Derek Martin, the veteran British actor best known for his role as Charlie Slater in the BBC soap EastEnders, has died at the age of 92. His death was confirmed on Thursday by his family, who said he passed away peacefully in hospital following a short illness.
Martin’s children paid tribute to him in a statement, describing him as not only a respected actor but also a caring and supportive father. “To the public he was a footballing and acting hero, but to us he was simply Dad – a kind, gentle man who always supported us,” they said. The family added that they were comforted by the thought that he had been reunited with his late son Daniel.
A Beloved EastEnders Character
Derek Martin became a household name through his long-running role as Charlie Slater, the warm-hearted taxi driver and head of the Slater family on EastEnders. He first appeared on the show in 2000 and remained part of the cast for 15 years.
Charlie Slater was known for his loyalty to his family, especially his daughters Kat, Lynne, Zoe and Little Mo, and his on-screen presence made him one of the soap’s most loved characters. Martin’s final appearance came in 2016, when Charlie died from a heart attack in a storyline that deeply affected viewers.
Following the announcement of his death, EastEnders released a statement saying the show was “deeply saddened” and praising Martin for bringing warmth, humour and humanity to one of its most iconic families.
Early Life and Career Journey
Born in Bow, east London, in April 1933, Derek Martin had a working-class upbringing. Before becoming an actor, he held a wide range of jobs, including working at Smithfield Meat Market, factory work, road digging and even professional gambling. He also completed National Service with the Royal Air Force.
Martin later pursued his lifelong passion for film and television. After finding an agent in Soho, he began his career as a stuntman, appearing in productions including Doctor Who. A serious injury during filming in the early 1970s led him to focus fully on acting.
Decades on British Television
Over more than five decades, Martin appeared in many well-known British TV series, including Z-Cars, Softly Softly, The Sweeney, Minder, Bergerac, The Bill and Little Britain. One of his early breakthrough roles was as Detective Inspector Fred Pyle in the BBC drama Law and Order in 1977.
While EastEnders brought him widespread recognition, Martin remained proud of his broader career, which reflected the changing face of British television over several generations.
Life Beyond Acting
Away from the screen, Derek Martin was passionate about football and golf and was a long-standing member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, a historic entertainment charity. He served as “King Rat” between 2010 and 2011 and was widely respected for his charity work and generosity.
Fellow members of the organisation have paid tribute to him, describing him as warm, humorous and deeply committed to helping others.
Family and Personal Life
Martin was married twice and is survived by his two sons, Jonathan and David. He also spoke openly in the past about his family’s experiences with mental health, drawing parallels between real life and storylines he worked on during his time on EastEnders.
He celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 surrounded by family and close friends.
A Lasting Legacy
Derek Martin’s career left a lasting mark on British television. His portrayal of Charlie Slater remains one of EastEnders’ most memorable roles, and his life story reflects a generation of actors who rose from ordinary beginnings to national recognition through dedication and hard work.
His family has asked for privacy as they mourn his loss.
