Rudolph Walker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rudolph Walker CBE
Walker in 2009
Born	Rudolph Malcolm Walker (1939-09-28) 28 September 1939 (age 85) San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago
Citizenship	Trinidad and Tobago United Kingdom
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1964–present
Known for	Love Thy Neighbour (1972–1976); The Thin Blue Line (1995–1996); EastEnders (2001–present)
Spouse(s)	Lorna Ross ​ ​ (m. 1968, divorced)​
Children	2

Rudolph Malcolm Walker (born 28 September 1939) is a famous actor from Trinidad and Tobago, who also has British citizenship. He is well-known for his roles in popular TV shows like Love Thy Neighbour and The Thin Blue Line. Many people also know him as Patrick Trueman from the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders, a role he has played since 2001.

Rudolph Walker also lent his voice to the British and American versions of the children's show Teletubbies. Besides acting, he runs The Rudolph Walker Foundation, a charity that helps young people who are facing challenges to find jobs in the entertainment world. In 2021, he was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions.

Early Life and Moving to the UK

Rudolph Walker was born on 28 September 1939 in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago. He started acting when he was just eight years old, performing in plays at his primary school. Later, he became the youngest member of the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, a famous acting group led by Derek Walcott.

When he was 20, in 1960, Rudolph decided to leave Trinidad to pursue his acting dreams. He had planned to go to the United States, but another actor named Errol John convinced him that the acting training in the UK was better. So, Rudolph moved to Britain to continue his career.

Rudolph Walker's Acting Career

Rudolph Walker's first TV role was in a British show called The Wednesday Play in 1965. He became famous for his funny roles in comedies like Love Thy Neighbour and The Thin Blue Line, which also starred Rowan Atkinson. He also appeared in the movie Ali G Indahouse.

Rudolph was one of the first black actors to regularly appear on British television. He was very proud of his role in Love Thy Neighbour, a show that ran for seven years from 1972 to 1976. He also had a part in the very first episode of the popular sitcom Mr. Bean in 1990.

Since 2001, Rudolph Walker has played the character Patrick Trueman in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. This role has made him a household name. In 2002, he won the best actor award at the Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards for his work on EastEnders. He also appeared in a spin-off series called EastEnders: E20 in 2010. From 2003 to 2005, he played the grandfather in another BBC sitcom called The Crouches.

Even though he has done a lot of TV work, Rudolph has also acted in several movies, including 10 Rillington Place and Bhaji on the Beach. On stage, he has performed in many plays, including famous ones by William Shakespeare like Othello and The Tempest. He also voiced characters and narrated parts of the children's TV series Teletubbies for both the UK and USA versions.

In 2018, Rudolph Walker received the Outstanding Achievement Award at The British Soap Awards, celebrating his amazing career.

Special Recognitions

Rudolph Walker has received high honors for his work.

• In 2006, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to drama. This is a special award given by the British monarch to recognize people who have made a big difference in their field.
• In 2020, he was further honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to drama and charity. This is an even higher honor, showing his significant impact.

The Rudolph Walker Foundation

On his 70th birthday, Rudolph Walker started The Rudolph Walker Foundation. This charity aims to help young people who might not have many opportunities to get into the entertainment industry. The Foundation runs a special drama award competition for schools across London called Rudolph Walker's inter-School Drama Award (RWiSDA).

The Foundation also gives out Rudolph Walker's Role Model Award (RWRMA) to students who show great leadership and are positive role models for their friends and school community.

Film Roles

Television Roles

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Rudolph Walker para niños