Jump to content

Martin Kemp: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→Personal life: Added content
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
|name = Martin Kemp
| name = Martin Kemp
|image = Martinkemp.jpg
| image = SpandauBallet Concert 05022015 151 (17143358997) (cropped).jpg
|caption = Kemp performing in 2009
| caption = Kemp performing in 2015
|image_size =
| birth_name = Martin John Kemp
⚫
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1961|10|10}}
|birth_name = Martin John Kemp
⚫
| birth_place = [[Islington]], London, England
⚫
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1961|10|10}}
⚫
| death_date =
⚫
|birth_place = [[Highbury]], London, England
⚫
| education = [[Central Foundation Boys' School]]
⚫
|death_date =
⚫
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|actor|film director}}
⚫
|education = [[Central Foundation Boys' School]]
⚫
| television = ''[[EastEnders]]'' (1998–2002)
⚫
|occupation = {{hlist|Musician|actor|film director}}
⚫
| years_active = 1972–present
⚫
|television = ''[[EastEnders]]'' (1998–2002)
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Shirlie Holliman]]|1988}}
⚫
|years_active = 1972–present
|spouse = {{marriage|[[Shirlie Holliman]]|1988}}
| children = Harley Moon Kemp, [[Roman Kemp]]
|children = 2, including [[Roman Kemp|Roman]]
| relatives = [[Gary Kemp]] (brother)
|relatives = [[Gary Kemp]] (brother)
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
|module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
|genre = {{flat list|
|genre = {{flat list|
*Pop
*Pop
Line 39: Line 38:
*[[Parlophone Records]]
*[[Parlophone Records]]
*[[Chrysalis Records]]}}
*[[Chrysalis Records]]}}
|associated_acts = [[Spandau Ballet]]}}
|associated_acts = [[Spandau Ballet]]}}
}}
}}


'''Martin John Kemp''' (born 10 October 1961) is an English musician and actor, best known as the bassist in the [[New wave music|new wave]] band [[Spandau Ballet]] and for his role as [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] in ''[[EastEnders]]''.
'''Martin John Kemp''' (born 10 October 1961) is an English musician and actor, best known as the bassist in the [[New wave music|new wave]] band [[Spandau Ballet]] and for his role as [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] in ''[[EastEnders]]''.


He is the younger brother of [[Gary Kemp]], who is also a member of Spandau Ballet and an actor. In 2012, Kemp finished third in the [[Celebrity Big Brother (British series 10)|tenth series]] of ''[[Celebrity Big Brother (British TV series)|Celebrity Big Brother]]'', and in 2017 he appeared as a judge on the [[BBC]] series ''[[Let It Shine (2017 TV series)|Let It Shine]]''.
He is the younger brother of [[Gary Kemp]], who is also a member of Spandau Ballet and an actor. In 2012, Kemp finished third in the [[Celebrity Big Brother (British TV series) series 10|tenth series]] of ''[[Celebrity Big Brother (British TV series)|Celebrity Big Brother]]'', and in 2017 he appeared as a judge on the [[BBC]] series ''[[Let It Shine (2017 TV series)|Let It Shine]]''.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Kemp was born to Frank and Eileen Kemp at their house in [[Islington]], north London,<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.12">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|author=Kemp, Martin|page=12}}</ref> and attended [[Rotherfield Primary School|Rotherfield Junior School]]. From the age of 7 he attended the [[Anna Scher Theatre]] drama club<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.18">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=18}}</ref> with his brother Gary, and appeared in many TV shows, including ''[[Jackanory]]'', ''[[The Tomorrow People]]'' and ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]''.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=20}}</ref> In his last year with Anna Scher, he won a role in ''[[The Glittering Prizes]]'', appearing alongside [[Tom Conti]] and [[Nigel Havers]].<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.21">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=21}}</ref>
Kemp was born to Frank and Eileen Kemp at their house in [[Islington]], north London,<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.12">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|author=Kemp, Martin|page=12}}</ref> and attended [[Rotherfield Primary School|Rotherfield Junior School]]. From the age of 7 he attended the [[Anna Scher Theatre]] drama club<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.18">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=18}}</ref> with his brother Gary, and appeared in many TV shows, including ''[[Jackanory]]'', ''[[The Tomorrow People]]'' and ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]''.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=20}}</ref> In his last year with Anna Scher, he won a role in ''[[The Glittering Prizes]]'', appearing alongside [[Tom Conti]] and [[Nigel Havers]].<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.21">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=21}}</ref>


Kemp grew up in north London and attended [[Central Foundation Boys' School]], Islington. Along with pictures of other famous ex-pupils, a large photo of him adorns a wall of fame at the school. After leaving school at 16, he began an apprenticeship in a print factory <ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.31">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=31}}</ref> but soon became disenchanted.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.31"/>
Kemp grew up in north London and attended [[Central Foundation Boys' School]], Islington. After leaving school at 16, he began an apprenticeship in a print factory <ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.31">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=31}}</ref> but soon became disenchanted.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.31"/>


==Spandau Ballet==
==Spandau Ballet==
Line 60: Line 59:


==Later career==
==Later career==
Kemp and his brother Gary returned to acting in 1990, both appearing in the British film ''[[The Krays (film)|The Krays]]'', in which they played the notorious gangster twins [[Kray twins|Ronald and Reginald Kray]]. Their performances received a great deal of critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=57|title=The Krays|publisher=Thespinningimage.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=105078&section=review|title=The Krays film review|publisher=Channel4.com|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeout.com/film/newyork/reviews/78843/the-krays.html|title=The Krays|work=Time Out London|access-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723141736/http://www.timeout.com/film/newyork/reviews/78843/the-krays.html|archive-date=23 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Kemp and his brother Gary returned to acting in 1990, both appearing in the British film ''[[The Krays (film)|The Krays]]'', in which they played the notorious gangster twins [[Ronald and Reginald Kray]]. Their performances received a great deal of critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=57|title=The Krays|publisher=Thespinningimage.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=105078&section=review|title=The Krays film review|publisher=Channel4.com|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeout.com/film/newyork/reviews/78843/the-krays.html|title=The Krays|work=Time Out London|access-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723141736/http://www.timeout.com/film/newyork/reviews/78843/the-krays.html|archive-date=23 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
After ''The Krays'', Martin Kemp moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s and made appearances in television series such as ''[[The Outer Limits (1995 TV series)|The Outer Limits]]'' and ''[[Highlander: The Series]]''. He also appeared in several Hollywood films, including ''[[Waxwork II: Lost in Time]]'' (1992) and ''[[Embrace of the Vampire]]'' (1994).
After ''The Krays'', Martin Kemp moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s and made appearances in television series such as ''[[The Outer Limits (1995 TV series)|The Outer Limits]]'' and ''[[Highlander: The Series]]''. He also appeared in several Hollywood films, including ''[[Waxwork II: Lost in Time]]'' (1992) and ''[[Embrace of the Vampire]]'' (1994).


