Derek Martin
Derek Martin | |
|---|---|
 Martin in 2016 | |
| Born | Derek William Rapp 11 April 1933 Bow, London, England |
| Died | 10 January 2026 (aged 92) Hertfordshire, England |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1962–2016 |
| Television | Law & Order King and Castle Eldorado EastEnders |
| Spouse(s) |
Christine Ann Rigg
(m. 1961, divorced)Gloria J. Mitchell
(m. 1971, divorced) |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | www |
Derek William Rapp (11 April 1933 – 10 January 2026), known profesionally as Derek Martin, was an English actor. With a career spanning more than five decades, he began as a stuntman before moving into acting, appearing in a range of British television roles including the crime dramas Law & Order (1978) and King and Castle (1985–1988), before taking on his most prominent role of Charlie Slater in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, which he portrayed from 2000 to 2011, with brief appearances in 2013 and 2016.
Early life
Martin was born Derek William Rapp on 11 April 1933 in Bow, London, to Christina (née Jarvis) and William "Bill" Rapp.[1][2] Before becoming an actor, he worked as a professional gambler, motor racer, meat‑market porter, and debt collector. He also undertook national service in the Royal Air Force.[3]
Career
Martin began his entertainment career as a stuntman on programmes including Doctor Who, but after breaking his collar bone filming the drama Elizabeth R (1971) he switched to acting. He appeared in the BBC television series Paul Temple and the ITV series The Governor. His film credits included Secrets of a Windmill Girl (1966), The Sex Thief (1973), Eskimo Nell (1975), Sex Express (aka Diversions) (1975), Adventures of a Plumber's Mate (1978), Ragtime (1981), Spaghetti House (1982), and Boston Kickout (1995).[4]
In 1978 Martin co-starred with Peter Dean in the BBC television series Law & Order, playing Detective Inspector Fred Pyall. From 1981 to 1982 he played Det. Insp. Berwick in two series of the BBC drama The Chinese Detective. In 1982 he became the second actor to take on the role of R. D. Wingfield's fictional Detective Inspector Jack Frost, starring in a BBC radio adaptation of A Touch of Frost. In 1984 he appeared in an episode of the fifth series of Minder. The following year he was cast as the lead in King and Castle alongside Nigel Planer, which ran for two series until 1988. Devised and co-written by The Sweeney creator Ian Kennedy Martin, the drama featured Martin as former policeman Ronald King, now running a debt‑collection agency in London's East End. He later appeared in Eldorado as gangster Alex Morris. His other television work included guest roles in numerous programmes, among them a return to Doctor Who to play policeman David Mitchell in Image of the Fendahl (1977), The Sweeney episode "Messenger of the Gods" as the villain Spooner, Upstairs, Downstairs, The Bill and Only Fools and Horses. He also played himself in an episode of Little Britain and starred in the short film Piggy Bank (2004).[5]
Martin began playing Charlie Slater in EastEnders in September 2000. In April 2010 it was announced that he had been cut from the show, along with five other actors.[6] In early 2011 he filmed a guest stint, with Charlie returning for two episodes around April 2011.[7] He returned for another two episodes at Christmas 2013. On 11 February 2015 it was reported that plans for Martin to return had been cancelled, but in October it was announced that he would make a brief appearance over the Christmas and New Year period. He made his final appearance in January 2016, in which his character died after suffering a fatal heart attack.[8]
In January 2012, Martin won the third series of Celebrity Coach Trip, alongside his EastEnders co-star John Altman. From 2010 to 2011 Martin served as King Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats, an entertainment-industry charity and fraternity.[9]
Personal life and death
Martin was married twice, first to Christine Rigg in 1961 and then to Gloria Mitchell in 1971; both marriages ended in divorce. He had twin sons in 1978, David (died January 2026) and Jonathan with his second wife.[10] In February 2010 it was reported that he was due to undergo knee surgery later that year, a condition he attributed to old age, playing football, and carrying meat during his earlier work at Smithfield Meat Market.[11] In his later years, Martin lived in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.[12]
Martin died on the evening of 10 January 2026, at the age of 92.[13] His death was announced on social media by a family friend.[14] His agent later confirmed the news with a statement from Martin's family, saying that "He wasn't just a dad to us, he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows" [...] adding, "He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time."[15]
