Actor Derek Martin made his debut as the much-loved cab driver Charlie Slater in EastEnders in 2000 and went on to portray the devoted Walford dad for 15 years.
EastEnders icon Derek Martin has passed away at the age of 92.
The much-loved actor portrayed taxi driver Charlie Slater on the BBC soap for 15 years. He first appeared in Walford in 2000 and continued to make occasional appearances until 2016.
Derek is reported to have died in hospital on Saturday night (January 10), with the sad news shared by a family friend on Facebook. The post, published on Saturday evening, read: “It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Derek Martin, also known as Derek Rapp.”
“Derek has sadly passed away in hospital this evening at the age of 92, around 7pm. My mum and his son David were by his side throughout.
“Derek was a truly remarkable man, immensely talented within the film and television industry and in many other areas. He was a devoted father to two sons and a wonderful family friend. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Derek.”
Tributes have poured in from fans and friends following the actor’s death. Ian Richards, a former member of the Grand Order of Water Rats charity, of which Derek was a proud member, shared his sadness, writing: “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of PKR Derek Martin, the ‘king of the eggs’ — those who know, know.
“He was a genuinely kind and hilarious man whose company always had me laughing. His extensive charity work was largely unpublicised but never unappreciated by those who knew him well. Rest in peace, Derek. The world feels poorer without you.”
Fellow Water Rats member Ian Henry also paid tribute, saying: “It was always a pleasure to spend time with him. He had endless stories and a wonderful sense of humour. He achieved so much throughout his long and distinguished career, especially his iconic role as Charlie Slater in EastEnders, which he played for many years. He will be greatly missed.”
Steve Hewlett, another member of the organisation, added: “Derek Martin will be sadly missed. He made every Water Rats visit magical and full of laughter. Rest in peace, sir.”
Before finding success as an actor, Derek worked in a wide range of jobs, including factory work, road digging, motor racing, debt collection and professional gambling. He also worked at Smithfield Meat Market and completed National Service with the Royal Air Force.
Reflecting on his journey into acting on his website, Derek once said he had been a lifelong film lover. Growing up in London’s East End, he was surrounded by cinemas and regularly attended screenings, sometimes three times a week as a young man.
In search of an agent, he visited a Soho café known to be popular with actors, asked around for contacts, and phoned an agent to secure a meeting. Admitting he had “bluffed” about having repertory theatre experience in the North, he soon landed a small walk-on role in Z Cars. The job lasted three days, paid three guineas a day, and marked the beginning of his career. From there, he progressed into stunt work before establishing himself as a respected character actor.
He later explained that his breakthrough role came in 1977 when he played Detective Inspector Fred Pyle in Law and Order, a controversial series that exposed police corruption. Other career highlights included portraying Ronald King in King and Castle, a role written specifically for him, and playing Gary Marshall in The Governor, written by Linda La Plante.
However, Derek acknowledged that he was best known for his long-running role as Charlie Slater in EastEnders, a character he portrayed for many years and who earned him a lasting place in British television history.
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