My journey on earth began on the morning of 28 September 1939, in the beautiful multicultural twin-island country of Trinidad and Tobago, where I was raised by my family, played cricket and had my first acting roles, before leaving my home and family at the age of 20 in 1960 to further my career.
Originally, I had been planning to go to the United States, where I had connections, but actor Errol John — who had already migrated to Britain but was in Trinidad doing a play — convinced me to go to the UK, training at night classes at the City Literature Institute in Holborn.
Trinidad shores – where I can still call home too
Carmen, also known as “Mother”
Sisters, Francilla & Veronica, also known as “Eileen and Dawn
Sweet Parlour – is this where the sweet tooth came from
The trusted 2-wheeler – there were no gears in those days!
The security of a government printing job
The boys liming, always looking out for mother
“Coming to England” 1960 ship crossing - seizing the opportunity to perform
My digs , where Blacks, Irish and Dogs were welcomed!
Swapping sand for snow to showbiz…
I was fortunate to be one of the first Black actors to be seen regularly on British television, the first Black actor to appear and to have equal billing in a major British TV series, this being playing Bill Reynolds in the 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour (1972-76, co-starring fellow Trinidadian Nina Baden-Semper). This started a long and varied acting career working in film, on stage, aas well as television which you can see in full below.
My current role since 2001 playing Patrick Trueman in the BBC series EastEnders, has seen me play the recognisable, hat tilting, rum drinking character everyone loves – for which I was honoured with the coveted 2018 British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement and nominated for Best Actor in 2015. Another honour bestowed, collecting a National Television Award for Serial Drama on behalf of EastEnders cast and crew in 2013.
PC Frank Gladstone in The Thin Blue Line
King Mulamboa in King Ralph
Some of my most notable appearances have included Constable Frank Gladstone alongside Rowan Atkinson in The Thin Blue Line (1995–1996), Doctor Who, The War Games (1969), and several episodes of Empire Road (1979).
I was in the first episode of the ITV sitcom On the Buses, The Early Shift (1969), and the first episode of Mr. Bean as “The Examiner” (1990). I provided voiceovers for the British and American versions of Teletubbies (1997–2001). One of my personal favourites was my role as barrister Larry Scott in the 1985 BBC series Black Silk, by Mustapha Matura and Rudy Narayan.
My feature film credits that I’m particularly proud of is are 10 Rillington Place (1971), my debut, Bhaji on the Beach (1993), and Ali G Indahouse (2002).
On stage I particularly enjoyed appearing in the first production of Mustapha Matura’s Play Mas at the Royal Court Theatre (1974); playing the titular character in stage productions of Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by David Thacker and Charles Marowitz; Caliban in a production of The Tempest directed by Jonathan Miller; and Gower in David Thacker’s Pericles, Prince of Tyre (1989).
Below are the credits for my career including Television, Film, Voiceover and Theatre:
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1966
The Witches
Mark
Uncredited
Year
Title
Role
Notes
1965
The Wednesday Play
Policeman
Fable
1965
Larry Presday
4 episodes
1997-2001
Male Voice Trumpet
(voice)
Opening and Closing
Narrations (voice)
UK/USA Versions
USA Version
2020
Patrick Trueman
Cameo appearance
Charity crossover between
Coronation Street and
EastEnders
Industry awards include:
Year
Award
Category
Result
2002
Best Soap Newcomer
NOMINATED
2014
Best Actor
NOMINATED
I am humbled by the awards I have been bestowed with during my career, some of my proudest moments include being the subject of This Is Your Life in 1999, when I was surprised by Michael Aspel on my 60th birthday at Lord’s cricket ground.
My proudest professional moment is being honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2006 Birthday Honours for services to drama and made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to drama and charity due to the work of the Rudolph Walker Foundation.
Rudolph Walker… CBE! | Behind the Scenes | EastEnders
This is your life – Rudy Walker – Thames Television (1999)
The One Show – Rudolph Walker VT
Perseverance Wins our family’s mission and instilled into the mission of the foundation, is to enable people to work hard and to create a loving and supportive home where every member feels valued and respected.
As the only son of my hard-working mother Carmen, and under the guiding matriarchy of my four aunties Ada, Margery, Millicent and Merle, brought out a driving ambition to succeed, in the hope of supporting my family.
Both my family and the foundation live in the principles of open communication, but also a place to love and be loved, to cultivate a sense of belonging whilst allowing our brothers and sisters to be whoever they choose to be.
My entire family have shaped who I am and we strive to explore the world, celebrate milestones, and build lasting memories, united by love and unwavering support for one another.
One of my mottos in life!!!
For the love of cricket & family!!
Securing the triple in family afros
Delights of seeing my children evolving
With Derek Walcott, author of The Odyssey
My teacher, an aunty & inspiration
wrapped up as Miss Alcantara
