EASTENDERS icon Rudolph Walker is preparing to tell his life story in a brand new career move away from the soap.
The 84-year-old actor has become beloved on the BBC soap for playing Patrick Trueman, having joined the show in 2001 and remaining a resident of Albert Square ever since.
Now, he’s going to detail his life behind the cameras with a brand new memoir.
“At last!! My Autobiography ‘Walking With Dignity’ is out 26 Sept,” he wrote, adding a link to the preorder.
“I hope you enjoy. Do spread the word”
Fans were delighted at the news, vowing to get reading his memoir as soon as it hits the shelves.
“Let me go and order a copy to support uncle. Like this is literally a living legend!” one wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Such a gentleman & what a silky smooth voice. I will look out for your autobiography,” said another, while a third wrote: “A brilliant and trailblazing life. I will be reading this.”
Ricky Norwood, who played Fatboy on the soap, also shared the post and heaped praise on Rudolph, writing: “If your going to read anyone’s story.. this man’s journey is one filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, Surprises and life lessons..!
“I’m so honoured to call this man a mentor and friend x”
Rudolph Walker, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, has had a trailblazing career in acting, and has become beloved as a “TV uncle” to thousands of fans.
On top of EastEnders, he has had celebrated roles in sitcoms Love Thy Neighbour – which ran from 1972 to 1976 and followed a socialist white couple living next door to Black conservative neighbours – and Roman Atkinson police comedy The Thin Blue Line.
He’s also featured in films including 10 Rillington Place, and providing the narration for the Teletubbies in the late 90s.
Joining EastEnders in 2001, his character Patrick has been central to numerous hard-hitting stories including suffering strokes, being assaulted in his shop, and the death of his adopted son.
He is seen as a father figure to several characters, and most recently helped his wife Yolande (Angela Wynter) as she came to terms and sought justice for a sexual assault at the hands of pastor Gideon Clayton.
In 2010, to mark his 70th birthday, he launched the Rudolph Walker Foundation to help disadvantaged youths start their careers in the entertainment industry.
The foundation includes an interschool drama award across schools in London, and a Role Model award for students who have demonstrated positive influence on others.
His contributions to drama and charity resulted in him being appointed an OBE in 2006, followed by a CBE in the 2020 New Years Honours List.