EastEnders also paid tribute to Martin on their social media pages, saying they were "deeply saddened to hear of his passing", describing his portrayal of Charlie Slater as instantly cementing him in the hearts of the audience, as the head of one of EastEnders' most iconic families.[16] Michelle Ryan, who played Martin's on-screen daughter in the soap, also paid tribute, describing him as "such a friendly man, always ready with a story and practical advice".[17]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | The Evil of Frankenstein | Roustabout | |
| 1965 | Hysteria | Waiter | |
| 1966 | Secrets of a Windmill Girl | Barman | |
| 1966 | Two of a Kind | Casablanca Cast Member | |
| 1968 | Subterfuge | Shevik's Henchman | |
| 1968 | The Big Switch | 1st Heavy | |
| 1973 | The Sex Thief | Doorman | |
| 1974 | Keep It Up, Jack | Client with Swing | |
| 1975 | Eskimo Nell | Floor Manager | |
| 1975 | The Girl from Starship Venus | Man in Strip Club | |
| 1975 | The Motorway File | Don | Short film |
| 1976 | Diversions | Escort | |
| 1977 | Candleshoe | Policeman | |
| 1978 | Adventures of a Plumber's Mate | Motorcycle Dealer | |
| 1980 | Dark Water | Security Guard | Short film |
| 1980 | The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu | Museum Guard | |
| 1981 | Ragtime | Waldo's Aide No. 2 | |
| 1981 | Priest of Love | Police Sergeant | |
| 1982 | Spaghetti House | Commissioner Hutchinson | |
| 1983 | The Aerodrome | Provo Sgt. Peters | Television film |
| 1984 | The Hope and the Glory | Club Manager | Television film |
| 1992 | The Cutter | Benny | Short film |
| 1995 | Boston Kickout | Ray | |
| 1999 | Piggy Bank | Harry | Short film |
| 1999 | Prince of Denmark Hill | Bernard | Short film |
| 2003 | EastEnders: Slaters in Detention | Charlie Slater | Spin-off |
| 2004 | EastEnders: Pat and Mo | Charlie Slater | Television film |
| Sources:[5][4] | |||
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Maigret | Extra | Uncredited; 1 episode |
| 1963 | BBC Sunday-Night Play | Porter | 1 episode |
| 1963 | Moonstrike | N/a | 1 episode |
| 1964 | It's a Square World | Various Characters | 11 episodes |
| 1964 | Lance at Large | N/a | 1 episode |
| 1964 | Rupert of Hentzau | Hireling | 1 episode |
| 1965 | No Hiding Place | Scouse | 1 episode |
| 1965 | Londoners | Barry | 1 episode |
| 1965–1977 | Doctor Who | UNIT Soldier / Prisoner / David Mitchell / Thug / Soldier / Ship's Crew / Extra / Parisian in Rue des Fosses St. Germain / Soldier Killed by Auton | 15 episodes |
| 1965 | Out of the Unknown | Reporter / Guard | 2 episodes |
| 1966 | A Game of Murder | Taxi Driver | 1 episode |
| 1966 | Comedy Playhouse | N/a | 1 episode |
| 1966 | Thirteen Against Fate | Gendarme | 1 episode |
| 1966 | Blackmail | N.C.O. | 1 episode |
| 1966–1967 | Adam Adamant Lives! | Coach Driver / Villain / TA Soldier | 3 episodes |
| 1966–1969 | Softly Softly | Taxi Driver / Det. Con. Jones / Det. Con. Milne | 3 episodes |
| 1967 | Theatre 625 | N/a | 1 episode |
| 1967 | Mickey Dunne | Cruncher | 1 episode |
| 1967 | The Big M | Motorist | 1 episode |
| 1967–1969 | Z-Cars | Carter / Demolition Worker / PC Oldshaw | 3 episodes |
| 1969 | The Borderers | Andrew / Outlaw / Ritchie's Assistant | 4 episodes |
| 1969 | The First Churchills | Sergeant | 1 episode |
| 1970 | Jackanory | The Stranger / The man | 10 episodes |
| 1970–1971 | Paul Temple | Paddy | 6 episodes |
| 1971 | Elizabeth R | Horseman to Cecil | 1 episode |
| 1971 | Mogul | Driver | 1 episode |
| 1971–1974 | Softly, Softly: Task Force | Ted / Dick | 2 episodes |
| 1972 | The Regiment | Private Jones | 1 episode |
| 1972 | The Brothers | Van Driver | 1 episode |
| 1972 | New Scotland Yard | Bill | 1 episode |
| 1972 | Mandog | Gala One / Gala | 4 episodes |
| 1972–1973 | Spy Trap | Brown / Davis | 6 episodes |
| 1972–1975 | Dixon of Dock Green | Fingers Tozer / Len Drake | 2 episodes |
| 1973 | The Roses of Eyam | William Thornley | TV play |
| 1973 | Fish | Van driver | 1 episode |
| 1973 | Six Days of Justice | Warrant Officer | 1 episode |
| 1973–1974 | The Adventures of Black Beauty | Thug Two / Beadle | 2 episodes |
| 1974 | The Zoo Gang | Gallery Guard | Uncredited; 1 episode |
| 1975 | Upstairs, Downstairs | Heckler | 1 episode |
| 1975 | Doctor on the Go | Prison Officer Sykes | 1 episode |
| 1975 | You're on Your Own | Potter | 1 episode |
| 1976 | The Melting Pot | N/a | 3 episodes |
| 1976–1977 | The Duchess of Duke Street | Sergeant / Ben Smythe | 2 episodes |
| 1976–1980 | Play for Today | Jimmy / Security Guard | 2 episodes |
| 1977 | Just William | Man with lantern | 1 episode |
| 1977 | Maidens' Trip | Sam Stevens | 1 episode |
| 1977 | Survivors | Cyril | 1 episode |
| 1977 | Holding On | Sergeant | 1 episode |
