Brief Introduction of Martin Kemp
Martin John Kemp is a highly accomplished English personality, renowned for his multifaceted career as a musician, actor, director, and broadcaster. He first rose to international prominence in the 1980s as the charismatic bassist for the new wave band Spandau Ballet, a defining group of the New Romantic era. Following the band’s initial split, Kemp seamlessly transitioned into a successful acting career, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of notorious gangster Reggie Kray alongside his brother Gary Kemp in the 1990 film “The Krays”. His fame reached new heights with his role as the villainous Steve Owen in the popular BBC soap opera “EastEnders,” a character that made him a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Over the decades, Martin Kemp has demonstrated remarkable versatility and resilience, overcoming significant health challenges to remain a prominent and beloved figure in British entertainment. His enduring appeal is a testament to his talent, charm, and the strong family values he publicly shares with his wife, Shirlie Holliman, and their two children.
Martin Kemp Overview
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1961 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 64 |
| Birthplace | Islington, London, England |
| Profession | Musician, Actor, Director, Broadcaster |
| Husband/Wife | Shirlie Holliman (married 1988) |
| Family | Parents: Frank and Eileen Kemp; Brother: Gary Kemp; Children: Harley Moon Kemp (daughter), Roman Kemp (son) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available, married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988. |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $4 million (£3.1 to £3.2 million) |
Early Life and Education of Martin Kemp
Martin John Kemp was born in Islington, North London, to parents Frank and Eileen Kemp. Growing up in a working-class household, he and his older brother, Gary, were encouraged to explore their creative talents from a young age. At the age of seven, both brothers enrolled at the renowned Anna Scher Theatre drama club, which provided them with their first taste of acting. This early training led to appearances in various television shows, including “Jackanory” and “The Tomorrow People”. Kemp attended Rotherfield Junior School and later Central Foundation Boys’ School in Islington. After leaving school at sixteen, he briefly undertook an apprenticeship at a print factory but soon realized his passion lay elsewhere. It was this desire for a more creative path that led him to fully embrace the world of music, setting the stage for his future success.
Martin Kemp’s Career
Martin Kemp’s career is a dynamic journey that spans over four decades, marked by phenomenal success in both music and acting. His ascent to stardom began in 1979 when he became the bassist for the band that would soon be known as Spandau Ballet, alongside his brother Gary. The band was at the forefront of the New Romantic movement, achieving global recognition with hits like “True,” “Gold,” and “Through the Barricades.” They sold over 25 million albums worldwide and became one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s. Spandau Ballet’s influence extended to participating in the historic 1984 Band Aid charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.
Following a dispute over royalties, Spandau Ballet disbanded in 1990, prompting Martin to pivot towards his other passion: acting. He and his brother Gary delivered critically acclaimed performances as the infamous gangster twins in the 1990 film “The Krays”. This role established Martin as a credible actor and opened doors for him in Hollywood. During the early 1990s, he appeared in American television series such as “The Outer Limits” and “Highlander: The Series,” as well as films like “Waxwork II: Lost in Time” (1992) and “Embrace of the Vampire” (1994).
After a hiatus to recover from health issues, Kemp made a triumphant return to the screen in 1998, taking on the role of the charming yet menacing Steve Owen in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders”. This role made him one of the most recognizable faces on British television and garnered him numerous awards, including Most Popular Actor at the 2000 National Television Awards and several British Soap Awards. His character was central to some of the show’s most dramatic storylines before making a memorable exit in 2002. Post-“EastEnders,” Kemp continued to act in various television dramas for ITV, including “The Brides in the Bath” and “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
In 2009, Spandau Ballet reunited for a successful world tour, much to the delight of their dedicated fanbase. In recent years, Martin Kemp has embraced a variety of roles in the entertainment industry. He has participated in reality television shows like “Celebrity Big Brother” and “Celebrity Gogglebox” with his son Roman. He has also worked as a presenter and DJ, hosting popular “Back To The Eighties” nights across the UK. Together with his wife Shirlie, he released a joint album titled “In the Swing of It” in 2019, and they have also co-authored a book about their enduring relationship.
Martin Kemp Personal Life & Family
Martin Kemp’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, largely due to his long-standing and seemingly idyllic marriage to Shirlie Holliman. Holliman, herself a singer known for her work with Wham! and as one half of the duo Pepsi & Shirlie, has been married to Kemp since 1988. Their love story is one for the ages; they were famously introduced by their mutual friend, the late George Michael, who also became the godfather to their children. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in St. Lucia.
