Martin Kemp Biography: Martin John Kemp born 10 October 1961 is an English actor and musician, best known as the bassist for the new wave band Spandau Ballet and for portraying Steve Owen in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He is the younger brother of Gary Kemp, who is also a Spandau Ballet bandmate and actor. In 2012, Martin placed third on the tenth series of Celebrity Big Brother, and in 2017, he served as a judge on the BBC talent show Let It Shine.
Martin Kemp Biography
Martin Kemp, born on October 10, 1961, in Islington, London, England, is an accomplished actor and director, recognized for his work in Stalker (2010), EastEnders (1985), and The Krays (1990). He gained fame in the 1980s as the bassist for the pop band Spandau Ballet, performing alongside his older brother Gary Kemp, who played guitar, keyboards, and served as the band’s primary songwriter.
Martin Kemp Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Martin John Kemp
10 October 1961 Islington, London, England
|
|---|---|
| Education | Central Foundation Boys’ School |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Television | EastEnders (1998–2002) |
| Spouse |
Shirlie Holliman
(m. 1988) |
| Children | Harley Moon Kemp, Roman Kemp |
| Relatives | Gary Kemp (brother) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Martin Kemp
Martin John Kemp is an English musician and actor, best known as the bassist in the new wave band Spandau Ballet and for his role as Steve Owen in EastEnders. He is the younger brother of Gary Kemp, who is also a member of Spandau Ballet and an actor.
Martin Kemp Personal Life
Other members of the group included Tony Hadley, John Keeble, and Steve Norman. Martin has been married to Shirlie Kemp (formerly of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie and a backing vocalist for Wham!) since November 14, 1988. The couple has two children. Their relationship began thanks to mutual friend George Michael, who introduced them—Shirlie was a longtime backing singer for him and remained close to the singer throughout his life.
Martin Kemp Wiki
- Born: 10 October 1961 (age 63 years), Highbury, London, United Kingdom
- Children: Roman Kemp, Harley Moon Kemp
- Spouse: Shirlie Holliman (m. 1988)
- Parents: Frank Kemp, Eileen Kemp
- Siblings: Gary Kemp
Early Life
Martin Kemp was born in Islington, North London, to parents Frank and Eileen Kemp. He attended Rotherfield Junior School and, from the age of seven, joined the Anna Scher Theatre drama club alongside his brother Gary. During his time there, he appeared in various television programs, including Jackanory, The Tomorrow People, and Dixon of Dock Green. One of his final roles with the theatre group was in an episode of the BBC drama The Glittering Prizes in 1976, acting alongside Tom Conti and Nigel Havers. Kemp later attended Central Foundation Boys’ School in Islington. After finishing school at 16, he briefly worked as an apprentice in a print factory, though he quickly grew disillusioned with the job and moved on.
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Islington, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Children | Two: Harley Moon Kemp and Roman Kemp |
| Estimated Net Worth | $4 million |
Career Highlights
Kemp’s music career began in earnest when Steve Dagger, manager of Gary’s band the Gentry, invited Martin to replace the bassist. Determined to succeed, he learned to play bass guitar in just three months and joined the band for a college gig. The Gentry later evolved into Spandau Ballet, a defining act of the 1980s New Romantic movement. With hits like “True” and participation in Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, Spandau Ballet became a cultural phenomenon. Despite disbanding in the 1990s due to royalty disputes, the band reunited in 2009 for a world tour.
Martin further cemented his place in British pop culture with his role as Steve Owen in EastEnders, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of the troubled nightclub owner. In film, he starred alongside Gary in The Krays (1990), a biopic about the infamous gangster twins. His performance was well-received and demonstrated his range as an actor.
Current Relevance and Recent Activity
In recent years, Martin Kemp has continued to connect with audiences across various media. In 2019, he and his wife Shirlie Kemp released their first collaborative album, In the Swing of It. The album features a mix of classic jazz standards and original tracks penned by their daughter, Harley Moon Kemp, highlighting the family’s creative synergy. Martin teamed up with his son, Roman Kemp, to co-host the ITV Sunday morning show Martin & Roman’s Sunday Best!. The program showcased their on-screen chemistry and further solidified their presence as a dynamic family duo in British television.
