Table of Contents
- Extraordinary Exploits
- Family Statement
- Agent Tribute
- Early Life
- National Service
- Criminal Involvement
- Acting Career
- Personal Life
- Final Years
Derek Martin's real-life adventures were even more remarkable than the characters he portrayed during his 50-year career on television.
The actor, best known for his role as cab driver Charlie Slater in EastEnders, carried firearms for the Kray twins at the age of 92, faced trial at the Old Bailey for theft, and worked as a driver for a friend who was later murdered.
Derek Martin, who portrayed Charlie Slater in EastEnders, has passed away at the age of 92Credit: BBC
Derek was cast as Charlie in 2000 and played the role until 2011Credit: BBC
A statement from his family read: “Derek wasn’t just a father to us; he was a friend who supported us through our highs and lows.
“He never stopped learning, loved meeting new people, and was always generous with his time. We miss him dearly.”
His agent, Sharon Henry, stated: “For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film.”
A spokesperson added: “We are profoundly saddened by the news of Derek's passing.
“His portrayal of Charlie Slater secured him a special place in the hearts of the audience as the head of one of EastEnders' most iconic families.”
Born Derek William Rapp in Bow, East London, on April 11, 1933, to Bill, a docker, and Christina, who worked in a laundry, Derek truly embodied the East End spirit.
His home was a typical working-class two-up, two-down with an outdoor toilet and a tin bath, but he took pride in his roots.
“Growing up in the East End requires toughness, but the people are the best,” he remarked.
Derek was six years old when he broke out, and during the Blitz, his father worked as a fireman.
At bedtime, he’d recount his daily exploits to Derek. “It was the closest thing to a bedtime story,” he noted.
“In my eyes, my dad was the bravest fireman alive.”
His father later received the British Empire Medal for his remarkable bravery in the Fire Service.
Derek, who spent most of the war in London, commented: “Bomb sites became incredible playgrounds for young boys.
“We would reenact dogfights and collect discarded bullets, shells, misshapen helmets, tin mugs, and shrapnel.”
Derek completed his National Service.
While on guard duty, he would occasionally “borrow” vehicles from the transport compound and take them for a joyride around the camp.
These included buses, cranes, lorries, fire engines, and even the commanding officer’s car.
‘I DIDN’T ASK QUESTIONS’
“I managed to escape detection, or I would have faced court martial,” he said.
His driving skills later came in handy when he became a stunt driver.
“If I could handle a tank, I could manage anything,” he joked.
After completing his National Service, he drifted through various odd jobs, including working as a club bouncer and a scrap metal dealer. He aimed to steer clear of a life of crime.
However, it was challenging.
As a young man, he had been an amateur boxer and frequented the Blind Beggar pub in Mile End Road, a known hangout of the Krays.
There, he became friends with their older brother, Charlie.
One night, he received a call from Charlie Kray asking him to meet in the gentlemen's restroom at a casino.
“I didn’t ask questions — well, you just didn’t,” he recalled.
“So I did as instructed, and sure enough, Charlie was waiting for me.
“No one argued with him.
“He handed me two guns and said, ‘Put these in your pocket, wait 15 minutes, and then go straight home.’
“After checking to see that no one was around, he whispered in my ear, ‘I’ll come and collect them tomorrow.’
“I tucked each gun into my trousers to keep them concealed and followed his instructions.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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