The couple has two children: a daughter, Harley Moon (born in 1989), who is a photographer, director, and singer-songwriter, and a son, Roman (born in 1993), who has carved out a successful career as a popular television and radio presenter. The Kemp family is known for their close-knit bond, often appearing together in various media projects and sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Martin and his son Roman, in particular, have a close relationship and have co-hosted television shows and a podcast.
A significant part of Martin’s personal story is his battle with health issues. In 1995, he was diagnosed with two benign brain tumours. The subsequent surgery and radiotherapy were successful, but the experience had a profound impact on his life, leaving him with epilepsy and dyslexia. He has spoken openly about this challenging period, crediting the support of his family and his role on “EastEnders” as crucial to his recovery. Martin is also a patron of the Encephalitis Society, using his platform to raise awareness for brain-related health conditions.
Awards and Achievements of Martin Kemp
- TV Quick Award for Best Soap Actor (2000, 2001, 2002)
- National Television Award for Most Popular Actor (2000)
- British Soap Award for Villain of the Year (2000)
- British Soap Award for Best Actor (2001, 2002)
- British Soap Award for Sexiest Male (2001, 2002)
Martin Kemp Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Martin Kemp’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, which is approximately £3.1 to £3.2 million. His wealth is the culmination of a long and varied career in the entertainment industry. His primary sources of income have been his successful music career with Spandau Ballet, which includes record sales and touring, and his extensive work as an actor in both film and television. His role in “EastEnders” was particularly lucrative and significantly raised his public profile. In addition to these, Kemp has earned income from various other ventures, including reality television appearances, directing, writing books, and DJing. He has also been involved in endorsements and other media projects that have contributed to his overall net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Martin Kemp has carved out a lasting legacy in British popular culture, making significant contributions to both music and television. As a member of Spandau Ballet, he was instrumental in shaping the sound and style of the 1980s New Romantic movement, influencing a generation of musicians and fashion enthusiasts. The band’s classic hits remain staples on the radio and at events, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
In the realm of acting, Kemp’s portrayal of Steve Owen in “EastEnders” is widely regarded as one of the most iconic villainous performances in the history of British soap operas. His ability to transition from a pop star to a respected actor showcased his versatility and opened the door for other musicians to pursue acting careers. His public battle with brain tumours and his subsequent recovery have also been a source of inspiration for many, highlighting his resilience and determination. Today, Martin Kemp is seen as a charismatic and down-to-earth personality, a dedicated family man, and a versatile entertainer who has successfully navigated the highs and lows of a life in the public eye.
Interesting Facts about Martin Kemp
- He learned to play the bass guitar in just three months before his first performance with the band that would become Spandau Ballet.
- He and his brother Gary are not twins, despite playing the famous Kray twins in the film “The Krays”.
- Following his brain surgery in the 1990s, a protective metal plate was implanted over his brain.
- He was a judge on the BBC talent show “Let It Shine” in 2017.
- He has co-authored an autobiography and a relationship advice book with his wife, Shirlie.
- In 2023, he and Shirlie appeared as “Cat & Mouse” on the reality singing competition “The Masked Singer”.
Controversies
While Martin Kemp has largely maintained a positive public image throughout his career, he has not been entirely without controversy. The most significant of these was the royalty dispute that led to the initial breakup of Spandau Ballet in the early 1990s. This disagreement resulted in a court case and a period of estrangement within the band. Additionally, during his time on “EastEnders,” the intense hatred for his villainous character, Steve Owen, sometimes spilled over into his real life. He has spoken about being physically accosted in public by individuals who couldn’t separate the actor from the character.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: Information not disclosed.
- Twitter: Information not disclosed.
- YouTube: Information not disclosed.
Final Words about Martin Kemp
Martin Kemp’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent, ambition, and perseverance. From the heady days of 1980s pop stardom with Spandau Ballet to his reinvention as a critically acclaimed actor and beloved television personality, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to connect with audiences across different mediums. His career has been characterized by a willingness to embrace new challenges, whether it be taking on iconic acting roles, directing, or sharing his life with the public through reality television and books. Beyond his professional achievements, his enduring marriage to Shirlie Holliman and his close relationship with his children have solidified his image as a relatable family man. Having overcome significant personal adversity with grace and fortitude, Martin Kemp continues to be a respected and active figure in the British entertainment landscape, with his legacy as both a musical and screen icon firmly cemented.
