Martin Kemp is an English actor and musician best known for playing Steve Owen in the television drama EastEnders. Alongside his brother Gary Kemp, he built Spandau Ballet into an iconic New Romantic band while maintaining a varied screen career.
This feature examines his acting credits, business ventures, and public persona through a detailed profile table and dedicated sections on his key work. Read on to understand his professional trajectory and ongoing influence.
| Name | Martin Kemp |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Born | 10 October 1961, Islington, London, England |
| Primary Profession | Actor, musician, producer |
| Most Famous Role | Steve Owen in EastEnders (1998–2002) |
| Notable Films | Final Cut (1999}, The Last of the Mohicans (1992), The Body (2012) |
| Business Interests | Property, design, and lifestyle ventures with wife Shirlie Herman |
Early Career and Television Breakthrough
Martin Kemp began his career in music, rising to fame as the bassist for Spandau Ballet in the 1980s. Transitioning to acting in the early 1990s, he appeared in films such as The Last of the Mohicans and TV projects that showcased his screen presence.
His breakthrough on television arrived with the role of Steve Owen in EastEnders, a morally complex character whose storylines captivated audiences. This role solidified his status as a leading man in UK drama and expanded his marketability as an actor.
Film Work and Genre Diversity
Thriller and Crime Roles
Beyond soap opera, Martin Kemp built a credible filmography in thrillers and crime dramas. Projects such as Final Cut demonstrated his ability to carry a narrative as a morally ambiguous protagonist.
Supporting Performances and International Projects
He has also taken supporting roles in international productions, working in period pieces and contemporary stories. These choices highlight his range and willingness to step outside comfort zones for compelling material.
Business Ventures and Design Work
Together with his wife Shirlie Kemp, he has developed a portfolio of interior design and property projects. Their company focuses on high-end residential work and branded lifestyle offerings that reflect their aesthetic and entrepreneurial drive.
This commercial activity complements his creative career, providing stability and expanding his public profile beyond entertainment. The ventures are frequently featured in lifestyle media, reinforcing his status as a working actor and businessperson.
Personal Branding and Media Presence
Martin Kemp maintains a visible public presence through talk shows, documentaries, and social platforms. He discusses music, acting, and business, often emphasizing authenticity and long term partnership with Shirlie.
His candor about personal challenges and career decisions resonates with audiences, supporting ongoing relevance in an evolving media landscape. This intentional branding helps him attract new projects and retain industry respect.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Develop signature roles that showcase range, as demonstrated by Martin Kemp in both villain and vulnerable characters on screen.
- Invest in complementary businesses, such as design and property, to create income streams aligned with personal brand.
- Maintain public relevance through consistent, authentic media engagement without overexposure.
- Leverage existing creative networks to open doors in adjacent fields like producing and mentoring.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did Martin Kemp gain widespread recognition?
Martin Kemp gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Steve Owen in the long running television series EastEnders, where he played a complex, charismatic character that dominated storylines in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
What are his most notable film roles besides EastEnders?
Besides EastEnders, notable film roles include The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Final Cut (1999), and The Body (2012), showcasing his range in thrillers, period dramas, and contemporary narratives.
What kind of business activities is Martin Kemp involved in?
He is actively involved in property development and interior design through projects with his wife Shirlie, building a lifestyle brand that blends design, renovation, and high end residential work. He balances these areas by scheduling projects deliberately, leveraging his music background for branding, and aligning business ventures with personal values, which allows him to sustain a long term career in both entertainment and entrepreneurship.