Derek Martin, the actor remembered by EastEnders viewers as Charlie Slater, died on January 10, 2026, aged 92. His agent, Sharon Henry, confirmed his death, and his family paid tribute to a father who was also a close friend. They remembered his curiosity, generosity, and willingness to support them through difficult and happy times. His family’s tribute reflected that bond.
The loss brought renewed attention to a working life that stretched far beyond a single television role. Before becoming a familiar face on screen, Martin had worked as a meat porter, a professional gambler, and a stuntman. His route into entertainment was far removed from a straightforward journey through drama school into leading parts.
Those earlier occupations form a striking contrast with the role for which he became best known. A man whose working life had included physical labor, risk, and stunt performance eventually became a reassuring presence in one of British television’s most recognizable fictional families. The breadth of that journey is part of what makes his career memorable, alongside the performances themselves.
Martin joined EastEnders in 2000 and played Charlie regularly until 2011, later returning for appearances in 2013 and 2016. Charlie was a taxi driver and the Slater family’s father figure. His place in the series put him at the center of a household whose relationships and troubles became an important part of life in Walford.
The role arrived after Martin had previously auditioned for Den Watts and Frank Butcher. His earlier screen work included Law & Order, in which he played Detective Inspector Fred Pyall, followed by The Chinese Detective and King and Castle. He also appeared in series including Doctor Who, Upstairs, Downstairs, and The Bill. His career connected several different eras of British television. Radio Times recalled those roles.
Charlie’s final appearance came in 2016, when the character died following a heart attack. For viewers, that departure closed the character’s story, while Martin’s earlier episodes remained part of the programme’s history. His years on EastEnders added a widely recognized family role to an already substantial collection of television credits.
The EastEnders team also remembered the affection his colleagues felt for him and the devotion he brought to those around him. His agent highlighted a career lasting more than five decades, including work on The Governor. Away from acting, she recalled his enthusiasm for golf and his involvement with the charitable Water Rats.
For his family, the farewell was personal rather than professional. Their tribute described someone who continued learning, enjoyed meeting others, and made time for the people in his life. They asked for privacy as they mourned, a reminder that public recognition sits alongside a loss experienced most closely at home.
Martin leaves a body of work that can be remembered in more than one way. Some audiences first encountered him in earlier dramas, while others knew him primarily as Charlie Slater. The journey from his varied early jobs to decades of screen work gives both groups a larger story to look back on, beyond the familiar face and the best-known character. His performances remain available to remember.
