EastEnders icon Rudolph Walker has revealed he was secretly homeless while starring as Patrick Trueman on the soap.
The actor, 84, who has portrayed the Jamaican patriarch since 2001, admitted to leading a ‘double life’ after a divorce in his 70s left him ‘penniless’.
He recalled ‘crying’ on the way to the BBC‘s Elstree studios as he kept his struggle with ‘pain and loneliness from his co-stars.
Rudolph married his first wife Lorna Ross in 1968, after their divorce he went on to wed his second wife, Dounne Alexander in 1998, but they also split.
The legal costs of his second divorce took its toll and he was left with ‘only a car to his name.’
EastEnders icon Rudolph Walker has revealed he was secretly homeless while starring as Patrick Trueman on the soap (pictured in 2022)
The actor, 84, who has portrayed the Jamaican patriarch since 2001, admitted to leading a ‘double life’ after a divorce in his 70s left him ‘penniless’ (pictured in 2023)
In an interview with The Mirror, he explained: ‘It was painful. It was extremely difficult. I just didn’t have any financial means. I was literally starting from scratch again in my 70s, with nowhere to live. It was a time of great pain and loneliness.
‘Some days on my way to the studio, I would pull up at the side of the road, have a cry. I suppose it was a sort of double life.
‘Questions of: “Who am I? Why am I in this position?” There was no way the public watching me as Patrick every other night were aware that was what was happening.’
Diane Parish, who plays Denise Fox, was one of the only cast member’s who could see past Rudolph’s happy façade.
But despite her questions, he never revealed what he was going through.
He hasn’t even explained the height of his financial difficulties to his children Darren, 52, and Sheona, 48.
Rudolph’s comments come ahead of the release of his new memoir, which will be available later this month.
Walking With Dignity tells of all the trials and tribulations the actor, 84, has gone through as well as the highlights of his 60-year career so far.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Rudolph wrote: ‘At last!! My Autobiography ‘Walking With Dignity’ is out 26 Sept.’
‘You can preorder on https://amzn.eu/d/cWyoDGT I hope you enjoy. Do spread the word #autobiography #mylife #actorslife #FamilyFirst.’
Among those congratulating Rudolph were Ricky Norwood, who played beloved character Fatboy on EastEnders from 2010 to 2015.
He wed his second wife, Dounne Alexander in 1998, but they later split. The legal costs of his second divorce took its toll and he was left with ‘only a car to his name’ (pictured in 2010)
His comments come ahead of the release of his new memoir, which will be available later this month
Ricky, 41, wrote: ‘If your going to read anyone’s story.. this man’s journey is one filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, Surprises and life lessons..!
‘I’m so honoured to call this man a mentor and friend x Pre-Order now..(sic).’
From 2001, the Trinidad and Tobago native’s character Patrick has been central to numerous hard-hitting stories including suffering strokes, being assaulted in his shop, and the death of his adopted son.
He is seen as a father figure to several characters, namely sisters Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Kim Fox (Tameka Empson).
Over the years, Rudolph has appeared in Love Thy Neighbour, Roman Atkinson police comedy The Thin Blue Line, and films such as 10 Rillington Place,
He also served as the narrator for CBeebies hit programme Teletubbies in the late 1990s.
In 2010, to mark his 70th birthday, Rudolph launched the Rudolph Walker Foundation to help disadvantaged youths start their careers in the entertainment industry.
Among those congratulating Rudolph were Ricky Norwood, who played beloved character Fatboy on EastEnders from 2010 to 2015
He is seen as a father figure to several characters, namely sisters Denise Fox (Diane Parish, far left) and Kim Fox (Tameka Empson, second from left)
Rudolph’s services to drama and charity resulted in him being appointed a CBE in the 2020 New Years Honours List
The foundation includes an interschool drama award across schools in London, and a Role Model award for students who have demonstrated positive influence on others.
In 2015, he celebrated his 1000th EastEnders episode.
Rudolph’s services to drama and charity resulted in him being appointed a CBE in the 2020 New Years Honours List.
Walking With Dignity by Rudolph Walker CBE will be available from September 26.