The British television world is in mourning following the death of Derek Martin, the beloved actor who portrayed iconic EastEnders cabbie Charlie Slater. He passed away at the age of 92 on Saturday night, with his family by his side in hospital.
From Stuntman to Soap Patriarch
Born Derek William Rapp, the actor began his career as a stuntman on programmes like Doctor Who. A broken collarbone sustained while filming Elizabeth R prompted a shift into acting, leading to roles in series such as The Bill, Only Fools and Horses, and Little Britain. However, it was in September 2000 that he secured the role that would make him a household name: the Slater family's dependable patriarch, Charlie.
Martin had previously auditioned for the parts of Den Watts and Frank Butcher in the 1980s, making the shortlist for both. When offered the part of Charlie, he was given an initial three-year contract, a role he described as being like putting on an "old coat." He remained a central figure in Walford until 2011, with occasional returns in 2013 and 2016.
A Personal Storyline That Hit Home
In a poignant revelation, Derek Martin once explained how his portrayal of the protective Charlie was deeply influenced by his own family life. In 2016, EastEnders aired a storyline where Charlie's great-niece, Stacey Branning, suffered from depression and postpartum psychosis.
This plot resonated profoundly with Martin, as his own son, David, was battling severe depression at the time. "At work I had the Stacey storyline. Then, I got home and there was my son, who I'd been worried about during the day, suffering from severe depression," he said. This parallel gave an authentic depth to his on-screen performance as the concerned family man.
A Fond Farewell and Lasting Legacy
Charlie Slater was ultimately written out of the soap in 2016 after suffering a heart attack. Martin viewed this as a positive closure, stating the executive producer had promised him a "good send-off" and that, after 11 years, "for an actor it is wonderful."
His heartbroken family paid tribute, describing him as a "truly amazing person who was very talented in the filming industry and many other things." In 2023, he celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by his two lookalike sons, David and Jonathan.
Derek Martin's legacy is that of a versatile performer whose real-life experiences as a devoted father enriched one of British television's most enduring soap opera characters, leaving an indelible mark on the history of EastEnders.
