Martin Kemp is an English musician, actor, and television personality whose net worth is about $4 million. He is perhaps best known for being part of the band Spandau Ballet and for being actor Steve Owen in the BBC show EastEnders. He has had a long career, lasting over 40 years.
He has proven that talent can lead to a lasting career in the entertainment industry, having had a hit as part of the New Romantic movement in the 1980s and becoming one of the most loved and recognizable faces on British television. He has had a career that has taken him in roles as a musician, actor, producer, author, and broadcaster, all of which have expanded and added to his significance as a public figure in the UK.
Early Life
Martin John Kemp was born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, London, the younger brother of musician Gary Kemp. He grew up in a working-class family, and he showed early interest in acting and music.
Kemp trained at the Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington and worked in a number of British television dramas as a child actor. However, once Gary started the process of creating what would become Spandau ballet, Martin shifted his focus away from acting to being their bass guitarist.
Spandau Ballet – Musical Fame
Martin Kemp joined Spandau Ballet in 1979 at the beginning of the New Romantic movement in England. The male members of the band always dressed smartly while performing their layered sound, which helped them become arguably the biggest band in the UK during the 1980s. Among their most well-known songs are
True
Gold
Lifeline
Only When You Leave
Martin was one of the group’s most noticeable members due to his talent, performance style, and charisma on stage.
Spandau Ballet officially broke up in 1990, but Martin returned to the group in 2009 for its reunion tour, the album Only When You Leave, and the documentary Soul Boys of the Western World. Despite the reunion tours and Martin’s ideas for new recording and touring, the band was plagued by the same tensions that had split them a decade before, chiefly between Tony Hadley and the Kemps.
Acting Career
After Spandau Ballet first split, Martin transitioned to an acting career. His breakout performance was in the movie The Krays (1990), in which he starred with his brother Gary and portrayed gangster Reggie Kray. This performance earned him praise from critics and illustrated his dramatic abilities.
However, the role he is best known for acting in was back in 1998, when he joined EastEnders as Steve Owen. He became a fan-favourite in the role and remained in the soap for during 1998-2002. Martin’s portrayal of the charming yet deadly character won him many awards and gave him the status of one of the great villains of British soap operas.
Besides acting, Martin has directed film (Stalker (2010)), hosted television shows, and participated in popular reality shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls. He has also released an autobiography and worked with his son Roman on a number of television specials, including the 2020 BBC mockumentary The Kemps: All True. Personal Life
Martin married Shirlie Holliman in 1988. Holliman is a singer from the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie. Together, they share two children—Roman Kemp, a radio and television presenter, and Harley Moon Kemp, a photographer and songwriter.
The Kemp family has often appeared together in interviews and projects, furthering their reputation as one of the UK’s most loved show business families.
In the 1990s, Martin had a serious health scare when he was diagnosed and treated for two brain tumors. After surgery and radiotherapy treatment, he made a full recovery. Since then, he has been involved with raising awareness of cancer and openly talks about his health and experiences.
Net Worth Breakdown Gauge of Martin Kemp
Bazillionaire: Income from Spandau Ballet albums, tours and royalties, acting, and representing various mediums for the band.
Acting and Directing: This includes high-profile roles on television, such as EastEnders, as well as films, directing projects, writing film scripts, and authoring an autobiographical book.
Television/Broadcasting: This includes reality television shows, hosting, projects with his son Roman, and contributions to multi-generational initiatives.
As a member of the industry for over 40 years, Martin Kemp’s career and contributions today continue to add to your estimated $4 million net worth.
Martin Kemp FAQ
Q: What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?
A: Approximately $4 million as of 2025.
Q: What band was Martin Kemp in?
A: Kemp was the bassist for Spandau Ballet, thought to be one of the defining bands of the New Romantic style of 1980s music.
Q: What was Martin Kemp’s most famous acting role?
A: Playing Steve Owens on the BBC’s EastEnders from 1998 to 2002.
Q: Who is Martin Kemp married to?
A: Kemp married singer Shirlie Holliman in 1988.
Q: Does Martin Kemp have any children?
A: He has two children, including Roman Kemp, who is a well-known and established radio and television presenter.
Q: Did Martin Kemp have any health issues?
A: Yes. In the late ’90s, Kemp was diagnosed and treated for a double brain tumor, and he made a full recovery after surgery and radiation.
Q: Is Martin Kemp still working in the entertainment industry?
A: Yes. He is continuing to act, direct, DM for various television projects, and work with false son Roman on media projects.
