Ram John Holder facts for kids

Ram John Holder (born John Wesley Holder on February 2, 1934) is a talented Guyanese-British actor and musician. He started his career as a singer in New York City. Later, in 1962, he moved to England. Ram John Holder is famous for playing Augustus "Porkpie" Grant in the TV show Desmond's. He also starred in a spin-off series called Porkpie.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Growing Up in Guyana

Ram John Holder grew up in Georgetown, Guyana, during the 1940s and 1950s. His parents were very religious and belonged to the Pilgrim Holiness Church. They were also very musical, which inspired him. He became skilled at playing the guitar from a young age.

Starting His Music Career

In the early 1950s, Ram John Holder decided to follow his own path. He changed his name to "Ram John" and began performing as a folk singer. His first performances were in New York City.

Acting Career Highlights

Moving to London and Stage Work

In 1962, Ram John Holder moved to London. He joined Pearl Connor's Negro Theatre Workshop. He started there as a musician, but soon began acting too. He performed in many famous London theatres. These included the National Theatre and the Donmar Warehouse.

Film Roles and Appearances

Ram John Holder has appeared in many films. His first big film role was in Two Gentlemen Sharing (1969). He played a dancer named Marcus. He also appeared in Leo the Last (1970) as a preacher. He even sang songs in that movie.

Other films he appeared in include Pressure (1975) and My Beautiful Laundrette (1985). He played a Jamaican barber in The Calcium Kid (2004). More recently, he was in Your Christmas or Mine? (2022) and its sequel Your Christmas or Mine 2 (2023).

Television Fame: Desmond's and Beyond

Ram John Holder became very well-known for his role as Augustus "Porkpie" Grant. He played this character in the popular TV show Desmond's. This show was on Channel 4 from 1989 to 1994. Porkpie was a favorite character among viewers.

After Desmond's, Ram John Holder got his own TV show called Porkpie. Even though this show was short, it helped bring more Black British characters to comedy on TV.

Recent TV Appearances

In 2006, Ram John Holder joined the cast of EastEnders. He played a character named Cedric Lucas. He also appeared in the children's show The Story of Tracy Beaker. In this show, he played 'Flying' Freddie Mercer.

In 2017, he appeared in an episode of Death in Paradise. He played Nelson Myers, the father of PC Dwayne Myers. He returned to the show for more episodes in 2018 and a Christmas special in December 2024. In November 2023, he joined Coronation Street as Ernest ‘Sarge’ Bailey until January 2024.

Music Career

Ram John Holder has always continued his music career alongside acting. He has released several albums over the years. These include Black London Blues (1969) and Bootleg Blues (1971). He has also released many singles. His music has been featured in films and TV shows. For example, he contributed three songs to the film Take a Girl Like You (1970).

Honours and Recognition

In 2021, Ram John Holder received a special award. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This honor was given to him for his great contributions to drama and music.

Personal Life

Ram John Holder is related to another talented musician. He is the cousin of jazz singer Frank Holder.

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

See also

• Desmond's
• Porkpie