Derek Martin
Biography
Derek Martin was a British actor born on April 11, 1933, in Bow, London, England, UK. He served in the RAF for his National Service. Prior to acting, Martin worked as an extra and stunt performer in various programs, including Doctor Who. He retired from stunt work following an injury and transitioned to acting. Martin had a notable role as the corrupt detective Fred Pyle in the 1978 drama Law & Order. He appeared in numerous TV dramas in the following decade. Martin's acting career spanned over 50 years, with 73 known credits. He passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 92.
Career overview
Derek Martin began his acting career after retiring from stunt work. He had previously been involved in various programs, including Doctor Who, and had worked as an extra and stunt performer. Martin's entry into acting followed an injury sustained on the set of Elizabeth I in 1971.
One of Martin's notable roles was as the corrupt detective Fred Pyle in the 1978 drama Law & Order, directed by GF Newman. This marked a significant break for the actor, and he went on to appear in major roles in TV dramas throughout the following decade.
Derek Martin's acting career spanned several decades, with a total of 73 known credits. He was born on April 11, 1933, in Bow, London, England, UK. Martin passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 92.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
77 titles- Harry Hill's Tea Time (2016) as Charlie Slater
- Celebrity Coach Trip (2010) as Self
- EastEnders: Pat and Mo (2004) as Charlie Slater
- Celebrity Mastermind (2003)
- Little Britain (2003) as Self
- The Governor (1995) as Gary Marshall
- Boston Kickout (1995) as Ray Saunders
- Ready, Steady, Cook (1994) as Self - Guest
- GMTV (1993) as Self
- The Detectives (1993) as Groom's Father
- Eldorado (1992) as Alex Morris
- The Cutter (1992)
- Fiddlers Three (1991) as Detective Sergeant Stubbs
- King and Castle (1986) as Ronald King
- EastEnders (1985) as Charlie Slater
- Dempsey and Makepeace (1985) as Scott
- Big Deal (1984) as Phil Graves
- The Hope and the Glory (1984) as Club Manager
- Storyboard (1983) as Det. Sgt. Ronald King
- The Aerodrome (1983) as Provo Sgt. Peters
- Spaghetti House (1982) as Commissioner Hutchinson
- Jake's End (1982) as Corp
- Six Fifty-Five Special (1981) as Self
- The Chinese Detective (1981) as D.C.I. Berwick
- Private Schulz (1981) as Gruber
- Ragtime (1981) as Waldo's Aide No. 2
- Priest of Love (1981) as Police Sergeant
- The Gentle Touch (1980)
- The Enigma Files (1980) as Brewer
- Rifleman (1980) as Drill Sergeant
- The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980) as Museum Guard
- Dark Water (1980) as Security guard
- Minder (1979) as Cedric
- Hart to Hart (1979) as Inspector Drootin
- Shoestring (1979) as Parry
- Terry and June (1979) as Policeman
- Terry and June (1979) as Mr. Parkins
- Print-Out (1979) as Colley
- Law & Order (1978) as Fred Pyall
- Adventures of a Plumber's Mate (1978) as Motorcycle Dealer
- Another Day (1978) as Frank
- The Professionals (1977) as Renshaw
- Target (1977) as Taxi Driver
- Target (1977) as Alan Ziegler
- Candleshoe (1977) as Policeman (uncredited)
- Doctor Who: Image of the Fendahl (1977) as David Mitchell
- The Duchess of Duke Street (1976) as Ben Smythe
- The Duchess of Duke Street (1976) as Sergeant
- Bet Your Life (1976) as Jimmy
- Diversions (1976) as Escort
- The Sweeney (1975) as Spooner
- Angels (1975)
- Survivors (1975) as Cyril
- You're On Your Own (1975)
- Eskimo Nell (1975) as Floor Manager (uncredited)
- Playhouse (1974) as Reg
- Playhouse (1974) as Corp
- The Zoo Gang (1974) as Gallery Guard
- Keep It Up, Jack! (1974) as Client with Swing (uncredited)
- The Sex Thief (1973) as Doorman
- New Scotland Yard (1972) as Bill
- Upstairs, Downstairs (1971) as Heckler
- Elizabeth R (1971) as Horseman to Cecil
- Play for Today (1970) as Security Guard
- Doctor Who: Inferno (1970) as UNIT Soldier
- Paul Temple (1969)
- The Big Switch (1968) as 1st Heavy
- Softly, Softly (1966)
- Londoners (1965) as Barry
- The Counterfeit Man (1965) as Guard
- Theatre 625 (1964)
- The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) as Roustabout (uncredited)
- Doctor Who (1963) as David Mitchell
- Z-Cars (1962)
- Maigret (1960) as Extra (uncredited)
- No Hiding Place (1959)
- Dixon of Dock Green (1955) as Len Drake
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Derek Martin best known for?
Derek Martin is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Killers (2010), Flipper (1963), Rain Man (1988), Year of the Jellyfish (1984).
When and where was Derek Martin born?
Derek Martin was born on April 11, 1933 in Bow, London, England, UK. They passed away on January 10, 2026.
How many credits does Derek Martin have?
Derek Martin has accumulated over 77 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1955 to 2016.
What is Derek Martin's background in cinema and television?
Derek Martin was a British actor born on April 11, 1933, in Bow, London, England, UK. He served in the RAF for his National Service. Prior to acting, Martin worked as an extra and stunt performer in various programs, including Doctor Who. He retired from stunt work following an injury and transitioned to acting. Martin...
Derek Martin by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Doctor Who: Inferno (1970) as UNIT Soldier — aged about 37
- The Sweeney (1975) as Spooner — aged about 42
- The Duchess of Duke Street (1976) as Ben Smythe — aged about 43
- The Duchess of Duke Street (1976) as Sergeant — aged about 43
- Survivors (1975) as Cyril — aged about 42
- Doctor Who (1963) as David Mitchell — aged about 30
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