Every year since 1963, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has selected a Golden Globe Ambassador (a role previously titled Miss or Mr. Golden Globe), traditionally calling upon the daughters or sons of the film industry's most respected actors, directors, and producers to assist in the annual awards ceremony. This year, the Golden Globe Ambassador is Isan Elba, daughter of actor Idris Elba. The 16-year-old film biz scion joins the ranks of many second and third generation stars including Melanie Griffith and her daughter Dakota Johnson, who made their debuts as Miss Golden Globe.
Here's what else you need to know about her before the 2019 Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 6.
She's Idris Elba's only daughter.
Isan is Idris's only child from his marriage to his ex-wife Hanne "Kim" Norgaard, but she has a younger brother named Winston, who was born in 2014, from her dad's relationship with former girlfriend Naiyana Garth.
Elba is no red carpet rookie.
The teen made her first red carpet appearance in 2007 with her father at the premiere of Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls. Since then, she's attended a number of red carpets with her dad, including the 2015 Academy Awards.
She wants to work in film—but not as an actor.
Elba grew up dreaming of becoming an actress, but according to Glamour, when her father directed the film Yardie, she began to think a life behind-the-scenes was more her speed. "I really got to see all of the behind-the-scenes, like what the sound department does, the lighting department, the best boy... And then getting to hang out with the producers, that was really cool. So I'm definitely thinking about being a filmmaker," she said.
Elba is a passionate mental health advocate.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, she shared that she wants to help people struggling with mental health challenges, particularly in the African American community. She candidly explained her relationship with her own mental health saying, "I want to make the conversation more comfortable. I always encourage my friends to see a therapist. I see a therapist myself, and I don't feel uncomfortable about it; I don't feel like I'm crazy."
She's celebrating her birthday Golden Globe weekend.
Elba's 17th birthday is on January 4, so the high school junior will be using the awards show weekend as the ultimate Hollywood party.
She prefers her dad's iconic TV cameo to his movies.
Elba told THR that while she hasn't seen many of his movies (particularly the older ones) she does love his cameo on The Office. "Even though it's not a movie, his episodes in The Office I could watch any day," she said.
She has the sweetest nickname, courtesy of her dad.
When Isan turned 16 in 2018, her dad put up a tribute post on Instagram for his only daughter with a caption explaining the origin of her name. "I'm very lucky to have her in my life. Her entire life represents a change for the better. The long-awaited gift bearer," he wrote. And while her name has special meaning, it's been reported by Yahoo Entertainment that dear old dad calls Isan "Issy."
As the deputy digital lifestyle director at Town & Country, Roxanne Adamiyatt covers fashion, beauty, wellness, design and travel.
