Ross Kemp shared the heartbreaking news of his father, John Kemp’s passing at 88 years old. The renowned EastEnders star, aged 61, expressed his deep admiration for his late father in a touching social media post ahead of the funeral. Accompanied by a poignant black-and-white photo of John in his army attire, Ross honored his father, referring to him as his “hero and role model.”
Describing John as someone who served his country, community, and family, Ross’s emotional post garnered an outpouring of support and condolences from fans and colleagues. Colleague James Farrar praised Ross’s moving tribute, while Patsy Palmer and Lucy-Jo Hudson also extended their sympathies to the grieving family.
John, a former Metropolitan Police officer, played a significant role in shaping Ross’s life. Ross, born in Barking, Essex, shared fond memories of his father’s profession and humor, highlighting the impact John had on him. Despite his father’s law enforcement background, Ross chose to pursue his passion for acting instead, landing notable roles such as Graham Lodsworth in Emmerdale.
In a recent episode of BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, Ross emotionally explored his family’s military history, shedding tears as he learned about his ancestors’ sacrifices. Beyond his television career, Ross is a staunch advocate for the armed forces, a cause possibly influenced by his father’s service. Last year, he trained with the Gurkhas to raise funds for charity, emphasizing the importance of remembering and supporting those affected by military service-related trauma.