More About Ross Kemp
Born in Essex, Ross Kemp was raised by his mother, a hairdresser, and his father, a detective superintendent in the Metropolitan Police. He honed his acting skills at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, launching his career with stage performances alongside notable actors like John Thaw and Richard Wilson.
Ross’s early television appearances included roles in Emmerdale Farm, London’s Burning, and Birds of a Feather, culminating in his iconic portrayal of Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, a character he has revisited multiple times, including for the show’s 40th anniversary in 2025.
Ross Kemp | Documentary Films
Ross’s documentary filmmaking has earned him widespread acclaim for its unflinching exploration of some of the most dangerous and complex issues facing the modern world. He first gained recognition for Ross Kemp on Gangs, a groundbreaking series that took viewers inside the hidden world of organised crime across the globe. His approach was both courageous and deeply empathetic, resulting in a BAFTA for Best Factual Series and laying the foundation for his reputation as a fearless investigative journalist.
Building on this success, Ross went on to create a series of hard-hitting documentaries, including Ross Kemp in Afghanistan, where he embedded himself with British troops on the frontline, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of the realities of war. His work continued with Ross Kemp: Extreme World, a series that examined a wide range of global challenges, from human trafficking and drug smuggling to political corruption and environmental disasters.
Ross Kemp | Awards & Accolades
British Soap Awards:
– Best Actor – Winner (1999, 2006) for EastEnders
– Best Storyline – Winner (1999) for “Tiffany discovers Grant’s affair with her mum”
Inside Soap Awards:
– Best Actor – Winner (1999) for EastEnders
TV Quick and Choice Awards:
– Best Soap Actor – Winner (1999) for EastEnders
Documentary Awards and Nominations
BAFTA Awards:
– Best Factual Series – Winner (2007) for Ross Kemp on Gangs
AIB Media Excellence Awards:
International TV Personality – Winner (2008) for Ross Kemp in Afghanistan
Asian Media Awards:
– Best Investigation – Winner (2014) for Extreme World: India
Foreign Press Association Awards:
– Best Feature Documentary of the Year (2017) – Winner for Ross Kemp: Libya’s Migrant Hell
Ross Kemp | Books
Beyond the screen, Ross is a Sunday Times best-selling author, with titles including Ross Kemp on Gangs, Ross Kemp on Afghanistan, and The A to Z of Hell: How Not to Travel the World. His books encompass both non-fiction and fiction, often drawing from his real-life experiences in conflict zones and investigative reporting. His most recent book Take Nothing for Granted: Tales from an Unexpected Life (2023), which offers a retrospective look at his career. He has ventured into fiction with novels like Devil to Pay and Moving Target.
His next book, Mafia and Britain, is due for release in 2025 and will look at the influence of organized crime within the UK.
Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book hard-hitting documentary maker Ross Kemp for your corporate event.
