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.
‘My Hero. Love You Always Dad.’
In a heartfelt post shared to Instagram, Ross wrote:
‘John Kemp 1937 – 2025. Served his country, served his community, served his family.
My hero. Love you always Dad.’
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.
A life of service and inspiration
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.
Ross expressed empathy for Pop’s long absence from his family during the war, saying it made him reflect on his own sacrifices as a journalist and actor.
‘I felt a sadness that Pop hadn’t been there for his wife and daughter,’ he explained. ‘He left at the start of the Second World War in 1939 and didn’t come back until 1946, because part of his job after the war ended was to load tanks back onto ships and get them back to the UK.
I’ve spent too much time away myself and it makes you feel slightly selfish, even though I’m doing a job, as was Pop.’
Remembering a father and a legacy
Ross’s reflections on his family history now take on a deeper meaning following the loss of his father, a man he clearly viewed as both an inspiration and a moral compass.
As he prepares to lay his father to rest, the actor’s simple yet powerful words have resonated deeply with fans who have followed his journey from soap stardom to documentary filmmaking.
‘My hero. Love you always, Dad.’
