By Charlotte Dean For Mailonline
Published: 01:58 GMT, 24 March 2019 | Updated: 01:58 GMT, 24 March 2019
View
comments
Idris Elba has heartbreakingly revealed that watching his father Winston die of lung cancer was a strong reminder that we only get one life to live.
The 46-year-old actor told the Hollywood Reporter that he was devastated that plans he made with his late father never came to fruition and that he didn't get to show him 'the fruits of his labour'.
The Luther star said that this encouraged him to get the words 'one life' tattooed on his arm, so that he doesn't forget to grab every opportunity thrown at him.
Family: Idris Elba has heartbreakingly revealed that watching his father Winston (pictured) die of lung cancer was a strong reminder that we only get one life to live (pictured in 2011)
Discussing the meaning behind is tattoo: 'That's it. That's all we'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 about things he could have if I made it, then he got sick.'
'It was heartbreaking, but it also grounded the f**k out of me.'
Idris' father was also his inspiration for playing Nelson Mandela in the film of his life, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.
The actor also said that he does not like to just be labelled as
