EastEnders star Ross Kemp has announced the passing of his beloved father, John Kemp, at the age of 88. The actor, 61, paid an emotional tribute ahead of his father’s funeral, describing him as his ‘hero and role model.’

The former EastEnders legend, who is best known for playing hardman Grant Mitchell, took to social media to share the sad news with his

followers, alongside touching photographs celebrating his father’s life and service.‘John Kemp 1937 – 2025. Served his country, served his community, served his family.

 

 

The tribute was accompanied by a photograph of John on the beach, smiling and relaxed, a heartfelt reminder of the man Ross clearly admired deeply.

In a separate post, Ross shared a black-and-white image of his father in military uniform, taken during his time serving in the British Army. Alongside the image, Ross added another emotional caption:

 

 

‘Burying my Dad, tomorrow. My hero, my role model and a great dancer!’

The messages prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow actors, with many praising Ross for his moving words and the obvious pride he took in his father’s life of service.

 

 

John Kemp’s life was one of dedication to his country, community, and family. While Ross did not share details of his father’s passing, his tributes made clear the profound impact John had on shaping his son’s values and character.

 

 

Ross has often spoken about the influence his father had on him, both personally and professionally. Known for portraying one of soap’s most iconic characters, Grant Mitchell, Ross has also built a distinguished career as a documentary filmmaker and journalist, producing hard-hitting series such as Ross Kemp in Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World.

Those projects often saw him spending long periods away from home, something he has said gave him a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve, including his father and grandfather before him.

Earlier this year, Ross explored his family’s past for the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, where he uncovered astonishing details about his maternal great-grandfather, Arthur ‘Pop’ Chalmers.

In the episode, Ross discovered that Pop had been shipwrecked during World War II after his troop carrier, the Duchess of York, was bombed 300 miles off the coast of Portugal en route to Algeria in 1943.

While many soldiers perished, Pop survived the attack and was rescued after drifting for hundreds of miles. He was eventually taken to Casablanca, the nearest Allied-controlled port, some 700 miles away.

Reflecting on his ancestors’ ordeal, Ross said:

‘I’ve been on my own in the water for a period of time, and it’s frightening, you start to hallucinate. I’ve been lost at sea twice when I was diving and got separated from the boat. The second time, I spent nine hours in the water with a crispy head from the sun.
Of course, it’s nothing like what Pop would have gone through, with the horrors of oil in the water, flames, dead men floating around you.’

The emotional episode drew parallels between Ross’s own career, often involving danger and time away from loved ones, and the experiences of his great-grandfather.