Martin Kemp

Learn about Martin Kemp—the English musician, actor, and television personality. From Spandau Ballet bassist to his defining soap role and beyond, explore his life, achievements, challenges, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Martin John Kemp (born October 10, 1961) is an English musician, actor, and television personality best known for his role as the bassist in the 1980s new wave / New Romantic band Spandau Ballet, and later for his high-profile role as Steve Owen in the British soap EastEnders. Over the years, he has diversified into acting, directing, presenting, and public appearances, building a multifaceted career in entertainment.

Early Life & Background

Martin Kemp was born in Islington, North London, to parents Frank and Eileen Kemp. Rotherfield Junior School and later Central Foundation Boys’ School in Islington.

From a young age, he was involved in acting. At age 7, he joined the Anna Scher Theatre children’s drama club—alongside his brother Gary Kemp—and appeared in early television roles (such as Jackanory, The Tomorrow People, Dixon of Dock Green). The Glittering Prizes, acting opposite Tom Conti and Nigel Havers.

He left school at 16 and briefly worked in a print factory, but found it unfulfilling, and gradually gravitated toward music and acting full time.

Musical Career – Spandau Ballet

Though primarily drawn to acting in childhood, Kemp’s trajectory shifted when his brother’s band needed a bassist. At Steve Dagger’s suggestion (manager of Gary’s band the Gentry), Martin learned to play bass in about three months and joined the group. Spandau Ballet, embracing the New Romantic / new wave movement of the early 1980s.

Spandau Ballet released several successful albums. Their 1983/1984 hit “True” became one of their signature songs and gave them broad recognition. Band Aid 1984 and the charity single “Do They Know It's Christmas?” with the band.

However, due to disputes over royalties, Spandau Ballet disbanded in the 1990s.

Acting & Television Career

Breakthrough Role: The Krays & Hollywood Stints

In 1990, Martin and his brother Gary starred as the infamous Kray twins in the British biographical crime film The Krays. This was a landmark acting turn for both brothers.

He then moved for a period to Los Angeles, where he took on roles in TV shows like The Outer Limits and Highlander: The Series, and films such as Waxwork II: Lost in Time (1992) and Embrace of the Vampire (1994).

EastEnders & Soap Opera Fame

Martin Kemp is perhaps best known in the UK for playing the character Steve Owen on the BBC soap EastEnders from 1998 to 2002.

During his time on EastEnders, he won TV Quick Awards for Best Soap Actor (2000–2002), a National Television Award for Most Popular Actor (2000), and British Soap Awards (Villain of the Year, Best Actor, Sexiest Male).

After leaving EastEnders, Kemp continued acting in British dramas and TV films. Roles include The Brides in the Bath (playing real-life murderer George Smith), Can't Buy Me Love, Serious & Organised, Family (2003 crime drama), and others.

He also branched into presenting and documentary work. From November 2016, he hosted Martin Kemp’s Murder Files, a show on Quest outlining criminal investigations.

As director, his works include the short Karma Magnet (2008) and feature film Stalker (2010).

In more recent years, he has appeared in TV shows like McDonald & Dodds (2021) and worked with his family on presenting projects.

Personal Life & Challenges

Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman (formerly of Pepsi & Shirlie, backing singers for Wham!) since 14 November 1988. Harley Moon and Roman Kemp.

Kemp has faced health challenges: in the mid-1990s, he was diagnosed with two benign brain tumours. Following surgery, a protective metal plate was implanted over his skull under the scalp.

He is a patron of the Encephalitis Society, aligning with his personal experiences of neurological health.

He is also known to be a lifelong Arsenal fan, having grown up in the Highbury area.

In 2024, Martin and his son Roman reflected in a media piece on their relationship, emphasising that he aimed for an egalitarian father-child dynamic rather than a purely hierarchical one.

Legacy & Influence

• Cross-disciplinary success: Few entertainers in the UK have bridged a high-profile music career and a mainstream television acting persona as successfully as Kemp.

• Iconic soap character: His role as Steve Owen remains one of EastEnders’ most memorable antagonists.

• Resilience: His health struggles and continued activity in entertainment show determination and adaptability.

• Family branding: His children, especially Roman Kemp, have become public figures, extending the family’s presence in UK media.

• Public openness: Kemp’s willingness to share his health journey and advocate through patronage gives public meaning to personal adversity.

Memorable Quotes & Insights

While Kemp is not primarily known for philosophical quotes, a few remarks and attributed sentiments illustrate his outlook:

• Kemp once jested that because of his skull plate, he “could never slip quietly through metal-detectors at airports.” (reflecting his humor about his post-surgery life)

• In interviews, he has spoken about family, fatherhood, and aiming for an “equal” relationship with his children—avoiding strict top-down parenting.

• His long marriage and public collaborations with his wife reflect a belief in partnership, shared creativity, and mutual respect.