Ram John Holder facts for kids

John Wesley Holder (born 2 February 1934), known as Ram John Holder, is an actor and musician from Guyana and Britain. He started his career as a singer in New York City. In 1962, he moved to England. Ram John Holder has acted on stage, in movies, and on TV. He is most famous for playing Augustus "Porkpie" Grant in the TV show Desmond's and its spin-off, Porkpie.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Ram John Holder grew up in Georgetown, Guyana, during the 1940s and 1950s. His parents were very religious members of the Pilgrim Holiness Church. He learned to play the guitar well, influenced by his family and the church's music. In the early 1950s, he decided to leave the strict church. He changed his name to "Ram" John and began performing as a folk singer in New York City.

Ram John Holder's Acting Career

In 1962, Ram John Holder came to London. He first worked as a musician with Pearl Connor's Negro Theatre Workshop. Later, he started acting with them. He performed in many famous London theatres. These included the National Theatre and the Donmar Warehouse. He also acted at the Bristol Old Vic.

Early Film Roles

His first big movie role was in Two Gentlemen Sharing (1969). He played a dancer named Marcus. This film was about relationships between different races in London. John Boorman then cast him as a preacher in the comedy movie Leo the Last (1970). This movie was also about race relations. Ram John Holder also sang songs in this film. He played a preacher again in the movie Pressure (1975). He had a small role as a poet in My Beautiful Laundrette (1985). He also appeared in The Passion of Remembrance (1986).

Famous TV Roles

Ram John Holder played Augustus "Porkpie" Grant in the TV comedy Desmond's. This show was written by Trix Worrell. It was shown on Channel 4 from 1989 to 1994. Later, he got his own TV show called Porkpie. This show was shorter, but Porkpie was a very popular character. His spin-off show helped bring more Black British characters to comedy TV.

In 2006, Holder joined the cast of EastEnders. He played a character named Cedric Lucas. His last stage role was in 2006. He played Slow Drag in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom in Manchester. In 2017, he appeared in Death in Paradise. He played Nelson Myers, the father of PC Dwayne Myers. He returned for more episodes in 2018 and a Christmas special in 2024.

He also appeared in the children's TV show The Story of Tracy Beaker. He played 'Flying' Freddie Mercer. In 2008, he was in the BBC drama The Invisibles. He also had a role in the movie Song for Marion. This film starred Vanessa Redgrave and Terence Stamp.

Ram John Holder appeared in the 2022 movie Your Christmas or Mine?. He was also in its sequel, Your Christmas or Mine 2, in 2023. In late 2023, Holder joined the TV show Coronation Street. He played Ernest ‘Sarge’ Bailey until early 2024.

Music Career and Albums

Ram John Holder has continued to work as both an actor and a musician. He has recorded several music albums. These include Black London Blues (1969) and Bootleg Blues (1971). He also released You Simply Are... (1975) and Ram Blues & Soul. He has released many singles too. He has also contributed to music for movies and TV shows. For example, he sang three songs for the movie Take a Girl Like You (1970).

Discography

Albums

• Blues+Gospel+Soul (Melodisc Records, 1963)
• Black London Blues (Beacon Records, 1969)
• Bootleg Blues (Beacon Records, 1971)
• You Simply Are... (Fresh Air, 1975)

Singles

• "I Need Somebody" (B Side: "She's Alright"), Columbia, 1967
• "My Friend Jones" (B Side: "It Won't Be Long Before I Love You"), Columbia, 1967
• "I Just Came To Get My Baby" (B Side: "Yes I Do"), Beacon, 1968
• "Goodwill To All Mankind" (B Side: "Goodwill Sermon"), Upfront, 1969
• "Battering Ram, The People's Man" (B Side: "A London Ghetto"), Fresh Air, 1973
• "Battering Ram" (B Side: "London Ghetto"), Fresh Air, 1975

Awards and Recognition

Ram John Holder was given a special award in 2021. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award was for his great work in drama and music.

Personal Life

Ram John Holder is related to the jazz singer Frank Holder. Frank Holder is his cousin.

See also

• Desmond's
• Down to Earth
• List of Black Britons
• List of characters from Eastenders
• Porkpie