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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Niamh Spence

Inside EastEnders' Patrick Truman star's life - Teletubbies role and refusal to retire

EastEnders actor Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick Trueman, has been a longstanding member of the BBC soap's cast since he joined in September 22001.

The actor has been a firm fixture in Albert Square and is most often found dealing with Pearl Fox and Denise Fox as drama in Watford unfolds. A key member of the soap's dramatic storylines, even at 83 years old Rudolph is showing no signs of disappearing from TV screens.

Outside of the BBC soap, actor Rudolph has led a vivid life including three marriages, emigrating from Trinidad in the 1960s and taking a lead role in Love Thy Neighbour as well as building an impressive film career and setting up his own charity foundation to support young people getting into the arts.

In 2009 on his 70th birthday Rudolph set up his own charity to support young people in the arts with The Rudolph Walker Foundation (Getty Images)
The actor has appeared in various films as well as narrating the American version of children's TV show Teletubbies (WireImage)

In his private life, Rudolph has been married three times. He first wed wife Lorna Ross in 1968 with the pair becoming parents to two children before later divorcing.

Next, he wed Dounne Alexander MBE in 1998, with the marriage lasting 18 years before the pair split in 2016.

He then wed wife Evalngeline Vincent, who he is still happily married to today.

Outside of soapland, Rudolph has built an impressive career in TV including roles in films like 10 Rillington Place, King Ralph and Let Him Have It.

It's not all acclaimed drama and soap storylines for Rudolph either, as the star has also lent his skills and distinctive voice to narration for the American version of children's TV show Teletubbies.

Despite being 83 years old, Rudolph is showing no signs of slowing down or exiting Albert Square. Speaking to Metro last year, he said: "Retiring? What’s that?! No, I enjoy it, I enjoy being there, I enjoy working."

He added: "I’m sure there are going to be storylines that are going to come up, having been here for a number of years. I’m sure there are exciting things in the pipeline.

"Of course I can’t reveal if there’s anything coming up!"

Outside of acting, Rudolph has also expressed his charitable side as he set up The Rudolph Walker Foundation in 2009 to help disadvantaged youth to get a career in the arts.

Created on his 70th birthday, the charity helps "to provide inspirational role models and positive activities which empower young people to overcome the obstacles which they may face in life, and build positive futures, as limitless as their imaginations."

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