion when these weren’t trendy topics, helping expand opportunities for makeup artists from diverse backgrounds. Her work has influenced current industry standards, making beauty more accessible and representative of our global population.
FAQs
1. Is Hanne Norgaard still married to Idris Elba?
No, Hanne and Idris divorced in 2003 after four years of marriage. She’s been married to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II since 2013. They remain friends and successfully co-parent their daughter.
2. What is Hanne Norgaard’s ethnicity?
Hanne is of Afro-Asian descent, which she describes as “Blasian.” Her father is African-American, and her mother is South Korean. She grew up in South Korea, England, and the United States.
3. What businesses does Hanne Norgaard own?
Hanne owns Make Up Your Mind (beauty services) and Kim Elba Cosmetics (cruelty-free makeup line). She also co-runs Heart Strong Ministry in Georgia with her husband, offering spiritual guidance and support.
4. How old is Hanne Norgaard?
Born on April 5, 1977, Hanne is currently 48 years old as of 2025. She began her professional career at age 15 when she graduated from the makeup academy in 1992.
5. What mental health issues has Hanne Norgaard spoken about?
Hanne has openly discussed her struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and chronic anxiety. Her advocacy helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek professional help and treatment.
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