British actor, Derek Thompson who is best known for portraying Charlie Fairhead in the long-running BBC television medical drama series, Casualty since 1986 will be leaving the show after 38 years.
Representing as a nurse Charlie Fairhead since 1986, has become a fan favorite. Well, due to his illness, he was diagnosed with dystonia, a neurological movement disorder that causes uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle movements.
Besides, his appearance in the medical drama series, Casualty, Thompson is also known for his performance as Jeff in the gangster film, The Long Good Friday.
Well, having a remarkable career as an actor, people are curious to know about Derek Thompson’s personal and professional life.
Derek Thompson Bio
| Full Name | Derek Thompson |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Age | 75 years old |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Parents | Father: Not Known Mother: Not Known |
| Siblings | Twin sister: Elaine Johns (nee Thompson) |
| Years active | 1961-present |
| Nationality | British |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Spouses | Christine (m. 1967, div. 1978) Dee Sadler (m. 1989) |
| Children | 2 |
Derek Thompson Age and Family
Derek Thompson was born on April 7, 1948, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As of 2024, he is currently living in his mid-70s i.e., 75 years of age.
He grew up along with his twin sister, Elaine Johns. However, the information regarding his parents is not disclosed.
During their teenage, Derek and his sister used to sing together as a duo, Elaine and Derek.
Together, they recorded four albums in 15 EPs and released one eponymously titled on the Parlophone label in 1961.
In 1967, they formed the folk trio Odin’s People with Larry Johns and recorded two singles.
Derek Thompson Acting Career
Derek began his acting career in the mid-1960s working as a stage manager in the Nonentities Theatre in Kidderminster.
Since the late 1970s, he began to appear in BBC and ITV drama series including Softly Softly, Play for Today, and Rock Follies of 77.
Thompson made a breakthrough appearance in Harry’s Game playing the lead role of an IRA gunman.
Similarly, Derek had some minor film roles in Yanks (1979) and Breaking Glass (1980).
Derek Thompson in Casualty
In 1986, Derek Thompson began portraying the role of a nurse Chalie Fairhead in Casualty. He played the role for 38 years and was the last remaining character from the original cast members.
However, Thompson ended his role on 16 March 2024. He was the BBC’s highest-paid actor earning between £350,000 and £400,000 over the last financial year.
His leaving from the Casualty was aired in March 2024 at the conclusion of a special two-part episode.
Derek Thompson Wife and Children
Derek Thompson met his wife, Dee Sadler on the set of Casualty in 1987. Sadler played the role of Maggie in an episode of Casualty’s second series.
The couple were married in 1989 lived in a rented flat in Briston and owns a house i Brixton.
Derek and Dee welcomed a son, Charlie who also appeared as a baby in one 1990 episode of Casualty.
Derek has an older son from his previous marriage to Christine, a theatre director.
Derek Thompson Illness
British actor, Derek Thompson suffered from dystonia and was diagnosed when he was 61 years old.
According to NHS, dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle movements.
Common symptoms encompass uncontrollable muscle cramps, spasms, and body parts contorting into abnormal positions, accompanied by tremors and involuntary blinking. While typically a lifelong condition, treatment options are available to alleviate these symptoms.
During an interview with The Express, Derek mentioned his first symptoms when he began to get cramps and spasms in his neck and tremors causing his whole head to nod.
To prevent his illness, he has to receive Botox injections every three months. Also, he became patron of the Dystonia Society in 2006.
Derek Thompson’s Net Worth
British actor, Derek Thompson with over four decades of career has surely made an impressive amount of net worth.
As of 2024, Derek Thompson’s net worth is around £6.3million.
He was the BBC’s highest-paid actor with around £350,000 and £400,000 over the last financial year.
Conclusion
Derek Thompson is the longest-running cast member of the BBC medical drama series Casualty who played for 38 years until March 2024. He married Dee Sadler in 1989 and had a son together.
Thompson was diagnosed with dystonia at age 61 and became patron of the Dystonia Society in 2006.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was Derek Thompson diagnosed with?
Derek Thompson was diagnosed with dystonia.
How old is Derek Thompson?
Derek Thompson is 75 years old.
How long did Derek Thompson become part of Casualty?
Derek Thompson became part of Casualty for 38 years.
When did Derek Thompson leave Casualty?
Derek Thompson left Casualty on 16 March 2024.
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