Ross Kemp is one of the most recognizable faces on British television. Best known for playing the tough and fearless Grant Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap EastEnders, Kemp has built a career that goes far beyond acting. Over the years he has become a journalist, documentary presenter, author, and one of the most respected television personalities in the United Kingdom.
Many people search online for questions such as “Who is Ross Kemp?”, “Who is Ross Kemp’s wife?”, “Does Ross Kemp have children?”, “How tall is Ross Kemp?”, and “What is Ross Kemp’s net worth?” His rugged image, strong personality, and long television career have made him a fascinating figure for fans.
In this article, we take a detailed look at Ross Kemp’s life, from his childhood and early years to his family, famous relationships, television success, and the people most closely connected to him.
Who Is Ross Kemp?
Ross Kemp is an English actor, television presenter, investigative journalist, and author. He was born as Ross James Kemp on July 21, 1964, in Barking, Essex, United Kingdom. As of 2026, he is 61 years old.
Although millions know him as Grant Mitchell from EastEnders, Ross Kemp became even more famous in later years for his documentaries. He travelled across the world to dangerous places, meeting gang members, soldiers, prisoners, pirates, and people living in war zones. His documentary series, especially Ross Kemp on Gangs, gave him a reputation as one of the bravest television presenters in Britain.
Ross Kemp has always had a tough public image. Whether he is playing a hardman in a soap opera or interviewing armed criminals in another country, he appears calm, serious, and fearless. However, away from the cameras, he is also known as a devoted father and family man.
Ross Kemp’s Early Life and Childhood
Ross Kemp was born in Barking and grew up in Rainham, Essex. He came from a hardworking family. His father, John Kemp, was a detective superintendent in the Metropolitan Police, while his mother, Jean Kemp, worked as a hairdresser.
Growing up, Ross was strongly influenced by his father’s police background. Seeing his father’s discipline and dedication helped shape his own personality. Ross has spoken in interviews about respecting his father deeply and learning from him.
As a child, Ross Kemp was interested in performing and entertainment. He attended Shenfield High School before studying at South Essex College. He later trained at the famous Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the leading acting schools in Britain.
Even during his younger years, Ross had a determined personality. He knew he wanted a career in television and acting, and he worked hard to make that dream come true.
Ross Kemp Young: What Was He Like in His Early Years?
Fans often search for “Ross Kemp young” because his appearance has changed greatly over the years.
When Ross Kemp was younger, he looked very different from the shaved-headed, rugged image that most people know today. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he had thick dark hair and a softer appearance. Before becoming famous in EastEnders, he appeared in smaller television roles and worked hard to build his acting career.
During his younger years, Ross appeared in television series such as Emmerdale, Birds of a Feather, and The Bill. He also worked in educational and training videos while trying to establish himself as an actor.
His breakthrough came in 1990 when he was cast as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders. At the time, Ross was in his mid-20s, and the role quickly transformed him into a household name.
Ross Kemp With Hair
One of the most searched phrases about the actor is “Ross Kemp with hair.” This is because many younger viewers only know Ross Kemp with his closely shaved or bald look.
In his early television appearances, Ross Kemp had a full head of dark brown hair. He wore it in a style that was typical of the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his first years in EastEnders, he still had more hair than he does today.
As he became older, Ross adopted the short shaved hairstyle that later became his trademark. The bald or closely shaved look matched his tough on-screen image and made him instantly recognizable.
Older photographs of Ross Kemp with hair are still popular online because they show a completely different version of the television star.
Ross Kemp’s Career and Rise to Fame
Ross Kemp’s acting career changed forever when he joined EastEnders in 1990.
He played Grant Mitchell, the tough younger brother of Phil Mitchell. Grant was one of the most popular characters in the history of the show. He was known for his violent temper, dramatic storylines, troubled relationships, and loyalty to his family.
The character quickly became one of the central figures in EastEnders. Ross Kemp remained in the show for many years, leaving and returning several times.
His role as Grant Mitchell also connected him closely with several famous actors and actresses, including Steve McFadden and Barbara Windsor.
After leaving EastEnders, Ross wanted to do something completely different. Instead of continuing to play similar acting roles, he moved into documentary filmmaking.
He created documentary series including:
- Ross Kemp on Gangs
- Ross Kemp in Afghanistan
- Ross Kemp in Search of Pirates
- Ross Kemp Behind Bars
- Ross Kemp Extreme World
These programmes were praised because Ross was willing to travel to dangerous places and speak directly with people living in difficult situations.
He also became an author and released books linked to his documentaries. One of his best-known books is Gangs, which explored the criminal groups he encountered during his travels.
Ross Kemp’s Wife and Marriages
Ross Kemp has been married twice.
Rebekah Brooks
Ross Kemp’s first marriage was to Rebekah Brooks, who was then known as Rebekah Wade. She was a powerful newspaper editor and worked for The Sun newspaper.
Ross and Rebekah married in 2002. At the time, they were one of the most talked-about couples in British media because both were famous in their own fields.
However, the marriage did not last. The couple separated and eventually divorced in 2009.
Even after their divorce, Rebekah Brooks remained one of the most famous people linked to Ross Kemp.
