LONDON – Derek Martin, the renowned actor who became a household name for his role as taxi driver Charlie Slater in the popular British drama series EastEnders, has passed away at the age of 92.
Born in Bow, East London, Martin did not receive formal acting training. Before entering the entertainment industry, he worked in various professions, including as a butcher, street laborer, and serving in the Royal Air Force during National Service.
Martin began his career in television as a stuntman on Doctor Who. An injury in the early 1970s prompted him to shift fully to acting, leading to roles in several iconic British TV shows such as Z Cars, The Sweeney, Minder, The Bill, and Little Britain.
He achieved widespread recognition in 2000 with EastEnders. His portrayal of Charlie Slater, a kind-hearted taxi driver, won him the hearts of viewers and remained central to the show’s major storylines until the character’s on-screen death in 2016.
The fans and colleagues paid tribute to Martin, and praised his decades-long contribution to British television. He is survived by his two sons, Jonathan and David.
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