In 1995, Kemp moved back to the United Kingdom and took a break from acting for a short while, recovering from removal of two benign [[brain tumor|brain tumours]].<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.3">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=3}}</ref> He resumed his acting career in 1998 when he made a guest appearance in the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] police drama series ''[[The Bill]]''. He went on to become popular for his role as villain [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] in the [[BBC]]'s top soap opera, ''[[EastEnders]]'', from December 1998. His character was involved in some of the soap's highest-rated storylines, such as the [[Saskia Duncan]] murder and "[[Who Shot Phil?]]". By the time he left the series in 2002, he was one of the best-known faces on British television. He was the subject of ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'' in 1999, when he was surprised by [[Michael Aspel]] while filming a scene for ''[[EastEnders]]''.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}} Kemp won three TV Quick Awards for Best Soap Actor (2000, 2001, 2002),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/jul/26/broadcasting.bbc1|title=Martin Kemp quits ''EastEnders''|author=Julia Day|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=21 September 2014|date=26 July 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2248271.stm|title=Backstage at the Quick Awards|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014|date=10 September 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/tvawards.html|title=TheCustard.tv|publisher=Thecustard.tv|access-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628180135/http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/tvawards.html|archive-date=28 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> a National Television Award for Most Popular Actor (2000)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/966147.stm|title=National Television Awards: The winners|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> and five British Soap Awards (Villain of the Year in 2000, Best Actor in 2001 and 2002, and Sexiest Male in 2001 and 2002) for his work on ''EastEnders''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1996051.stm|title=''EastEnders'' sweeps soap awards|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014|date=19 May 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/767530.stm|title=''Eastenders'' cleans up soap awards|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>
In 1995, Kemp moved back to the United Kingdom and took a break from acting for a short while, recovering from removal of two benign [[brain tumours]].<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.3">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=3}}</ref> He resumed his acting career in 1998 when he made a guest appearance in the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] police drama series ''[[The Bill]]''. He went on to become popular for his role as villain [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] in the [[BBC]]'s top soap opera, ''[[EastEnders]]'', from December 1998. His character was involved in some of the soap's highest-rated storylines, such as the [[Saskia Duncan]] murder and "[[Who Shot Phil?]]". By the time he left the series in 2002, he was one of the best-known faces on British television. He was the subject of ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'' in 1999, when he was surprised by [[Michael Aspel]] while filming a scene for ''[[EastEnders]]''.<ref>{{cite news|
url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/oct/21/broadcasting.bbc|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=This was your life, say BBC bosses|first=Jason|last=Deans|date=21 October 2003|accessdate=15 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.smoothradio.com/artists/george-michael/martin-kemp-this-is-your-life-video/|title=When George Michael surprised an emotional Martin Kemp on 'This Is Your Life'|first= Giorgina|last=Ramazzotti|publisher=[[Global Media & Entertainment|Global]]|work=[[Smooth Radio (2014)|Smooth Radio]]|accessdate=15 January 2023|date=4 May 2023}}</ref> Kemp won three TV Quick Awards for Best Soap Actor (2000, 2001, 2002),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/jul/26/broadcasting.bbc1|title=Martin Kemp quits ''EastEnders''|author=Julia Day|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=21 September 2014|date=26 July 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2248271.stm|title=Backstage at the Quick Awards|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014|date=10 September 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/tvawards.html|title=TheCustard.tv|publisher=Thecustard.tv|access-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628180135/http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/tvawards.html|archive-date=28 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> a National Television Award for Most Popular Actor (2000)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/966147.stm|title=National Television Awards: The winners|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> and five British Soap Awards (Villain of the Year in 2000, Best Actor in 2001 and 2002, and Sexiest Male in 2001 and 2002) for his work on ''EastEnders''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1996051.stm|title=''EastEnders'' sweeps soap awards|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014|date=19 May 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/767530.stm|title=''Eastenders'' cleans up soap awards|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>


Kemp signed a contract with [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] in 2002 and starred in several television dramas, including ''[[The Brides in the Bath]]'', in which he played real-life murderer [[George Joseph Smith|George Smith]], and ''Can't Buy Me Love'' opposite fellow ''EastEnders'' star [[Michelle Collins]], which was based on a true story about a man who conned his wife and friends into believing he had won the lottery. He also starred in the short-lived crime drama series ''[[Family (2003 TV series)|Family]]'' in 2003. From 2004 to 2007, he was the face of furniture chain [[ScS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447337/otherworks|title=''IMDB Artist Work''|work=IMDB|access-date=12 March 2015}}</ref> He starred in a low-budget British film titled ''Back in Business'' which had a limited release in a few cinemas in February 2007 and one month later was released on DVD. He founded his own production company and in March 2008 directed a low-budget 20-minute short film entitled ''Karma Magnet'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/42380/short-film-debut-karma-magnet|title=''Karma Magnet''|work=Dread Central|access-date=21 September 2014|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> which starred his brother Gary and featured Martin's wife and son, Shirlie and Roman. This was released only online.
Kemp signed a contract with [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] in 2002 and starred in several television dramas, including ''[[The Brides in the Bath]]'', in which he played real-life murderer [[George Joseph Smith|George Smith]], and ''Can't Buy Me Love'' opposite fellow ''EastEnders'' star [[Michelle Collins]], which was based on a true story about a man who conned his wife and friends into believing he had won the lottery. He also starred in the short-lived crime drama series ''[[Family (2003 TV series)|Family]]'' in 2003. From 2004 to 2007, he was the face of furniture chain [[ScS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447337/otherworks|title=''IMDB Artist Work''|work=IMDB|access-date=12 March 2015}}</ref> He starred in a low-budget British film titled ''Back in Business'' which had a limited release in a few cinemas in February 2007 and one month later was released on DVD. He founded his own production company and in March 2008 directed a low-budget 20-minute short film entitled ''Karma Magnet'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/42380/short-film-debut-karma-magnet|title=''Karma Magnet''|work=Dread Central|access-date=21 September 2014|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> which starred his brother Gary and featured Martin's wife and son, Shirlie and Roman. This was released only online.


