“THE son of EastEnders legend Derek Martin has passed away just days after his iconic father died. Derek, best known for his role as Charlie Slater on the long-running BBC soap opera, sadly died in hospital at the age of 92 earlier this month. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Derek Martin celebrates”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Derek, best known for his role as Charlie Slater on the long-running BBC soap opera, sadly died in hospital at the age of 92 earlier this month.
Thank you!
Derek Martin celebrates his 90th birthday with his sons, with David pictured on the rightCredit: The Sun
David Rapp has now also sadly passed awayCredit: Instagram
Derek’s most notable role was playing Charlie Slater in EastEndersCredit: Lucy Young His son David Rapp was with the star when he died.
But David has also now tragically passed away, in a second blow to the family, BBB Talent Agency confirmed in a statement.
A post on social media read: “Devastating news today. Just after losing his father. David has also passed away.
“The gentle giant whose heart was as big as he was. I couldn’t have wished for a better friend or workmate.
“Rest in peace, David Rapp you will be missed! BBB HQ will never be the same.”
David worked for the talent agency, which represents various TV stars, models and musicians in Scotland.
No cause of death has yet been made public for David.
Derek was joined by David and his other son Jonathan – as well as Carry on star Anita Harris – to see in his 90th birthday in style.
The actor looked thrilled in photos as he posed with a huge birthday cake covered in fruit.
Derek’s heartbroken family said they would “miss him terribly” in a statement released through his agent Sharon Henry earlier this month.
The star began his career in the entertainment industry as a stuntman on programmes including Doctor Who.
However, this career came to a end after he broke his collar bone while filming a drama in 1971.
Derek ventured into the world of acting and quickly landed himself feature roles in a variety of TV shows and films.
Some of his early movie appearances include Secrets of a Windmill Girl in 1966, as well as The Sex Thief, Eskimo Nell and Sex Express in the 70s.
He even made a cameo in and episode of Little Britain, but his most notable role was playing Charlie Slater in EastEnders.
He acted on the popular soap from 2000 to 2011, with brief return appearances in 2013 and 2016.
Derek’s character was ultimately killed off after suffering a heart attack.
Charlie’s biggest storylines included being charged with GBH for attacking Little Mo’s rapist Graham Foster and locking him in his taxi.
Derek also appeared in Adventures of a Plumber’s Mate in 1978, Ragtime, Spaghetti House in the 80s and Boston Kickout in 1995.
Derek also co-starred in the BBC show Law & Order in the late 1970s, before going on to lead as Det. Insp. Berwick in The Chinese Detective.
In 1982, he became the second actor to take on the role of Detective Inspector Jack Frost.
Derek played R. D. Wingfield’s fictional copper in a BBC radio adaptation of A Touch of Frost.
The actor also appeared on Minder, Doctor Who, Upstairs, Downstairs, The Bill and Only Fools and Horses.
charlie slater eastendersCredit: BBC
The character was killed off when he character suffered a fatal heart attack in 2016Credit: BBC
Derek celebrated turning 90 with his loved ones and lots of cake in 2023Credit: The Sun