Derek Thompson
ActingAbout Derek Thompson
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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Derek Thompson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 13 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Derek Thompson's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 15% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Derek Thompson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Long Good Friday, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Derek Thompson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Derek Thompson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Derek Thompson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Penny From Heaven | Homeless Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Resurrection Man | Herbie Ferguson | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Fighting Back | Bruce Curran | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Wild Geese II | Hourigan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Price | Frank Crossan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Long Good Friday | Jeff | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Breaking Glass | Andy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Yanks | Ken | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Danedyke Mystery | Tom Richards | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | Me! I'm Afraid of Virginia Woolf | Skinner | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | A Photograph | Chet | Flop | Similar → |
| N/A | The Input Problem | Ted | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Gonks Go Beat | Singer (Derek and Elaine) | Flop | Similar → |
Derek Thompson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Derek Thompson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Derek Thompson is "The Long Good Friday" with a rating of 7.2/10.
How many movies has Derek Thompson acted in?
Derek Thompson has been featured in at least 13 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Derek Thompson?
Other notable films include "Breaking Glass", "Resurrection Man", and "Yanks".