“EastEnders legend Rudolph Walker has been compelled to shut down death rumours this week, after the 86-year-old actor took to social media to reassure fans that false reports circulating online were untrue.”
An EastEnders legend has been forced to clarify the situation after false claims spread on social media suggesting he had died.
Rudolph Walker is widely loved for his role as Patrick Trueman on the BBC One soap. The actor, who was awarded a CBE for services to drama and charity in the 2020 New Year Honours, has been part of EastEnders since 2001.
This week, rumours that Rudolph had passed away gathered pace, leading the 86-year-old TV favourite to speak directly to fans on X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the reports were entirely untrue.
He wrote: “I’ve become aware that fake news is circulating about my death. Please be assured that I am alive and well, and I’ll be back on the EastEnders set first thing tomorrow. Thank you for sharing the real news!” the Manchester Evening News reports.
Last year, Rudolph opened up about having “absolutely nothing” at the height of his fame.
He revealed that during his 70s he had no financial security and was left with nowhere to live, describing that time as one of “great pain and loneliness.”
Speaking to the Mirror, he said: “Some days on my way to the studio, I’d pull over, have a cry, then pull myself together. Once I arrived, the atmosphere would lift me and I’d be ready to work. I suppose I was living a bit of a double life.”
Talking about Diane Parish, who plays Denise Fox on the soap, Rudolph added: “Diane could tell something wasn’t right, but I never shared how serious things really were.”
Alongside his role as Patrick Trueman in EastEnders, Rudolph is also well known for playing Bill Reynolds in Love Thy Neighbour and Constable Frank Gladstone in The Thin Blue Line. His film credits include 10 Rillington Place, Bhaji on the Beach and Ali G Indahouse.
He also runs The Rudolph Walker Foundation, a charity set up to support disadvantaged young people in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.
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