EastEnders Star Derek Martin And Son David Rapp Die Days Apart

The world of British television is in mourning following the devastating news that David Rapp, son of beloved EastEnders actor Derek Martin, has died just days after his father’s passing. This double tragedy has left friends, colleagues, and fans reeling, as both men were known for their warmth, humor, and the indelible marks they left on those around them.

Derek Martin, who was best known for his role as the affable taxi driver Charlie Slater on the BBC’s long-running soap EastEnders, died earlier this month in hospital at the age of 92, as reported by Metro and the Daily Mail. His portrayal of Charlie Slater, the devoted patriarch of the Slater family, instantly cemented him in the hearts of millions of viewers. Martin’s character was known for his unwavering loyalty to his family, a trait many say mirrored the actor in real life. "Charlie would do anything for his family, and much like his character, Derek would do the same for those around him. Derek was deeply loved by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness," an EastEnders spokesperson said in a statement, according to Metro.

Shockingly, it was confirmed on January 22, 2026, by BBB Talent Agency that David Rapp, Derek’s son, had also passed away. The agency, where David worked representing TV stars, models, and musicians in Scotland, posted on social media: "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." The cause of David’s death has not been disclosed.

David Rapp was with his father when Derek passed away, a fact confirmed in both agency statements and media reports. The deep bond between father and son was evident not only in their personal lives but also in their public discussions about mental health, a topic that affected both men profoundly.

Derek Martin had previously spoken candidly about his son’s battle with severe depression. In a 2016 interview for the mental health campaign Time To Change, as cited by the Daily Mail, he reflected on the challenges of understanding and supporting David through his struggles. "When it first came out that he had depression, David my son, it was all completely new to me. As I said I’ve heard people saying they’ve got depression. You just thought ‘Well take a tablet it’ll be alright.’ Or in David’s case he was 18 I thought to myself, teenager, being a bit bolshie, bit full of himself. You just naturally at my age would think that. And it’s only that when I was more enlightened and as the years have gone on that we now talk and we’ve got it to a point where I understand exactly certain days are good days, certain days are not good days."

David himself described the difficulties of living with depression and the challenges of communicating its reality to loved ones. "For me the hardest thing is not only dealing with the illness but also dealing with the reaction to the illness and when you’ve got close family members putting on you that you can just snap out of it or this or that. And it’s not like that. If it was that easy you would just snap out of it," David explained, as quoted by the Daily Mail. He added that open dialogue and understanding from his father had helped him cope: "Certainly by talking and to an extent educating by letting my dad know what it’s like and giving him the understanding, he was able to better help me cope with what I was going through."

Their personal journey with mental health was echoed in the fictional world of EastEnders. Derek’s character, Charlie Slater, was closely involved in storylines dealing with mental illness, particularly when his granddaughter Stacey was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2009. In a 2016 interview with Lorraine, Derek remarked, "I was going to work and Stacey in the storyline had bipolar and depression, and we couldn’t make out what it was [in the storyline], and then I’d go home, and there was my son, who I’d been worried about during the day that he was okay, suffering from severe depression too. So I had it fictionally and I had it practically." This parallel between Derek’s on-screen and off-screen life resonated deeply with viewers and brought attention to the complexities of mental illness.

Derek Martin’s career was as colorful as it was varied. Born in Bow, east London in April 1933, he served in the Royal Air Force and worked in a host of jobs—including digging roads, working in factories, motor racing, and professional gambling—before turning to acting. He began his career as a stuntman, appearing in several episodes of Doctor Who, but after an injury filming Elizabeth R in 1971, he shifted to acting full-time. Over the next five decades, Martin became a familiar face on British television, with notable roles in Z-Cars, The Sweeney, Minder, Bergerac, The Bill, and even Little Britain.

However, it was his role as Charlie Slater in EastEnders from 2000 to 2011—and in guest appearances until 2016—that made him a household name. Charlie arrived in Walford with his mother-in-law Mo Harris and his four daughters, quickly becoming a central figure in one of the soap’s most iconic families. The character’s warmth, humor, and steadfastness made him a beloved fixture, and Martin’s portrayal earned him admiration from colleagues and fans alike.

Outside of acting, Derek Martin was a passionate golfer and football fan. He was also a member, and former King Rat, of the Grand Order of Water Rats, an entertainment charity founded in 1889. Fellow members paid tribute to him following his death, with Ian Richards writing on Facebook, "A genuinely warm and funny man whose company always had me rolling in laughter, his massive charity work, largely unreported, but never dismissed by those who knew him well. RIP Derek, the world is a sadder place without you."

Derek Martin’s family has requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time. His agent, Sharon Henry, summed up the feelings of many: "For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film. It was a privilege to be a part of his creative journey in a career which included highlights such as Law And Order for the BBC and two series of The Governor produced by La Plante Productions. He is best known for his role on EastEnders, where he cherished his time portraying Charlie Slater. Derek was a devoted father, a generous member of the charitable Water Rats, avid golfer and all-around good man who will be greatly missed."

As tributes continue to pour in for both Derek Martin and David Rapp, their legacy of kindness, resilience, and openness about mental health will not soon be forgotten. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding—both on screen and off.