Kemp appeared on a celebrity special of ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (British game show)|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]'' in January 2008 with his brother Gary to raise awareness of and funds for the Encephalitis Society. Along with his son, Kemp also featured in one edition of a factual television series for [[Five (channel)|Five]], ''Dangerous Adventures For Boys'', based on the best-selling book written by [[Conn Iggulden|Conn]] and Hal Iggulden, ''[[The Dangerous Book for Boys]]''. In 2008, he appeared on the [[Discovery Channel]] television programme ''[[Bangla Bangers|Chop Shop]]'' where the cast built him a gangster car. He hosted ''TV's 50 Hardest Men'' for [[Sky1]] in July 2008 and guest-starred as Mr. Burley in BBC drama series ''[[Waterloo Road (TV series)|Waterloo Road]]''. The year 2011 saw him starring as "Dr. Lawrence" in ''[[Jack Falls]]''. In November 2011 Kemp appeared as a contestant on the second series of ITV's [[71 Degrees North]] but quit after three days. Kemp's first feature film as director, ''[[Stalker (2010 film)|Stalker]]'', was released in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/movies/Martin-Kemp-226270.html|title=Martin Kemp Talks Stalker|author=Helen Earnshaw|date=31 January 2012|publisher=Femalefirst.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>
Kemp appeared on a celebrity special of ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (British game show)|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]'' in January 2008 with his brother Gary to raise awareness of and funds for the Encephalitis Society. Along with his son, Kemp also featured in one edition of a factual television series for [[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Five]], ''Dangerous Adventures For Boys'', based on the best-selling book written by [[Conn Iggulden|Conn]] and Hal Iggulden, ''[[The Dangerous Book for Boys]]''. In 2008, he appeared on the [[Discovery Channel]] television programme ''[[Bangla Bangers|Chop Shop]]'' where the cast built him a gangster car. He hosted ''TV's 50 Hardest Men'' for [[Sky One]] in July 2008 and guest-starred as Mr. Burley in BBC drama series ''[[Waterloo Road (TV series)|Waterloo Road]]''. The year 2011 saw him starring as "Dr. Lawrence" in ''[[Jack Falls]]''. In November 2011 Kemp appeared as a contestant on the second series of ITV's [[71 Degrees North]] but quit after three days. Kemp's first feature film as director, ''[[Stalker (2010 film)|Stalker]]'', was released in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/movies/Martin-Kemp-226270.html|title=Martin Kemp Talks Stalker|author=Helen Earnshaw|date=31 January 2012|publisher=Femalefirst.co.uk|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref>


Kemp was announced as the thirteenth celebrity to participate in the summer series of ''Celebrity Big Brother'' 2012. Kemp appeared in the final episode and was placed third on 7 September 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/martin-kemp-comes-third-in-the-cbb-1311685|title=Martin Kemp comes third in the CBB final, just as we realised we quite fancy him after all|date=7 September 2012|author=Wheeler, Rachael|access-date=7 November 2015}}</ref>
Kemp was announced as the thirteenth celebrity to participate in the summer series of ''Celebrity Big Brother'' 2012. Kemp appeared in the final episode and was placed third on 7 September 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/martin-kemp-comes-third-in-the-cbb-1311685|title=Martin Kemp comes third in the CBB final, just as we realised we quite fancy him after all|date=7 September 2012|author=Wheeler, Rachael|access-date=7 November 2015}}</ref>


From February to April 2016, Kemp appeared as [[Child Catcher|The Childcatcher]] in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical ''[[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (musical)|Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]]'', alongside [[Jason Manford]], [[Phill Jupitus|Phil Jupitus]] and [[Michelle Collins]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/leisure/stage/stageinterviews/14258553.Martin_Kemp_revels_in_his_next_villainous_role_as_The_Child_Catcher_in_Chitty_Chitty_Bang_Bang/|title=Martin Kemp revels in his next villainous role as The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang|website=Daily Echo|date=6 February 2016 |language=en|access-date=2017-05-07}}</ref>
From February to April 2016, Kemp appeared as the [[Child Catcher]] in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical ''[[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (musical)|Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]]'', alongside [[Jason Manford]], [[Phil Jupitus]] and [[Michelle Collins]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/leisure/stage/stageinterviews/14258553.Martin_Kemp_revels_in_his_next_villainous_role_as_The_Child_Catcher_in_Chitty_Chitty_Bang_Bang/|title=Martin Kemp revels in his next villainous role as The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang|website=Daily Echo|date=6 February 2016 |language=en|access-date=2017-05-07}}</ref>


Kemp hosted the first series of "Martin Kemp's Murder Files", aired from November 2016, on the UK TV channel [[Quest (TV channel)|Quest]]. The show provided detailed accounts of crimes and a step-by-step forensic analysis as to how the evil killers were eventually identified. Murderers featured on the show included the Yorkshire Ripper and the Green River Killer.
Kemp hosted the first series of "Martin Kemp's Murder Files", aired from November 2016, on the UK TV channel [[Quest (TV channel)|Quest]]. The show provided detailed accounts of crimes and a step-by-step forensic analysis as to how the evil killers were eventually identified. Murderers featured on the show included the Yorkshire Ripper and the Green River Killer.


In December 2017, he appeared as [[Captain Hook]] in ''Peter Pan - The World's Biggest Pantomime'' at the [[Barclaycard Arena]] in [[Birmingham]] and the [[Wembley Arena|SSE Arena]] in [[Wembley]] alongside [[Bradley Walsh]] as Smee.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/worlds-biggest-panto-returns-birmingham-12873035|title=World's biggest panto is coming back to Brum with Bradley Walsh|last=Laws|first=Roz|date=2017-04-10|work=birminghammail|access-date=2017-05-07}}</ref>
In December 2017, he appeared as [[Captain Hook]] in ''Peter Pan – The World's Biggest Pantomime'' at the [[Barclaycard Arena]] in [[Birmingham]] and the [[Wembley Arena|SSE Arena]] in [[Wembley]] alongside [[Bradley Walsh]] as Smee.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/worlds-biggest-panto-returns-birmingham-12873035|title=World's biggest panto is coming back to Brum with Bradley Walsh|last=Laws|first=Roz|date=2017-04-10|work=birminghammail|access-date=2017-05-07}}</ref>


In November 2019, Kemp and his wife released their first album together as Martin & Shirlie, titled ''In the Swing of It'' via [[Sony Music UK|Sony Music]]. The album contains duet covers of classic [[jazz standard]]s plus two original songs written by their daughter Harley Moon Kemp.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/martin-and-shirlie-kemp-announce-new-album-in-the-swing-of-it/|title=Martin and Shirlie Kemp announce new album 'In the Swing of It'|date=6 September 2019|website=Sony Music UK}}</ref>
In November 2019, Kemp and his wife released their first album together as Martin & Shirlie, titled ''In the Swing of It'' via [[Sony Music UK|Sony Music]]. The album contains duet covers of classic [[jazz standard]]s plus two original songs written by their daughter Harley Moon Kemp.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/martin-and-shirlie-kemp-announce-new-album-in-the-swing-of-it/|title=Martin and Shirlie Kemp announce new album 'In the Swing of It'|date=6 September 2019|website=Sony Music UK}}</ref>


