Idris Elba Says Tom Hanks 'Motivated' Him To Go Public With Coronavirus Diagnosis

Idris Elba  has credited Tom Hanks for inspiring him to speak publicly about his coronavirus  diagnosis. 

The Luther actor gave fans an update on how he’s feeling after he announced  earlier this week that he had tested positive for the virus. 

“I’m really proud of Tom Hanks, who is also someone in the public eye, who came out and said they have it and been public about it,” Idris said in a live-stream Q&A on Twitter.

“I was definitely motivated by Tom’s move there.”

When asked by a Twitter user whether he was worried about it, Idris responded, “Yes, of course I’m worried.”

“I’m worried about having the virus, I’m worried about having asthma and how that could make things really complicated for me very quickly,” he said. “I’m really worried about what’s going on in the world, if I’m honest, I’m really worried about how we’re dealing with it.”

He later noted the importance of “transparency,” saying he’s “worried people aren’t talking to each other about it.”

“I’m worried that people are going to stigmatise other people, I’m worried that we’re going to panic and send the whole world into a spin,” he added.

Elsewhere in his live-stream, Idris noted that he’s been working on making music during his self-quarantine.

The actor, who is also a DJ and music producer, said he’s been learning to play the guitar and is writing songs.