From New Romantic bassist to soap villain: the multifaceted career of Martin Kemp
In short: Martin Kemp is a rare cultural chameleon, transitioning from the synth-pop heights of Spandau Ballet to the gritty realism of British soap opera. Beyond his fame, his life has been defined by a quiet resilience in the face of significant health challenges that reshaped his trajectory and public identity.
Born in Islington in 1961, Martin Kemp began his career as a child actor before finding global fame as the bassist for Spandau Ballet. The band became synonymous with the New Romantic era, securing multiple top-ten albums and a UK number-one with their hit True. However, the group eventually disbanded in the early 1990s following a bitter royalty dispute, marking a pivotal shift in Kemp's professional life.
His pivot to acting in the 1990s proved remarkably successful, starting with his acclaimed portrayal of gangster Ronald Kray in the 1990 film The Krays. Yet, his career was interrupted in 1995 when he underwent surgery to remove two benign brain tumours. This medical crisis left him with controlled epilepsy and a protective metal plate implanted over his brain, a detail he has often discussed with characteristic humour, noting it frequently triggers airport security alarms.
Kemp returned to the spotlight in 1998, joining the BBC soap EastEnders as the villainous Steve Owen. The role cemented his status as a household name, earning him numerous accolades including multiple British Soap Awards for Best Actor and Villain of the Year. Since leaving the soap in 2002, he has maintained a diverse career as a director, television presenter, and reality show contestant.
Today, Kemp remains a fixture of British media, often appearing alongside his son, Roman, or his wife, Shirlie Holliman. Whether hosting breakfast television, performing in pantomime, or advocating for the Encephalitis Society, his career reflects a persistent ability to reinvent himself. From his early days in a print factory to his current status as a cultural icon, Kemp's journey is a testament to professional adaptability and personal endurance.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Martin Kemp
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