In June 2020, Kemp, with his son [[Roman Kemp|Roman]] premiered as hosts of the new Sunday [[breakfast television|breakfast programme]] for [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]], ''[[Martin & Roman's Sunday Best!]]''. In October 2020, Kemp with his wife Shirley published ''Shirlie and Martin Kemp: It's a Love Story'', an [[autobiography]]-cum-[[Couples therapy|relationship advice]] book. The Kemps said the book was published in response to "growing media interest" in the couple's longlasting relationship.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= Halliwell|first= Rachel|title= Better Together|magazine= [[Costco#Costco Connection|Costco Connection]]|publication-date= December 2020|volume= 24|issue= 9|publisher= Costco Wholesale UK Ltd|page= 37}}</ref>
In June 2020, Kemp, with his son [[Roman Kemp|Roman]] premiered as hosts of the new Sunday [[breakfast television|breakfast programme]] for [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]], ''[[Martin & Roman's Sunday Best!]]''. In October 2020, Kemp with his wife Shirley published ''Shirlie and Martin Kemp: It's a Love Story'', an [[autobiography]]-cum-[[relationship advice]] book. The Kemps said the book was published in response to "growing media interest" in the couple's longlasting relationship.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= Halliwell|first= Rachel|title= Better Together|magazine= [[Costco Connection]]|publication-date= December 2020|volume= 24|issue= 9|publisher= Costco Wholesale UK Ltd|page= 37}}</ref>


In February 2021, Kemp appeared in ''[[McDonald & Dodds]]'', starring alongside [[Jason Watkins (actor)|Jason Watkins]] and [[Rob Brydon]]. On 24 March 2021, Kemp and son [[Roman Kemp|Roman]] featured in an episode of [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s ''DNA Journey''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep3week12/dna-journey|title=DNA Journey|website=itv.com/presscentre|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> In April 2021, Kemp and his son [[Roman Kemp]] began presenting ''Martin & Roman's Weekend Best''; a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of [[Martin & Roman's Sunday Best!]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/martin-and-roman-kemp-make-bumper-return-itv-across-saturday-and-sunday-mornings|title=Martin and Roman Kemp make bumper return to ITV across Saturday and Sunday mornings|website=itv.com/presscentre|accessdate=15 March 2021}}</ref>
In February 2021, Kemp appeared in ''[[McDonald & Dodds]]'', starring alongside [[Jason Watkins]] and [[Rob Brydon]]. On 24 March 2021, Kemp and son [[Roman Kemp|Roman]] featured in an episode of [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s ''DNA Journey''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep3week12/dna-journey|title=DNA Journey|website=itv.com/presscentre|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> In April 2021, Kemp and his son [[Roman Kemp]] began presenting ''Martin & Roman's Weekend Best''; a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of [[Martin & Roman's Sunday Best!]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/martin-and-roman-kemp-make-bumper-return-itv-across-saturday-and-sunday-mornings|title=Martin and Roman Kemp make bumper return to ITV across Saturday and Sunday mornings|website=itv.com/presscentre|accessdate=15 March 2021}}</ref>


In December 2021, Kemp appeared as [[Father Christmas]] as part of a government campaign to encourage people to get their [[COVID-19 vaccination in the United Kingdom|coronavirus vaccinations]] ahead of the Christmas holidays.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.whitchurchherald.co.uk/news/national/19766298.martin-kemp-transforms-father-christmas-booster-jab-campaign-film/|title=Martin Kemp transforms into Father Christmas for booster jab campaign film|date=7 December 2021|work=Whitchurch Herald|accessdate=7 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/covid-coronavirus-vaccines-martin-kemp-22381969|title='Book your jabs' urges Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp - while dressed as Father Christmas|last=Volpe|first=Sam|date=7 December 2021|work=[[Evening Chronicle]]|accessdate=7 February 2013}}</ref>
In December 2021, Kemp appeared as [[Father Christmas]] as part of a government campaign to encourage people to get their [[COVID-19 vaccination in the United Kingdom|coronavirus vaccinations]] ahead of the Christmas holidays.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.whitchurchherald.co.uk/news/national/19766298.martin-kemp-transforms-father-christmas-booster-jab-campaign-film/|title=Martin Kemp transforms into Father Christmas for booster jab campaign film|date=7 December 2021|work=Whitchurch Herald|accessdate=7 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/covid-coronavirus-vaccines-martin-kemp-22381969|title='Book your jabs' urges Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp – while dressed as Father Christmas|last=Volpe|first=Sam|date=7 December 2021|work=[[Evening Chronicle]]|accessdate=7 February 2013}}</ref>


In January 2023, Kemp appeared alongside his wife [[Shirlie Kemp]] on the [[The Masked Singer (British series 4)|fourth series]] of ''[[The Masked Singer (British TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' as "Cat & Mouse".
In January 2023, Kemp appeared alongside his wife [[Shirlie Kemp]] on the [[The Masked Singer (British series 4)|fourth series]] of ''[[The Masked Singer (British TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' as "Cat & Mouse".


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Kemp has been married to [[Shirlie Holliman]] since 1988.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.141">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=141}}</ref> Holliman is a former backing singer of the group [[Wham! (pop duo)|Wham!]]<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.79">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=79}}</ref> and one half of the 1980s pop duo, [[Pepsi & Shirlie]].<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.123">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=123}}</ref> The couple have a daughter, Harley Moon<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.172">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=172}}</ref> (born August 1989) <ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.172"/> and a son, [[Roman Kemp|Roman]]<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.194">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp| page=194}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SHMR LIMITED people - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13259003/officers |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> (born January 1993).
Kemp has been married to [[Shirlie Holliman]] since 1988.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.141">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=141}}</ref> Holliman is a former backing singer of the group [[Wham!]]<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.79">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=79}}</ref> and one half of the 1980s pop duo, [[Pepsi & Shirlie]].<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.123">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=123}}</ref> The couple have one daughter, [[Harley Moon ]] and a son, [[Roman Kemp|Roman]]<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.194">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp| page=194}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SHMR LIMITED people – Find and update company information – GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13259003/officers |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> (born January 1993).


