Todd Carty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Carty
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Carty in 2009 at Wendy Richard's funeral service
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| Born |
Todd Robert Carty
31 August 1963 |
| Nationality | British Irish |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1967–present |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Partner(s) | Dina Clarkin (1990–present) |
| Children | 2 |
Todd Carty (born Todd Robert Carty; 31 August 1963) is a well-known British actor and director. He has been acting since he was a child, appearing in many TV shows, films, and stage plays. People know him best for his roles as Tucker Jenkins in Grange Hill and Tucker's Luck. He also played Mark Fowler in EastEnders and PC David Kent in The Bill.
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Early life
Todd Carty was born in Willesden, London. His mother was from Limerick, Ireland. When Todd was nine, his mother married Thomas Jennings, who later adopted Todd. Todd's name was then legally changed to Todd John Jennings. Because of his mother, Todd is a citizen of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. He grew up in different parts of London, including Kilburn and Harrow on the Hill. He has two younger sisters. Todd went to the Phildene Stage School in Chiswick.
Career
Starting out in acting
Todd Carty's first TV appearance was in a commercial for Woolworths when he was just four years old. He also appeared in other adverts and public safety films. One of these was with Jon Pertwee, who played Doctor Who.
His first professional stage role was in a musical called Lionel!. However, Todd became famous for playing Tucker Jenkins in the BBC children's show Grange Hill. He was on the show from 1978 to 1982. He then starred in a spin-off series called Tucker's Luck from 1983 to 1985.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Todd also appeared in other TV shows like Z-Cars. He was in films too, such as Please Sir! (1971) and Professor Popper's Problem (1974). In 1983, he played Oswyn in the fantasy film Krull.
Big roles in EastEnders and The Bill
In 1990, Todd Carty took over the role of Mark Fowler in the popular BBC show EastEnders. He played Mark for 13 years, becoming one of the show's longest-serving male actors. In 2002, it was decided that Mark's story would end. Todd made his last appearance as Mark in February 2003, riding away on his motorbike. The character later passed away off-screen in 2004.
After leaving EastEnders, Todd joined the ITV show The Bill in 2003. He played PC David Kent until 2005.
Other TV and film work
Todd Carty has appeared in many other films and TV shows. In 1997, he was in The Black Velvet Band with his former EastEnders co-star Nick Berry.
In 2000, Todd was featured on This Is Your Life, a TV show that celebrates famous people. His family and friends, including actress Wendy Richard, were guests.
After The Bill, Todd acted in films like Treasure of Albion (2006) and The School that Roared (2009). He also helped direct The School that Roared. In 2010, he appeared in the film Blame.
He has also guest-starred in TV series like Heartbeat, Holby City, and Doctors.
In 2003, Todd returned to Grange Hill for one episode as Tucker Jenkins. He came back again for the show's 30th birthday special in 2008, appearing in the very last episode of Grange Hill.
In 2008, Todd and his older son, James, filmed a TV series for Channel 5 called Dangerous Adventures For Boys. It was based on a popular book. James, who was 11 at the time, became the youngest person to drive a steam train on a long track in North Yorkshire.
In 2014, Todd was a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef, a cooking competition show.
Dancing on Ice
Todd Carty took part in the TV show Dancing on Ice in 2009. He was partnered with professional skater Susie Lipanova. The judges often criticized his skating skills. In one famous moment, Todd lost control and stumbled off the ice, leaving Susie to skate alone for a bit! Despite this, the public loved him and voted for him to stay. He was finally eliminated in the fifth round.
He also returned for the "All-Stars" series of Dancing on Ice in 2014.
Radio, presenting, and stage work
Todd has worked on many radio dramas, including Les Misérables. He has also done voiceovers and narrated documentaries.
In 1989, he played Tucker again in a musical stage version of Grange Hill. He has also toured the UK in plays like The Business of Murder. Todd and Wendy Richard (who played his TV mum in EastEnders) presented a show called 50 Greatest Families on Sky One in 2008.
Pantomimes
Todd Carty has appeared in many pantomimes, which are fun, musical stage shows often performed around Christmas. He played Ali Baba in Aladdin and Buttons in Cinderella. He also starred as King Rat in Dick Whittington several times. In 2019, he played Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
Directing and producing
Todd Carty and his partner, Dina Clarkin, have their own film production company called Swordfish Productions. In 2007, Todd started directing episodes of the BBC soap opera Doctors. He also directed his first feature film, The Perfect Burger, in 2010.
Personal life
Todd Carty lives in Muswell Hill, north London. He has been with his partner, Dina Clarkin, since 1990. Dina is an actress, writer, and film producer. They have known each other since they were children because their parents were friends. They have two sons, James and Thomas. Todd has said that Dina is his soul mate.
