Derek Martin
Actor
Biography
Derek Martin was one of the most authentic working class voices in British film and television since the 1970s. Born Derek William Rapp in 1933, Martin was in the RAF for his National Service and took up a series of jobs including road worker, Smithfield Meat Market porter, and professional gambler, before entering showbusiness as an extra and stunt performer in a variety of programmes including Doctor Who. He retired from stunt work following an injury on Elizabeth I in 1971 and moved into acting. His most famous break out role was as the corrupt detective Fred Pyle in GF Newman's controversial 1978 drama Law & Order. In the following decade Martin had major roles in TV dramas such as The Chinese Detective and King & Castle, and played James Cagney's aide in milos Forman's epic 1981 film Ragtime. In 2000, Martin joined the cast of EastEnders as Charlie, the patriarch of the Slater family, a role he continued to play on and off for sixteen years.
Filmography
Candleshoe
as Policeman (uncredited) 1977
The Evil of Frankenstein
as Roustabout (uncredited) 1964
The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu
as Museum Guard 1980
Adventures of a Plumber's Mate
as Motorcycle Dealer 1978
Eskimo Nell
as Floor Manager (uncredited) 1975
Spaghetti House
as Commissioner Hutchinson 1982
Keep It Up, Jack!
as Client with Swing (uncredited) 1974
The Sex Thief
as Doorman 1973
Priest of Love
as Police Sergeant 1981
The Big Switch
as 1st Heavy 1968
Boston Kickout
as Ray Saunders 1996
Doctor Who: Inferno
as UNIT Soldier 1970
Doctor Who: Image of the Fendahl
as David Mitchell 1977
Diversions
as Escort 1976
Dark Water
as Security guard 1980
The Aerodrome
as Provo Sgt. Peters 1983