He is a patron of British/Irish charity the [[encephalitis|Encephalitis Society]].<ref name="The Encephalitis Society Newsletter">{{cite web|url=http://www.encephalitis.info/images/iPdf/Newsletter/Newsletter38.pdf|title=The Encephalitis Society Newsletter|number=38|date=Autumn 2006|access-date=31 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211013807/http://www.encephalitis.info/images/iPdf/Newsletter/Newsletter38.pdf|archive-date=11 December 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the time he became a patron, he confirmed that he had controlled [[epilepsy]] since the 1990s, as a result of two brain tumours.<ref name="The Encephalitis Society Newsletter"/> Following surgery to remove the tumours, Kemp had [[cranioplasty|a protective metal plate]] implanted over his brain under the scalp.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.216">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=216}}</ref> The plate is unnoticeable but not undetectable; during an appearance on the [[Frank Skinner]] Show in 2002, Kemp jokingly remarked he could never slip quietly through metal-detectors at airports, as the plate would set the alarm off.
He is a patron of British/Irish charity the [[encephalitis|Encephalitis Society]].<ref name="The Encephalitis Society Newsletter">{{cite web|url=http://www.encephalitis.info/images/iPdf/Newsletter/Newsletter38.pdf|title=The Encephalitis Society Newsletter|number=38|date=Autumn 2006|access-date=31 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211013807/http://www.encephalitis.info/images/iPdf/Newsletter/Newsletter38.pdf|archive-date=11 December 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the time he became a patron, he confirmed that he had controlled [[epilepsy]] since the 1990s, as a result of two brain tumours.<ref name="The Encephalitis Society Newsletter"/> Following surgery to remove the tumours, Kemp had [[cranioplasty|a protective metal plate]] implanted over his brain under the scalp.<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.216">{{cite book |title=True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp|page=216}}</ref> The plate is unnoticeable but not undetectable; during an appearance on the [[Frank Skinner]] Show in 2002, Kemp jokingly remarked he could never slip quietly through metal-detectors at airports, as the plate would set the alarm off.
Line 95: Line 95:


Kemp is a lifelong [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] fan, having been born and raised in the [[Highbury]] area.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39057188 |title=Lawro's Premier League and EFL Cup final predictions v Martin Kemp |website=[[BBC Sport]] |date=25 February 2017 |access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref>
Kemp is a lifelong [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] fan, having been born and raised in the [[Highbury]] area.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39057188 |title=Lawro's Premier League and EFL Cup final predictions v Martin Kemp |website=[[BBC Sport]] |date=25 February 2017 |access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref>

In 2021 Kemp and his wife moved to [[Hertfordshire]] and embarked on the renovation of a Victorian property, including an extensive garden. In May 2024 they were featured in BBC's coverage of the [[Chelsea Flower Show]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/502984/martin-shirlie-kemp-garden-hydrangeas-photos/|title=Martin and Shirlie Kemp's enchanting garden belongs in the Chelsea Flower Show – see new photos|date=26 September 2023|website=Hellomagazine.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/inside-martin-kemps-impressive-home-29220326|title=Inside Martin Kemp's impressive home as he reveals he has 10 years to live|first=Katy|last=Hallam|date=24 May 2024|website=Birminghammail.co.uk}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
Line 102: Line 104:
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
|-
|1990 || ''[[The Krays (film)|The Krays]]'' || [[Kray twins|Reggie Kray]] ||
|1990 || ''[[The Krays (film)|The Krays]]'' || [[Reggie Kray]] ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|1992 || ''[[Waxwork II: Lost in Time]]'' || Baron Von Frankenstein ||
|rowspan=2|1992 || ''[[Waxwork II: Lost in Time]]'' || Baron Von Frankenstein ||
Line 148: Line 150:
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
|-
|1972 || ''[[Jackanory]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| rowspan="3" |1972 || ''[[Jackanory]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1972 || ''[[The Edwardians (miniseries)|The Edwardians]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| ''[[The Edwardians (miniseries)|The Edwardians]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1972 || ''Mind Where You Are Going'' || Extra || TV film<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| ''Mind Where You Are Going'' || Extra || TV film<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1973 || ''[[A Picture of Katherine Mansfield]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| rowspan="5" |1973 || ''[[A Picture of Katherine Mansfield]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1973 || ''Scribble'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| ''Scribble'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1973 || ''[[The Tomorrow People]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| ''[[The Tomorrow People]]'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1973 || ''Oranges and Lemons'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| ''Oranges and Lemons'' || Extra || Unknown episode<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1973 || ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]'' || Boy || Episode: "Eye Witness"<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
| ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]'' || Boy || Episode: "Eye Witness"<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|-
|-
|1975 || ''[[Play for Today]]'' || Lad || Episode: "[[Rumpole of the Bailey]]"<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
|1975 || ''[[Play for Today]]'' || Lad || Episode: "[[Rumpole of the Bailey]]"<ref name="Martin Kemp, True p.20"/>
Line 178: Line 180:
|1996 || ''[[Tales from the Crypt (TV series)|Tales from the Crypt]]'' || Lieutenant Luger || Episode: "Escape"
|1996 || ''[[Tales from the Crypt (TV series)|Tales from the Crypt]]'' || Lieutenant Luger || Episode: "Escape"
|-
|-
|1998 || ''[[The Bill]]'' || Tom Marsh || Episode: "The Bus Driver's Prayer"
| rowspan="2" |1998 || ''[[The Bill]]'' || Tom Marsh || Episode: "The Bus Driver's Prayer"
|-
|-
|1998 || ''[[Supply & Demand (TV series)|Supply & Demand]]'' || Eddie McEwan || All 6 episodes
| ''[[Supply & Demand (TV series)|Supply & Demand]]'' || Eddie McEwan || All 6 episodes
|-
|-
|1998-2002 || ''[[EastEnders]]'' || [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] || 324 episodes
|1998–2002 || ''[[EastEnders]]'' || [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] || 324 episodes
|-
|-
|2002 || ''Daddy's Girl'' || Chris Cooper || TV film
|2002 || ''Daddy's Girl'' || Chris Cooper || TV film
|-
|-
|2003 || ''[[Serious & Organised]]'' || DC Jack Finn || All 6 episodes
| rowspan="3" |2003 || ''[[Serious & Organised]]'' || DC Jack Finn || All 6 episodes
|-
|-
|2003 || ''[[Family (2003 TV series)|Family]]'' || Joey Cutler || All 6 episodes
| ''[[Family (2003 TV series)|Family]]'' || Joey Cutler || All 6 episodes
|-
|-
|2003 || ''[[The Brides in the Bath]]'' || [[George Joseph Smith]] || TV film
| ''[[The Brides in the Bath]]'' || [[George Joseph Smith]] || TV film
|-
|-
|2004 || ''[[Where the Heart Is (British TV series)|Where the Heart Is]]'' || Ian Thorpe || Episode: "Skin Deep"
| rowspan="2" |2004 || ''[[Where the Heart Is (British TV series)|Where the Heart Is]]'' || Ian Thorpe || Episode: "Skin Deep"
|-
|-
|2004 || ''Can't Buy Me Love'' || Alan Harris || TV film
| ''Can't Buy Me Love'' || Alan Harris || TV film
|-
|-
|2006 || ''[[Agatha Christie's Marple]]'' || Jackie Afflick || Episode: "[[Sleeping Murder]]"
| rowspan="2" |2006 || ''[[Agatha Christie's Marple]]'' || Jackie Afflick || Episode: "[[Sleeping Murder]]"
|-
|-
|2006 || ''[[Love Lies Bleeding (TV series)|Love Lies Bleeding]]'' || Mark Terry || Both 2 episodes
| ''[[Love Lies Bleeding (TV series)|Love Lies Bleeding]]'' || Mark Terry || Both 2 episodes
|-
|-
|2008 || ''[[Heartbeat (British TV series)|Heartbeat]]'' || Mick Revill || Episode: "Bully Boys"
|2008 || ''[[Heartbeat (British TV series)|Heartbeat]]'' || Mick Revill || Episode: "Bully Boys"
Line 206: Line 208:
|2012 || ''[[Hustle (TV series)|Hustle]]'' || Harry Holmes || Episode: "Picasso Finger Painting"
|2012 || ''[[Hustle (TV series)|Hustle]]'' || Harry Holmes || Episode: "Picasso Finger Painting"
|-
|-
|2016 || ''[[Would I Lie to You? (game show)|Would I Lie To You?]]''|| Himself || Episode: 1 season 10
| rowspan="3" |2016 || ''[[Would I Lie to You? (British game show)|Would I Lie To You?]]''|| Himself || Episode: 1 season 10
|-
|-
|2016 || ''[[The Life of Rock with Brian Pern]]'' || Himself || Episode: "Festivals and Fans"
| ''[[Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll]]'' || Himself || 2 episodes
|-
|-
|2016 || ''[[Birds of a Feather (TV series)|Birds of a Feather]]'' || Vince || 2 episodes
| ''[[Birds of a Feather (TV series)|Birds of a Feather]]'' || Vince || 2 episodes
|-
|-
|2017 || ''[[Father Brown (2013 TV series)|Father Brown]]'' || Dennis Nelson || Episode: "The Chedworth Cyclone"
| rowspan="2" |2017 || ''[[Murder in Successville]]'' || Himself || Episode: "A Murder in Ye Olde Successville"
|-
|-
| ''[[Father Brown (2013 TV series)|Father Brown]]'' || Dennis Nelson || Episode: "The Chedworth Cyclone"
⚫
|2020 || ''The Kemps: All True'' || Himself || TV film
|-
⚫
|2020 || ''The Kemps: All True'' || Martin Kemp || TV film
|-
|-
|2021 || ''[[McDonald & Dodds]]'' || Mick Elkins || Episode: "The Man Who Wasn't There"
|2021 || ''[[McDonald & Dodds]]'' || Mick Elkins || Episode: "The Man Who Wasn't There"
|-
|-
|2022 || ''[[The Horne Section|The Horne Section TV Show]]'' || Martin Kemp || Episode 2
|2021 || ''DNA Journey'' || Himself || with [[Roman Kemp]]
|-
|-
|2022 || ''[[The Horne Section|The Horne Section TV Show]]'' || Himself|| Episode 2
| rowspan="2" |2023 || ''[[Murder, They Hope]]'' || John || Episode: "Blood Actually"
|-
|-
|2023 || ''[[The Masked Singer]]'' || Himself|| Episode 3
| ''The Kemps: All Gold'' || Martin Kemp || TV film

