Derek Thompson (actor) facts for kids

Derek Thompson (born 4 April 1948) is a British actor and former singer. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is best known for playing Charlie Fairhead in the popular BBC medical drama Casualty. He played this role from the show's start in 1986 until he left in 2024. He also played Jeff in the movie The Long Good Friday.

Early Life and Music

Derek Thompson was born in Belfast. He has a twin sister named Elaine Johns. When they were teenagers, they formed a singing duo called Elaine and Derek. They recorded several albums and EPs together, singing in harmony. In 1961, they released an album on the Parlophone record label.

Later, Derek, Elaine, and Larry Johns formed a folk trio called Odin's People. They recorded two singles in 1967. Derek also appeared in the film Gonks Go Beat in 1965.

Acting Career Begins

In the mid-1960s, Derek worked as a Stage Manager at the Nonentities Theatre in Kidderminster. From 1976, he started acting in many early plays at the National Theatre in London.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Derek Thompson became a familiar face in TV dramas on BBC and ITV. He appeared in shows like Softly Softly and Play for Today. He had a big role in Harry's Game, where he played a character on the run. He also played characters in action thrillers like The Price and Wild Geese II.

During this time, Derek also had small roles in films such as Yanks (1979) and Breaking Glass (1980). He played Jeff in the successful movie The Long Good Friday. Before joining Casualty, he was a regular character, DS Jimmy Fenton, in the police drama The Gentle Touch. He also had a small role in Channel 4's Brookside in 1983.

Playing Charlie Fairhead in Casualty

Derek Thompson began playing Charlie Fairhead in Casualty in 1986. Casualty is a long-running TV show about the staff and patients in a hospital's emergency department. The next year, he met his future wife, Dee Sadler, who was an actress playing a guest role on the show.

Derek played Charlie for over 30 years, making him the last original cast member on the show until he left in March 2024. In 2004, his character took a six-month break, which was his longest time away from the show. In his later years on Casualty, he was allowed a few months off from filming each year.

Besides Casualty, he also played Charlie in the spin-off shows Holby City and HolbyBlue. In 2017, it was reported that Derek Thompson was one of the BBC's highest-paid actors. In 2023, it was announced that he would be leaving Casualty after 38 years. His final episodes aired in March 2024.

Family Life

As of 2010, Derek Thompson and his wife, Dee, lived in a rented flat in Bristol. They also own a house in Brixton. They have a son together. This son even appeared as a baby in a 1990 episode of Casualty. Derek also has an older son from his first marriage to Christine, who is a theatre director.

Derek Thompson has a condition called dystonia. In 2006, he became a patron (a supporter) of the Dystonia Society.

Theatre Work

Between 1975 and 1985, Derek Thompson performed in many plays in London. He worked mainly for the National Theatre, but also at other famous theatres like the Garrick and Old Vic.

Film and Television Roles

Derek Thompson has had many roles in both films and television shows throughout his career.

Film

Television