EastEnders Icon Derek Martin Dies at 92, Leaving a Lasting TV Legacy
Tonight, we’re remembering a familiar face from British television and a man whose work touched millions of living rooms around the world. Derek Martin, the actor best known for playing Charlie Slater on EastEnders, has died at the age of 92.
For many viewers, Derek Martin wasn’t just an actor. He was the heart of one of the show’s most memorable families. He first arrived in Albert Square in the year 2000, stepping into the role of Charlie Slater, a widowed father trying to hold his family together. From the moment he appeared on screen, he brought warmth, grit and authenticity, the kind that feels lived in, not acted.
Charlie Slater was a man who made mistakes but always put family first. And that’s why the character resonated so deeply. Derek Martin stayed a regular presence on EastEnders for more than a decade, involved in some of the show’s biggest and most emotional storylines. Even after leaving as a regular cast member, he returned for guest appearances until the character’s death in 2016.
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What makes Derek Martin’s story even more remarkable is where he came from. Born in Bow, in London’s East End, he spent years working ordinary jobs, including time as a butcher at Smithfield Market. He had no formal acting training. Yet through persistence and raw talent, he built a career that stretched back to the 1960s. Along the way, he appeared in major British TV series like Doctor Who, Z-Cars, The Sweeney and Law & Order.
His family says he was more than a performer. He was a devoted father and a steady presence who supported them through life’s highs and lows. His agent described him as a generous man, deeply involved in charity work, passionate about golf and proud of his working-class roots. Above all, he was someone who never stopped learning and never stopped connecting with people.
The EastEnders team has also paid tribute, saying Derek Martin was deeply loved and that his portrayal of Charlie Slater secured him a permanent place in the hearts of viewers. They noted how closely the actor mirrored his character, loyal, protective and kind to those around him.
Derek Martin’s passing marks the end of an era, but his work lives on. Through reruns, memories and the legacy of a character that felt real to so many, his presence remains.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the countless fans who grew up watching him. That’s the story for now and we’ll continue to remember the life and legacy of Derek Martin.
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