|}
|}


Line 242: Line 247:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0447337}}
* {{IMDb name|0447337}}
* [https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/shows/the-mixtape-with-martin-kemp/ The Mixtape with Martin Kemp on Greatest Hits Radio]
* [https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/shows/the-mixtape-with-martin-kemp/ The Mixtape with Martin Kemp on Greatest Hits Radio]
* [https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/shows/the80smixtapewithmartinkemp/ The 80s Mixtape with Martin Kemp on Greatest Hits Radio]
* [http://www.encephalitis.info Encephalitis.info]
* [http://www.encephalitis.info Encephalitis.info]


Line 255: Line 261:
[[Category:British Soap Award for Best Actor winners]]
[[Category:British Soap Award for Best Actor winners]]
[[Category:English bass guitarists]]
[[Category:English bass guitarists]]
[[Category:English male guitarists]]
[[Category:English rock bass guitarists]]
[[Category:English rock bass guitarists]]
[[Category:English male film actors]]
[[Category:English male film actors]]
Line 263: Line 268:
[[Category:English television presenters]]
[[Category:English television presenters]]
[[Category:Male actors from London]]
[[Category:Male actors from London]]
[[Category:Male bass guitarists]]
[[Category:English male bass guitarists]]
[[Category:People educated at Central Foundation Boys' School]]
[[Category:People educated at Central Foundation Boys' School]]
[[Category:Musicians from Islington (district)]]
[[Category:Military personnel from the London Borough of Islington]]
[[Category:Actors from Islington (district)]]
[[Category:People from Islington (district)]]
[[Category:Actors from the London Borough of Islington]]
[[Category:People with epilepsy]]
[[Category:People with epilepsy]]
[[Category:Spandau Ballet members]]
[[Category:Spandau Ballet members]]

Latest revision as of 23:02, 18 November 2024

For the art historian, see Martin Kemp (art historian).

Martin Kemp
Kemp performing in 2015
Born
Martin John Kemp

(1961-10-10) 10 October 1961 (age 63)
Islington, London, England
EducationCentral Foundation Boys' School
Occupations
  • Musician
  • actor
  • film director
Years active1972–present
TelevisionEastEnders (1998–2002)
Spouse
​
(m. 1988)​
ChildrenHarley Moon Kemp, Roman Kemp
RelativesGary Kemp (brother)
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentBass guitar
Years active1979–present
Labels

Martin John Kemp (born 10 October 1961) is an English musician and actor, best known as the bassist in the new wave band Spandau Ballet and for his role as Steve Owen in EastEnders.

He is the younger brother of Gary Kemp, who is also a member of Spandau Ballet and an actor. In 2012, Kemp finished third in the tenth series of Celebrity Big Brother, and in 2017 he appeared as a judge on the BBC series Let It Shine.

Early life

[edit]

Kemp was born to Frank and Eileen Kemp at their house in Islington, north London,[1] and attended Rotherfield Junior School. From the age of 7 he attended the Anna Scher Theatre drama club[2] with his brother Gary, and appeared in many TV shows, including Jackanory, The Tomorrow People and Dixon of Dock Green.[3] In his last year with Anna Scher, he won a role in The Glittering Prizes, appearing alongside Tom Conti and Nigel Havers.[4]

Kemp grew up in north London and attended Central Foundation Boys' School, Islington. After leaving school at 16, he began an apprenticeship in a print factory [5] but soon became disenchanted.[5]

Spandau Ballet

[edit]
See also: Spandau Ballet

Kemp's life changed when Steve Dagger, the manager of his brother Gary's band the Gentry, suggested Martin should replace the band's bass-player.[6] Kemp learned to play bass in three months and performed for the first time with the Gentry at a college party.[6] Eventually the band was renamed Spandau Ballet and Kemp left his printing job to concentrate on the band full-time.[7]

Spandau Ballet went on to have a great deal of success in the New Romantic era, with four of their albums reaching the top ten of the UK Albums Chart. True also gave the band their first UK number-one album and, with the album's title track, single. Kemp also performed with the band on the popular 1984 famine-relief-project song "Do They Know It's Christmas?", written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. Because of a dispute over royalties, the band split up in the early 1990s.[8][9]

Spandau Ballet announced they had reformed at a press conference on HMS Belfast on 25 March 2009.[10] The band also announced a world tour, beginning with dates in the UK and Ireland in October 2009.

