Derek Thompson (actor) facts for kids

Derek Thompson (born 4 April 1948) is a British actor and former singer. He is best known for playing Charlie Fairhead in the long-running BBC medical drama Casualty. He played this role for 38 years, starting in 1986.

About Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has a twin sister. When they were teenagers, they formed a singing duo called Elaine and Derek. They recorded several albums and EPs together. Later, they formed a folk trio called Odin's People.

Early Acting Career

Derek Thompson started acting in films and TV shows in the 1960s. One of his first films was Gonks Go Beat in 1965. In the 1970s, he appeared in many plays at the National Theatre in London.

He became a familiar face in BBC and ITV dramas. He appeared in shows like Softly, Softly and Play for Today. He also had roles in films such as Yanks (1979), Breaking Glass (1980), and The Long Good Friday (1980). Before joining Casualty, he played DS Jimmy Fenton in the police drama The Gentle Touch. He also appeared in Brookside in 1983.

Playing Charlie Fairhead in Casualty

Derek Thompson began playing Charlie Fairhead in Casualty in 1986. This role made him very famous. He was the last original cast member on the show until he left on 16 March 2024.

During his time on Casualty, he met his wife, Dee Sadler. She was an actress who played a character in an episode of the show's second series. Derek played Charlie for over 30 years. His character took a six-month break in 2004, which was his longest absence from the show. In his later years, he was allowed a few months off from filming each year. He also played Charlie Fairhead in the spin-off shows Holby City and HolbyBlue.

In 2023, it was announced that Derek Thompson would be leaving Casualty after 38 years. His final episode aired in March 2024.

Family Life

Derek Thompson is married to Dee Sadler. They have a son together. He also has an older son from a previous marriage.

Derek Thompson has a condition called dystonia. He became a patron of the Dystonia Society in 2006. This means he supports the charity that helps people with dystonia.

Theatre Work

Most of Derek Thompson's theatre work was in London between 1975 and 1985. He performed at famous theatres like the National Theatre, Garrick, Half Moon, and Old Vic.

• Strawberry Fields
• WC/PC
• The Bells of Hell
• The Garden of England
• Serjeant Musgrave's Dance
• The Cherry Orchard
• The Passion
• Dispatches
• The Mysteries
• Weapons of Happiness
• Lavender Blue
• Has Washington Legs
• School for Scandal

Film Roles

Television Roles