Martin Kemp Net Worth: Wiki, Biography, Music & Acting Career

How much is Martin Kemp net worth? The EastEnders star and Spandau Ballet bassist has a net worth of $4 million.

Martin Kemp is a British musician, actor, and television personality best known for his role as the bassist in the iconic 1980s band Spandau Ballet and his portrayal of Steve Owen in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.

With a career spanning over four decades, Kemp has successfully transitioned from music to acting, overcoming personal challenges and remaining a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Martin Kemp Net Worth

Martin Kemp, the English actor and musician, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Born in Islington, London, in October 1961, Kemp is widely recognized for his role as Steve Owen in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (1998–2002). He is also the bassist of the iconic band Spandau Ballet.

Beyond EastEnders, Kemp has had recurring roles in TV series such as Growing Rich, Supply & Demand, and Serious and Organised. His performance in EastEnders earned him multiple accolades, including four British Soap Awards, a National Television Award, and three TV Quick Awards.

As a musician, Kemp gained fame with Spandau Ballet, a band that was active from 1979 to 1990 before reforming in 2009. Their debut studio album, Journeys to Glory (1981), marked their arrival on the music scene, while True (1983) became a chart-topping success in the UK, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Their 1984 album, Parade, reached #1 in Italy and the Netherlands. The band is known for hits like To Cut a Long Story Short, Chant No. 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On), True, Gold, and Only When You Leave.

In his personal life, Martin Kemp married singer Shirlie Holliman in 1988. He also took part in the 2012 edition of Celebrity Big Brother, finishing in third place. His diverse career across music, television, and reality TV has cemented his status as a well-known figure in British entertainment.

Martin Kemp Early Life & Background

Born on October 10, 1961, in London, England, Martin Kemp grew up in Islington, alongside his older brother Gary Kemp, who would later become the guitarist and main songwriter for Spandau Ballet. Raised in a working-class family, he attended Anna Scher Theatre School, where he first developed an interest in performing arts. His early exposure to drama and music played a significant role in shaping his future career.

Martin Kemp Music Career with Spandau Ballet

Martin Kemp’s rise to fame began in the late 1970s when his brother Gary invited him to join a band that would later become Spandau Ballet. With Martin on bass guitar, the band quickly became one of the defining acts of the New Romantic movement in the UK.

The group achieved massive success in the 1980s, producing hit songs like:

• True (1983) – One of their most famous ballads, reaching No. 1 in the UK and the US Top 10.
• Gold (1983) – A global anthem that remains widely recognized.
• Through the Barricades (1986) – A politically inspired hit that showcased the band’s evolving sound.

Spandau Ballet enjoyed commercial success until their initial breakup in 1990. Despite tensions, they reunited in 2009 for a highly publicized world tour and later released new material. Their music remains a staple of 1980s pop culture.

Acting Career

After Spandau Ballet disbanded in 1990, Kemp transitioned into acting. His first major role came in The Krays (1990), a biographical crime film where he starred alongside his brother Gary as the infamous London gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray. The film was a success and established Martin as a serious actor.

His most notable acting role came in 1998, when he joined the cast of EastEnders as Steve Owen, a villainous nightclub owner. Kemp’s portrayal of Steve earned him widespread recognition and a British Soap Award for Best Actor. His character was central to several dramatic storylines before being killed off in 2002.

Aside from EastEnders, Kemp has appeared in various films and TV series, including crime dramas, thrillers, and guest roles on British television.

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Filmography

Film

Television Filmography

Personal Life

Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988. Holliman is a former backing singer for Wham! and one half of the 1980s pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie. The couple has two children: a daughter, Harley Moon, and a son, Roman, born in January 1993.

Kemp has been open about his health struggles, revealing that he developed controlled epilepsy in the 1990s due to two brain tumors. After undergoing surgery to remove the tumors, he had a protective metal plate implanted over his brain. Though unnoticeable, he has humorously mentioned that it sets off airport metal detectors. He is also a patron of the Encephalitis Society, a British-Irish charity.

On January 20, 2006, he inaugurated a new CT scanning suite at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, West Midlands.

A devoted Arsenal fan, Kemp grew up in Highbury, the club’s historic home.

In 2021, Kemp and his wife relocated to Hertfordshire, where they took on the renovation of a Victorian property, including an extensive garden. Their efforts were featured in the BBC’s coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2024.

Health Challenges

In the mid-1990s, Kemp faced a major personal challenge when he was diagnosed with two brain tumors. He underwent surgery and extensive treatment, eventually making a full recovery. His battle with illness and recovery further endeared him to the public.

On a personal level, Kemp married Shirlie Holliman (of Wham! and Pepsi & Shirlie) in 1988. The couple has two children, including Roman Kemp, a popular radio presenter and television personality.

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Television & Reality Shows

Kemp has become a familiar face on British television, often appearing on reality shows and entertainment programs. Some of his notable appearances include:

• Celebrity Big Brother (2012) – He finished as runner-up.
• The X Factor UK (2012) – Served as a guest mentor alongside his brother and Spandau Ballet bandmates.
• Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best (2020-2021) – A father-son talk show with his son, Roman Kemp.

He has also hosted and participated in various documentary-style programs, further solidifying his status as a beloved media personality.

Directing & Other Ventures

Kemp has also ventured into directing, showcasing his creative vision behind the camera. In 2018, he directed the crime thriller Stalker, marking another milestone in his career. He continues to work in television and film, both in front of and behind the camera.

Legacy & Influence

With a career spanning over 40 years, Martin Kemp has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His contributions to music through Spandau Ballet, his gripping performances in films and television, and his enduring presence in British pop culture have cemented his legacy. He remains an inspiration to aspiring musicians and actors alike.

Martin Kemp Networth Conclusion

From his early days as a musician to his success as an actor and TV personality, Martin Kemp has navigated a remarkable career with resilience and versatility.

Overcoming personal and professional challenges, he continues to engage audiences with his talent and charisma. Whether through music, acting, or television, Kemp’s influence on British entertainment remains undeniable.

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