Later career

[edit]

Kemp and his brother Gary returned to acting in 1990, both appearing in the British film The Krays, in which they played the notorious gangster twins Ronald and Reginald Kray. Their performances received a great deal of critical acclaim.[11][12][13] After The Krays, Martin Kemp moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s and made appearances in television series such as The Outer Limits and Highlander: The Series. He also appeared in several Hollywood films, including Waxwork II: Lost in Time (1992) and Embrace of the Vampire (1994).

In 1995, Kemp moved back to the United Kingdom and took a break from acting for a short while, recovering from removal of two benign brain tumours.[14] He resumed his acting career in 1998 when he made a guest appearance in the ITV police drama series The Bill. He went on to become popular for his role as villain Steve Owen in the BBC's top soap opera, EastEnders, from December 1998. His character was involved in some of the soap's highest-rated storylines, such as the Saskia Duncan murder and "Who Shot Phil?". By the time he left the series in 2002, he was one of the best-known faces on British television. He was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1999, when he was surprised by Michael Aspel while filming a scene for EastEnders.[15][16] Kemp won three TV Quick Awards for Best Soap Actor (2000, 2001, 2002),[17][18][19] a National Television Award for Most Popular Actor (2000)[20] and five British Soap Awards (Villain of the Year in 2000, Best Actor in 2001 and 2002, and Sexiest Male in 2001 and 2002) for his work on EastEnders.[21][22]

Kemp signed a contract with ITV in 2002 and starred in several television dramas, including The Brides in the Bath, in which he played real-life murderer George Smith, and Can't Buy Me Love opposite fellow EastEnders star Michelle Collins, which was based on a true story about a man who conned his wife and friends into believing he had won the lottery. He also starred in the short-lived crime drama series Family in 2003. From 2004 to 2007, he was the face of furniture chain ScS.[23] He starred in a low-budget British film titled Back in Business which had a limited release in a few cinemas in February 2007 and one month later was released on DVD. He founded his own production company and in March 2008 directed a low-budget 20-minute short film entitled Karma Magnet,[24] which starred his brother Gary and featured Martin's wife and son, Shirlie and Roman. This was released only online.

Kemp appeared on a celebrity special of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in January 2008 with his brother Gary to raise awareness of and funds for the Encephalitis Society. Along with his son, Kemp also featured in one edition of a factual television series for Five, Dangerous Adventures For Boys, based on the best-selling book written by Conn and Hal Iggulden, The Dangerous Book for Boys. In 2008, he appeared on the Discovery Channel television programme Chop Shop where the cast built him a gangster car. He hosted TV's 50 Hardest Men for Sky One in July 2008 and guest-starred as Mr. Burley in BBC drama series Waterloo Road. The year 2011 saw him starring as "Dr. Lawrence" in Jack Falls. In November 2011 Kemp appeared as a contestant on the second series of ITV's 71 Degrees North but quit after three days. Kemp's first feature film as director, Stalker, was released in 2011.[25]

Kemp was announced as the thirteenth celebrity to participate in the summer series of Celebrity Big Brother 2012. Kemp appeared in the final episode and was placed third on 7 September 2012.[26]

From February to April 2016, Kemp appeared as the Child Catcher in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, alongside Jason Manford, Phil Jupitus and Michelle Collins.[27]

Kemp hosted the first series of "Martin Kemp's Murder Files", aired from November 2016, on the UK TV channel Quest. The show provided detailed accounts of crimes and a step-by-step forensic analysis as to how the evil killers were eventually identified. Murderers featured on the show included the Yorkshire Ripper and the Green River Killer.

In December 2017, he appeared as Captain Hook in Peter Pan – The World's Biggest Pantomime at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham and the SSE Arena in Wembley alongside Bradley Walsh as Smee.[28]

In November 2019, Kemp and his wife released their first album together as Martin & Shirlie, titled In the Swing of It via Sony Music. The album contains duet covers of classic jazz standards plus two original songs written by their daughter Harley Moon Kemp.[29]

In June 2020, Kemp, with his son Roman premiered as hosts of the new Sunday breakfast programme for ITV, Martin & Roman's Sunday Best!. In October 2020, Kemp with his wife Shirley published Shirlie and Martin Kemp: It's a Love Story, an autobiography-cum-relationship advice book. The Kemps said the book was published in response to "growing media interest" in the couple's longlasting relationship.[30]

In February 2021, Kemp appeared in McDonald & Dodds, starring alongside Jason Watkins and Rob Brydon. On 24 March 2021, Kemp and son Roman featured in an episode of ITV's DNA Journey.[31] In April 2021, Kemp and his son Roman Kemp began presenting Martin & Roman's Weekend Best; a spin-off of Martin & Roman's Sunday Best!.[32]

In December 2021, Kemp appeared as Father Christmas as part of a government campaign to encourage people to get their coronavirus vaccinations ahead of the Christmas holidays.[33][34]

In January 2023, Kemp appeared alongside his wife Shirlie Kemp on the fourth series of The Masked Singer as "Cat & Mouse".

Personal life

[edit]

Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988.[35] Holliman is a former backing singer of the group Wham![36] and one half of the 1980s pop duo, Pepsi & Shirlie.[37] The couple have one daughter, Harley Moon and a son, Roman[38][39] (born January 1993).

He is a patron of British/Irish charity the Encephalitis Society.[40] At the time he became a patron, he confirmed that he had controlled epilepsy since the 1990s, as a result of two brain tumours.[40] Following surgery to remove the tumours, Kemp had a protective metal plate implanted over his brain under the scalp.[41] The plate is unnoticeable but not undetectable; during an appearance on the Frank Skinner Show in 2002, Kemp jokingly remarked he could never slip quietly through metal-detectors at airports, as the plate would set the alarm off.