Renee O’Brien
After his relationship with Rebekah Brooks ended, Ross Kemp later found love again with Australian lawyer Renee O’Brien.
The couple married in 2012 and have remained together ever since. Renee O’Brien is known for keeping a lower profile than Ross. Unlike his first marriage, Ross has kept much of his relationship with Renee private.
Ross has often spoken about enjoying family life with his wife and children. Their marriage appears much calmer and more private than his previous relationship.
Ross Kemp Children
Ross Kemp is the proud father of four children.
He has one son, Oliver, from his earlier relationship with make-up artist Nicola Coleman.
Later, Ross and his wife Renee O’Brien had three more children together. They have a son named Leo and twin daughters named Ava and Kitty.
Although Ross Kemp is famous, he has always tried to protect his children from too much public attention. He rarely shares details about them in interviews and generally keeps his family life private.
Still, Ross has spoken about how important being a father is to him. He has said that family matters more to him than fame and that he enjoys spending time at home whenever he is not working.
Ross Kemp’s Father and Mother
Ross Kemp’s father, John Kemp, played a major role in shaping his life.
John Kemp worked as a detective superintendent in the Metropolitan Police. Because of his job, he taught Ross the importance of discipline, honesty, and courage.
Many fans believe Ross inherited his tough personality from his father. His serious and fearless attitude, especially in his documentaries, seems similar to the qualities needed in police work.
Ross has said that his father inspired him throughout his life.
His mother, Jean Kemp, worked as a hairdresser. She supported Ross during his early acting career and encouraged him to follow his dreams.
Ross has often described both of his parents as hardworking and supportive.
Ross Kemp’s Brother
Ross Kemp has a younger brother named Darren Kemp.
Unlike Ross, Darren does not work in front of the camera. Instead, he has built a successful career behind the scenes as a filmmaker and television producer.
Darren Kemp has worked for the BBC and has been involved in programmes such as Panorama, Inside the Commons, and Love and Hate Crime.
Although the two brothers work in different ways, both have had successful careers in television.
Ross Kemp Height
Ross Kemp is around 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is approximately 1.78 metres.
His height, combined with his muscular build and shaved head, helped create his famous “hardman” image. Whether acting in EastEnders or presenting documentaries, Ross always appears physically strong and confident.
Ross Kemp Net Worth
Ross Kemp has enjoyed a successful career for more than three decades, so it is no surprise that he has built up a significant fortune.
His estimated net worth is believed to be around $1.5 million to $5 million, depending on the source.
Most of Ross Kemp’s money comes from:
- His years in EastEnders
- Documentary television series
- Book sales
- Television presenting
- Public appearances and interviews
Because Ross has continued to work steadily over many years, his wealth has remained stable.
Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp
One of the people most strongly linked with Ross Kemp is Steve McFadden.
Steve McFadden plays Phil Mitchell in EastEnders. On the show, Phil and Grant Mitchell are brothers, and their relationship became one of the most famous partnerships in British soap history.
Ross Kemp and Steve McFadden worked together for many years, and their scenes often involved arguments, family drama, and loyalty.
The Mitchell brothers became one of the main reasons for the success of EastEnders in the 1990s.
Many fans still hope to see Ross Kemp and Steve McFadden reunited on screen again.
Rebekah Brooks and Ross Kemp
Rebekah Brooks is remembered as Ross Kemp’s first wife.
Before marrying Ross, Rebekah was already a successful journalist and newspaper editor. During their marriage, the couple were regularly in the newspapers and often attracted public attention.
Although their relationship ended in divorce, Rebekah Brooks remains an important part of Ross Kemp’s personal history.
Martin Kemp and Ross Kemp
Many people wonder whether Ross Kemp is related to Martin Kemp because they share the same surname.
However, Ross Kemp and Martin Kemp are not related.
Martin Kemp is another well-known British actor and musician. He is famous for being a member of the band Spandau Ballet and for playing Steve Owen in EastEnders.
Because both Ross and Martin appeared in EastEnders, many fans have assumed that they are brothers or cousins, but that is not true.
Barbara Windsor and Ross Kemp
Barbara Windsor was another important person in Ross Kemp’s career.
In EastEnders, Barbara Windsor played Peggy Mitchell, the mother of Grant and Phil Mitchell.
Barbara Windsor and Ross Kemp shared many memorable scenes together, and their on-screen family relationship became one of the most loved parts of the show.
Ross often spoke warmly about Barbara Windsor and described her as kind, funny, and full of energy.
When Barbara Windsor passed away in 2020, Ross Kemp paid tribute to her and said she had been like family to him.
Why Ross Kemp Remains Popular
Ross Kemp remains popular because he is more than just an actor. He has reinvented himself many times.
First, he became famous as Grant Mitchell. Then he became one of Britain’s best-known documentary presenters. Along the way, he also became an author, journalist, and family man.
Fans admire Ross because he seems genuine. He is tough but honest, serious but caring, and famous without appearing arrogant.
Even after more than 30 years in the public eye, Ross Kemp continues to attract interest. People still want to know about his wife, children, brother, parents, height, net worth, and career.
Ross Kemp’s story shows how someone can move from soap opera star to respected journalist while still remaining one of Britain’s most recognizable television personalities.
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