Rudolph Walker Interview

Guests News September 18, 2019

Rudolph Walker

Mastermind | Saturday mornings 09.00 – 11.00

Rudolph Walker OBE is a highly respected actor with over 60 years’ experience in theatre, films and television. He is currently acting in one of Britain’s best loved soaps. Born on the multicultural Caribbean twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago, the eldest of three and the only son of a very strict mother increased Rudolph’s sensitivity and empathy towards women bringing out a driving ambition to succeed, in the hope of supporting his family.

With the aim of furthering his career he left the island at the age of 20 in 1960. He had been planning to go to the United States, where he had connections, but actor Errol John — who had already migrated to Britain but was in Trinidad doing a play — convinced him to go to the UK, where the training was superior.

He gained a national profile as Bill in the 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour (co-starring fellow Trinidadian Nina Baden-Semper). He is currently best known as Patrick Trueman in the BBC One TV soap opera EastEnders, in which he has acted since 2001.

Rudolph was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006 for his services to drama.

On his 70th birthday, he launched a new foundation, The Rudolph Walker Foundation, whose aims include helping to provide opportunities and incentives for disadvantaged youths starting out on an entertainment career. The Foundation administers his inter-School Drama Award (iSDA), competed for by schools across the UK. In addition, Rudolph Walker’s Role Model Award (RWRMA) is presented to outstanding students who have contributed something special like demonstrating positive leadership, a good influence to their peers and others, and a role model within the school.

Rudolph also tirelessly supports many other charities including the Sickle Cell Society, Prostate UK, the ACLT and is a patron of Haven’s Hospices & The Stroke Association.

Listen back to the whole interview below.

To find all the latest with Rudolph and his foundation check out his website
RWISDA.COM