Over the years, the talented English actor, Derek Martin has recorded a successful career in the entertainment industry leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. He is best known for his role as Charlie Slater in the popular BBC soap opera “EastEnders” which has been airing since 1985. However, as time has passed, fans may wonder if he is still actively pursuing acting roles.
While it’s true that Martin’s on-screen presence has waned in recent years, there are several interesting facts about his life and career that shed light on his current status and his contributions to the world of acting. From his early beginnings and diverse roles to his notable appearances and personal endeavors, here’s all to know.
Derek Martin Retired from Acting in 2016
Martin’s career in the entertainment industry came to an end in 2016 when he retired. He made his last appearance portraying Charlie Staler on the long-running BBC soap opera “EastEnders”.
The English actor joined the cast in September 2000 and portrayed the character for over a decade before he retired. During his time on EastEnders, Martin captured the hearts of viewers with his portrayal of the lovable and sometimes troubled patriarch of the Slater family. His performance on EastEnders would later earn him widespread recognition and made him a household name in the UK.
However, in April 2010, it was announced that Martin, along with five other actors, had been cut from the show. This decision left fans disappointed, as they had grown attached to his character and his presence on the show.
Nonetheless, Martin still made a few guest appearances in subsequent years. In early 2011, he filmed a guest stint with “EastEnders”, with Charlie Slater returning for two episodes around April 2011. He also made brief returns for two episodes during the Christmas period in 2013. However, his appearances on the show became less frequent as time went on.
On January 7, 2016, Martin’s character, Charlie Slater, was written off the show in a two-part episode in which he suffered a cardiac arrest. This marked the end of Martin’s involvement with EastEnders, and since then, he has not made any further appearances on the show. However, in 2020, he noted that the show had lost its humor in trying to appeal younger viewers and even asked that stop turning it into Hollyoaks.
In terms of his film career, Martin’s last known acting role was in the short film “Piggy Bank”, released in 2004.
Here are 7 Interesting Facts to Know about the English Actor
1. He Was Born Just Before the Second World War
Derek Martin ,91, a renowned English actor, was born on April 11, 1933, in the neighborhood of Bow in East London. His birth came just before the outbreak of the Second World War, and he experienced firsthand the challenges and hardships that came with living in a war-torn city.
The war had a profound impact on his family, as they endured the devastating Blitz bombings that targeted London during that period. In order to ensure their safety, Derek and his mother were temporarily evacuated to Herefordshire, away from the dangers of the city. Unfortunately, their family home in Bow was not spared from the destruction, as it was bombed during the war.
2. Derek Martin Juggled Several Jobs Before Settling For Acting
Before finding success as an actor, Derek Martin had a diverse range of jobs. He started working as an estate agent after leaving school at the age of 15. Following this, he worked as a professional gambler, a motor racer, and even as a debt collector. Additionally, he served in the Royal Air Force during his national service.
While details on his upbringing have not been established, we can assert that these early experiences provided him with a unique perspective and a broad set of skills that he would later contribute to his acting career.
3. He Gave Up Being a Stunt Man after a Collar Bone Injury
Martin initially started his entertainment career as a stuntman, working on popular television programs like the British science fiction “Doctor Who”. However, a collar bone injury sustained while filming the drama Elizabeth R in 1971 forced him to shift his focus to acting. This career transition remains one of the important moments in his life, as it opened up new opportunities.
Since then, he has appeared in various television series and films throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor. Some of these include Secrets of a Windmill Girl” (1966), “The Sex Thief” (1973), “Eskimo Nell” (1975), “Spaghetti House” (1982), and “Boston Knockout” (1995).
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4. Derek Martin Has Been Married Twice
The retired English actor, Derek Martin has been married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Gloria J. Mitchell. The couple tied the knot sometime in 1961 but later divorced. What led to their split isn’t known and we are yet to confirm how long they were married.
Following his divorce from Gloria, Martin found love again and entered into his second marriage. In 1971, he tied the knot with Christine Ann Rigg, and they shared a significant period of their lives together before eventually parting ways. Despite their divorce, Derek mentioned that they later developed a strong friendship, which tragically came to an end with Christine’s passing.
5. Martin’s Children Were Adopted at 4 Weeks
Martin and his second wife, Christine, are parents of two sons, David Martin and Jonathan Martin. The couple chose to raise their children away from the public eye, keeping their personal lives private. However, the actor once revealed that his sons were both adopted when they were 4 weeks old.
Although much remains unknown about them, it is evident that the two sons share a striking resemblance and could easily be mistaken for twins. Derek has also shared that his son David has been facing a challenging battle with severe depression since the age of 4. However, he reassures that he is receiving proper medication and his condition has been effectively managed.
He even mentioned that his son’s struggle with mental illness served as inspiration for his return to the depression storyline on EastEnders.
6. Derek Martin Enjoys the Game of Football
Away from the spotlight, Martin is known for his down-to-earth nature and his love for football. He has been a lifelong supporter of the West Ham United Football Club and has often been seen attending matches and cheering on his favorite team.
7. He is Estimated at $2 Million
Derek’s net worth has not been established at the moment. However, LoveOhLust estimates him between $2 to $5 million.
His financial success can be attributed to his successful acting career, particularly his portrayal of Charlie Slater in the award-winning television soap opera, “EastEnders” which recorded global success. In addition to his television and film appearances, Derek has ventured into endorsements and brand collaborations, further bolstering his earnings.
