Derek Thompson
Born: 1948-04-04 in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Known For: Acting
Biography
Derek Thompson (born 4 April 1948) is a Northern Irish actor, most notable for playing Charlie Fairhead in the long-running BBC television medical drama series Casualty for 37 years, from its first episode in 1986 to his final episode in 2024. In 2017, it was revealed that this role has made Thompson the highest paid actor within the BBC with a salary of £350,000-£399,000 per annum. Following his exit from the show, Thompson joined the cast of hit Northern Irish police drama Blue Lights for its second season. Prior to the lead role in Casualty he starred in several films including The Long Good Friday, TV series such as Harry's Game and The Gentle Touch and several celebrated stints at The National Theatre. As a musician, he was also part of a folk duo with his twin sister Elaine in the 1960s. He married the actress Dee Sadler in 1989, having met her filming an episode of Casualty in 1987. Together they have one son, Charlie. He has another son from his previous marriage to his first wife Christine.
Filmography
2023
- Blue Lights as Robin Graham
2017
- Penny From Heaven as Homeless Man
2011
- Vera as Gordon Spencer
2007
- Holby Blue as Charlie Fairhead
1999
- Holby City as Charlie Fairhead
1998
- Resurrection Man as Herbie Ferguson
1986
- Casualty as Charlie Fairhead
- Fighting Back as Bruce Curran
1985
- Wild Geese II as Hourigan
- The Price as Frank Crossan
- The Price as Frank Crossan
1982
- Brookside
- Harry's Game as Billy Downes
1981
- Bergerac as Wyatt
1980
- The Gentle Touch as Detective Sergeant Jimmy Fenton
- The Long Good Friday as Jeff
- Breaking Glass as Andy
1979
- Minder as Harry
- Yanks as Ken
- The Danedyke Mystery as Tom Richards
1978
- Me! I'm Afraid of Virginia Woolf as Skinner
1977
- A Photograph as Chet
1976
- Rock Follies as Harry Moon
1965
- Gonks Go Beat as Singer (Derek and Elaine)