On 20 January 2006, Kemp opened a new CT scanning suite at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands.[42]

Kemp is a lifelong Arsenal fan, having been born and raised in the Highbury area.[43]

In 2021 Kemp and his wife moved to Hertfordshire and embarked on the renovation of a Victorian property, including an extensive garden. In May 2024 they were featured in BBC's coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show.[44][45]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990 The Krays Reggie Kray
1992 Waxwork II: Lost in Time Baron Von Frankenstein
Daydream Believer Digby Olsen
1993 Aspen Extreme Franz Hauser
Desire Gordon Lewis
1994 Fleshtone Matthew Greco
Boca Reb
1995 Embrace of the Vampire Vampire
Cyber Bandits Jack Morris
1998 Monk Dawson David Allenby
1999 Sugar Town Jonesy
2007 Back in Business Will Spencer
2010 The Rapture Victor Walker
2011 Jack Falls Dr. Lawrence
How to Stop Being a Loser Zeus
2012 Strippers vs Werewolves Mickey
2013 The Best Years Simon McKnight
2015 Assassin Lee Alberts
Age of Kill Sam Blake
2020 The Loss Adjuster Lee Leicester

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1972 Jackanory Extra Unknown episode[3]
The Edwardians Extra Unknown episode[3]
Mind Where You Are Going Extra TV film[3]
1973 A Picture of Katherine Mansfield Extra Unknown episode[3]
Scribble Extra Unknown episode[3]
The Tomorrow People Extra Unknown episode[3]
Oranges and Lemons Extra Unknown episode[3]
Dixon of Dock Green Boy Episode: "Eye Witness"[3]
1975 Play for Today Lad Episode: "Rumpole of the Bailey"[3]
1976 The Glittering Prizes Graham Black Episode: "A Country Life"
1992 Growing Rich Driver All 6 episodes
1993 Highlander: The Series Alfred Cahill Episode: "Avenging Angel"
1994 Murder Between Friends Bill Fontanille TV film
1995 The Outer Limits Michael Deighton Episode: "Blood Brothers"
1996 Tales from the Crypt Lieutenant Luger Episode: "Escape"
1998 The Bill Tom Marsh Episode: "The Bus Driver's Prayer"
Supply & Demand Eddie McEwan All 6 episodes
1998–2002 EastEnders Steve Owen 324 episodes
2002 Daddy's Girl Chris Cooper TV film
2003 Serious & Organised DC Jack Finn All 6 episodes
Family Joey Cutler All 6 episodes
The Brides in the Bath George Joseph Smith TV film
2004 Where the Heart Is Ian Thorpe Episode: "Skin Deep"
Can't Buy Me Love Alan Harris TV film
2006 Agatha Christie's Marple Jackie Afflick Episode: "Sleeping Murder"
Love Lies Bleeding Mark Terry Both 2 episodes
2008 Heartbeat Mick Revill Episode: "Bully Boys"
2010 Waterloo Road Mr. Burley Episode: #6.5
2012 Hustle Harry Holmes Episode: "Picasso Finger Painting"
2016 Would I Lie To You? Himself Episode: 1 season 10
Brian Pern: 45 Years of Prog and Roll Himself 2 episodes
Birds of a Feather Vince 2 episodes
2017 Murder in Successville Himself Episode: "A Murder in Ye Olde Successville"
Father Brown Dennis Nelson Episode: "The Chedworth Cyclone"
2020 The Kemps: All True Martin Kemp TV film
2021 McDonald & Dodds Mick Elkins Episode: "The Man Who Wasn't There"
2022 The Horne Section TV Show Martin Kemp Episode 2
2023 Murder, They Hope John Episode: "Blood Actually"
The Kemps: All Gold Martin Kemp TV film

As director

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Kemp, M. (2000). True: The Autobiography of Martin Kemp. Orion. ISBN 0-7528-3264-6.
  • Kemp, Shirley; Kemp, Martin (2020). Shirlie and Martin Kemp: It's a Love Story. London: Mirror Books. ISBN 978-1913406363.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kemp, Martin. True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 12.
  2. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 18.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 20.
  4. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 21.
  5. ^ a b True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 31.
  6. ^ a b True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 39.
  7. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 46.
  8. ^ "Spandau Ballet in court over royalties". BBC News. 27 January 1999. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  9. ^ "Spandau court bid fails". BBC News. 30 April 1999. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  10. ^ "Spandau Reform for a World Tour". BBC News. 25 March 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2009.
  11. ^ "The Krays". Thespinningimage.co.uk. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  12. ^ "The Krays film review". Channel4.com. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  13. ^ "The Krays". Time Out London. Archived from the original on 23 July 2010. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  14. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 3.
  15. ^ Deans, Jason (21 October 2003). "This was your life, say BBC bosses". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  16. ^ Ramazzotti, Giorgina (4 May 2023). "When George Michael surprised an emotional Martin Kemp on 'This Is Your Life'". Smooth Radio. Global. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  17. ^ Julia Day (26 July 2001). "Martin Kemp quits EastEnders". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  18. ^ "Backstage at the Quick Awards". News.bbc.co.uk. 10 September 2002. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  19. ^ "TheCustard.tv". Thecustard.tv. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  20. ^ "National Television Awards: The winners". News.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  21. ^ "EastEnders sweeps soap awards". News.bbc.co.uk. 19 May 2002. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  22. ^ "Eastenders cleans up soap awards". News.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  23. ^ "IMDB Artist Work". IMDB. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  24. ^ "Karma Magnet". Dread Central. 18 March 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  25. ^ Helen Earnshaw (31 January 2012). "Martin Kemp Talks Stalker". Femalefirst.co.uk. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  26. ^ Wheeler, Rachael (7 September 2012). "Martin Kemp comes third in the CBB final, just as we realised we quite fancy him after all". Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  27. ^ "Martin Kemp revels in his next villainous role as The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Daily Echo. 6 February 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  28. ^ Laws, Roz (10 April 2017). "World's biggest panto is coming back to Brum with Bradley Walsh". birminghammail. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  29. ^ "Martin and Shirlie Kemp announce new album 'In the Swing of It'". Sony Music UK. 6 September 2019.
  30. ^ Halliwell, Rachel (December 2020). "Better Together". Costco Connection. Vol. 24, no. 9. Costco Wholesale UK Ltd. p. 37.
  31. ^ "DNA Journey". itv.com/presscentre. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  32. ^ "Martin and Roman Kemp make bumper return to ITV across Saturday and Sunday mornings". itv.com/presscentre. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  33. ^ "Martin Kemp transforms into Father Christmas for booster jab campaign film". Whitchurch Herald. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  34. ^ Volpe, Sam (7 December 2021). "'Book your jabs' urges Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp – while dressed as Father Christmas". Evening Chronicle. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  35. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 141.
  36. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 79.
  37. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 123.
  38. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 194.
  39. ^ "SHMR LIMITED people – Find and update company information – GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  40. ^ a b "The Encephalitis Society Newsletter" (PDF). Autumn 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2007. Retrieved 31 December 2008.
  41. ^ True: the Autobiography of Martin Kemp. p. 216.
  42. ^ "Spandau star is just the tonic". Thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  43. ^ "Lawro's Premier League and EFL Cup final predictions v Martin Kemp". BBC Sport. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  44. ^ "Martin and Shirlie Kemp's enchanting garden belongs in the Chelsea Flower Show – see new photos". Hellomagazine.com. 26 September 2023.
  45. ^ Hallam, Katy (24 May 2024). "Inside Martin Kemp's impressive home as he reveals he has 10 years to live". Birminghammail.co.uk.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Martin_Kemp&oldid=1258246652"