- Born
- Died
- Birth nameDerek William Rapp
- Height5′ 10″ (1.78 m)
- Derek Martin was in demand as one of the most authentic working class voices in British acting for decades, despite never taking the traditional route of training formally as an actor and performing on stage.
Martin did National Service in the Royal Air Force and was employed in a host of jobs, including digging roads, working in factories, motor racing, professional gambling and working at Smithfield Meat Market. He got into television as an extra on Z Cars (1962) in 1962 and went on to become a stuntman, performing in many Doctor Who (1963) serials, especially during the action-packed Jon Pertwee era of the early 1970s.
After breaking his collar bone during a horse-riding stunt in Elizabeth R (1971), Martin decided to retire from stunts and pursue his dream of becoming an actor. He returned to Doctor Who (1963), this time as an actor, in a small part in Image of the Fendahl: Part One (1977), starring Tom Baker as the Doctor, but his breakthrough was as a corrupt policeman in the controversial Law & Order (1978). His greatest fame with the British public came with his long-running role as Charlie Slater in EastEnders (1985).
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous
- SpousesChristine Ann Rigg(1971 - ?) (divorced, 2 children)Gloria J. Mitchell(1961 - ?) (divorced)
- Is an avid supporter of Chelsea Football Club.
- Member of the Grand Order of Water Rats.
- He was considered for the roles of Den Watts and Frank Butcher in EastEnders (1985). Leslie Grantham was ultimately preferred for Den and Mike Reid was cast as Frank when Martin was unavailable for it anyway, having signed up to do King & Castle (1986).
- Began his career in show business as a stunt man, but after breaking his collar bone during a horse-riding stunt in Elizabeth R (1971) he quit and decided to become an actor.
- His hobbies include bowling, cricket and golf.
- [on Tom Baker's reputation for being difficult in Doctor Who (1963)] I know of the rumour and I know of the talk about that, but I think if he was awkward with me I would have chinned him.
- Regardless of whether you've got gold medals from RADA or any other things, I know blokes who've had that and they've been out of work for 18 months, and there's me come along off the street and got a job.
- [on EastEnders (1985)] It's like working in a factory. We turn out a two hour movie every ten days.
- I've nothing against youngsters. They're the future, but it's like the BBC is trying to turn EastEnders (1985) into Hollyoaks (1995) with so many youngsters, and everyone's having affairs and beating people up.
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