Eastenders legend Ross Kemp pays tribute to ‘hero’ dad, who died at 88
Ross Kemp has announced the sad news that his beloved dad, John Kemp, has died at the age of 88. The EastEnders legend, 61, paid tribute to his late dad in a moving post on social media ahead of his funeral, describing John as his “hero and role model”, reports The Mirror.
Alongside a black-and-white photograph of his father in his army uniform, Ross wrote: “John Kemp 1937–2025. “Served his country, served his community, served his family. My hero. Love you always, Dad.”
The actor and documentary-maker from Barking also reflected on some of his father’s best qualities, adding: “Burying my Dad tomorrow. My hero, my role model and a great dancer!”
The heartfelt message drew an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues. Ross’s former EastEnders co-star James Farrar wrote: “Mate. What beautiful words. For a beautiful bloke.”
Patsy Palmer added: “Sending love to you & your family.” Coronation Street actress Lucy-Jo Hudson told Ross: “So sorry to hear your sad loss x”
John, who served in the Metropolitan Police, had a big influence on Ross’s life. The actor was born in Barking, Essex, where he grew up with his mum Jean, a hairdresser, and his dad John, a detective.
He once joked: “I take after both my parents – I can grill you, then I can ask where you’re going on your holiday.” Ross also shared his earliest memory of realising what it was his dad did for a living, saying: “I didn’t really realize he was a copper until I was a bit older. He just went to work in a suit, but I realised soon enough when I saw him come home with a gun under his armpit.”
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