Personal Life and Relationships
Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Kemp (née Holliman) since 1988. Shirlie gained fame as a backing vocalist for Wham! and one-half of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie. Together, they have two children: Harley Moon, a singer-songwriter, and Roman, a well-known TV and radio presenter. The Kemp family continues to be a prominent force in the UK entertainment scene.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Band and Family Ties: Martin rose to fame with Spandau Ballet, where his older brother Gary Kemp served as lead guitarist and principal songwriter. Their close collaboration became a hallmark of the band’s success.
- Early Acting Experience: Despite his achievements in music, Martin’s roots lie in acting. As a child, he attended the Anna Scher Theatre drama club and appeared in various TV shows, demonstrating his early talent for performance.
- Dual Career Success: Martin is among the few entertainers who have successfully balanced a high-profile music career with an equally successful acting career, particularly noted for his role in EastEnders.
- Iconic EastEnders Role: His portrayal of nightclub owner Steve Owen became one of the most memorable in the show’s history. The dramatic on-screen death of his character was a major media moment and remains a standout storyline in British soap opera lore.
- Enduring Pop Culture Presence: Beyond music and acting, Martin remains a familiar face in pop culture, regularly participating in charity events, documentaries, and reality TV. His popularity spans generations.
- Family in the Spotlight: Martin’s children are continuing the family legacy in entertainment—Roman is a leading figure in radio and TV, while Harley Moon is making her mark in music and songwriting.
Charity Work and Public Impact
Martin Kemp has long used his public platform to support charitable causes. A key area of focus is cancer research, a cause made personal after surviving life-threatening brain tumors and undergoing surgery in 1995. Over the years, he has actively participated in numerous fundraising efforts, supporting organizations focused on children’s welfare, poverty relief, and health awareness. His dedication to philanthropy highlights his commitment to using fame for positive social impact.
Future Plans and Cultural Legacy
Looking ahead, Martin Kemp remains deeply involved in upcoming projects in both television and music. His collaborations with his wife and son have proven especially popular, and fans are eager for more family-focused ventures. Martin’s influence on pop culture continues to resonate. His ability to adapt and thrive in various entertainment genres—music, television, film, and presenting—makes him a role model for aspiring artists.
With a career spanning decades, he stands as a true cultural icon, recognized for his talent, versatility, and enduring connection with the public. From 1980s music stardom to modern-day TV presence, Martin Kemp’s lasting legacy is a testament to his evolution as an entertainer and his ongoing relevance in the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Martin Kemp Net Worth 2025
Martin Kemp’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. His financial success stems from a multifaceted career that includes music, acting, television presenting, endorsements, and sponsorship deals. He remains active in the entertainment industry, consistently contributing to his sustained visibility and income.
FAQs
How rich is Martin Kemp?
| Born | October 10, 1961 |
| Hometown | Islington, United Kingdom |
| Net worth | $4 million |
| Height | 6’0″ (1.83m) |
Did Martin Kemp have a brain tumour?
Martin Kemp first noticed a concerning lump on the back of his head over 20 years ago. Following an MRI scan, doctors at the time discovered that he had two brain tumours.
Is Martin Kemp epilepsy?
Actor and musician Martin Kemp has lived with epilepsy since he underwent brain surgery in 1995, and is passionate about raising awareness of the condition.
Could Martin Kemp actually play bass?
Kemp learned to play bass in three months and performed for the first time with the Gentry at a college party.
Has Martin Kemp had surgery?
After discovering the tumours in the ’90s, Martin underwent radiotherapy followed by surgery, which included the insertion of a metal plate under his scalp. He returned to his acting career in 1998 when he joined EastEnders as businessman villainous businessman Steve Owen.
Does Martin Kemp still sing?
Can Martin Kemp sing? Yes! Although Martin is most well known for being the bassist in Spandau Ballet, he has an amazing singing voice and lent his vocals to some of the band’s biggest songs like ‘True’. Martin also sang on the album ‘In The Swing Of It’ alongside his wife Shirlie.