| 1977–1978 | Target | Alan Ziegler / Taxi Driver | 2 episodes |
| 1978 | The Sweeney | Spooner | 1 episode |
| 1978 | Law & Order | D.I. Fred Pyall | Series regular; 3 episodes |
| 1978 | The Professionals | Renshaw | 1 episode |
| 1978 | BBC2 Play of the Week | Frank | 1 episode |
| 1978 | It Ain't Half Hot Mum | Military Policeman | 1 episode |
| 1979 | Potter | Boilerman | 1 episode |
| 1979 | Maggie and Her | Barman | 1 episode |
| 1979 | ITV Playhouse | Colley | 1 episode |
| 1979–1982 | BBC2 Playhouse | Reg / The Corp | 2 episodes |
| 1979–1983 | Angels | Mr. Smith / Alec Banks / Len Smith | 6 episodes |
| 1979–1983 | Terry and June | Mr. Parkins / Policeman | 2 episodes |
| 1979–1984 | Minder | Fenton's Heavy / Cedric | 2 episodes |
| 1980 | The Enigma Files | Brewer | 1 episode |
| 1980 | The Gentle Touch | Nellie Jackson | 1 episode |
| 1980 | Premiere | Drill sergeant | 1 episode |
| 1980 | Shoestring | Parry | 1 episode |
| 1980–1983 | Pig in the Middle | Roger Boocock | 3 episodes |
| 1981 | Agony | Police Inspector | 1 episode |
| 1981 | Private Schulz | Gruber | 1 episode |
| 1981 | World's End | Daley | 2 episodes |
| 1981–1982 | The Chinese Detective | Detective Chief Inspector Berwick | Series regular; 14 episodes |
| 1983 | Hart to Hart | Inspector Drootin | 1 episode |
| 1983 | Give us a Break | Thompson's Backer | 1 episode |
| 1984 | Big Deal | Phil Graves | 1 episode |
| 1984 | Murder Not Proven? | James Hanks Loching | 1 episode |
| 1985 | The Pickwick Papers | Hunt | 1 episode |
| 1985 | The Bright Side | Mr. Royal | 5 episodes |
| 1985 | Storyboard | Det. Sgt. Ronald King | 1 episode |
| 1985 | Dempsey and Makepeace | Scott | 1 episode |
| 1985–1988 | King and Castle | Ronald King | Series regular |
| 1990 | Screen One | D.I. Russell | 1 episode |
| 1991 | Fiddlers Three | Detective Sergeant Stubbs | 1 episode |
| 1992 | True Crimes | Detective | 1 episode |
| 1992–1997 | The Bill | Kenny Stone / Dave Richards / George Talbot | 3 episodes |
| 1993 | Eldorado | Alex Morris | Series regular; 40 episodes |
| 1993 | Only Fools and Horses | Arthur | 1 episode |
| 1995–1996 | The Governor | Gary Marshall | Series regular; 12 episodes |
| 1996 | Ellington | Dennis Pollock | 1 episode |
| 1997 | The Detectives | Groom's Father | 1 episode |
| 2000–2011, 2013, 2016 | EastEnders | Charlie Slater | Regular role |
| 2001 | Comic Relief: Say Pants to Poverty | TV special | |
| 2005 | Little Britain | Himself | 1 episode |
| 2012 | Celebrity Coach Trip | Himself | Winner; Series 3 |
| Sources:[5][4] | |||
References
- ^ "EastEnders' Charlie Slater actor: 'I would have stayed'". Digital Spy. 28 January 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ Hayward, Anthony (12 January 2026). "Derek Martin obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
- ^ Larry Jaffee (2011). Albert Square and Me: The Actors of EastEnders. East End Company. p. 206. ISBN 978-0615410159.
- ^ a b c "Derek Martin". watch.plex.tv. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ a b c "Derek Martin". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ "EastEnders to axe six popular characters". BBC News. 17 April 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2010.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (2 March 2011). "Soaps - News - Charlie Slater to make brief 'Enders return - Digital Spy". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
- ^ "EastEnders fans react to Charlie Slater's heart attack". Digital Spy. 7 January 2016.
- ^ "Past King Rats 1966-2018". Grand Order of Water Rats. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Derek Martin, Eastender's actor, talks about his son's depression". Time To Change. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ Rollo, Sarah (6 February 2010). "'Enders star's knee injury to be scripted". Digital Spy. Retrieved 16 May 2010.
- ^ "EastEnders star from Hatfield is alive and kicking despite dramatic exit". Welwyn Hatfield Times. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ Fatima, Zahra (11 January 2026). "EastEnders actor Derek Martin dies aged 92". BBC News. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ Knight, Lewis. "Derek Martin, best known for EastEnders' Charlie Slater role, dies aged 92 | Radio Times". Radio Times. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ "Beloved EastEnders star Derek Martin dies aged 92". Hello!. 11 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ "Family of EastEnders actor Derek Martin share tribute after his death aged 92". The Independent. 11 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ Beck, Jordan Lloyd (12 January 2026). "EastEnders Michelle Ryan's heartbreaking tribute to Derek Martin after his death". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
External links
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