BBC Still Game star Jimmy Martin dies aged 93 as co-stars issue heartbreaking statements
Jimmy Martin, the actor known for playing “Auld” Eric in beloved BBC sitcom Still Game, has died at the age of 93.
Martin appeared in 47 episodes of the hit show between 2002 and 2018, starring alongside Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan.
The show, set in the fictional Glasgow area of Craiglang, followed spirited pensioners Jack Jarvis (Kiernan) and Victor McDade (Hemphill) as they got up to high jinks among a colourful array of characters.
Martin was one of the few cast members who was actually a pensioner when the show began, with his character becoming a regular presence in The Clansman pub alongside Jack, Victor and the rest of the Craiglang gang.
Red Shoe Entertainment announced his death in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Jimmy Martin, the beloved actor known for playing Eric in Still Game, has passed away.”
“His warmth, humour, and unforgettable performances brought joy to so many, and his legacy will live on through the laughter he shared with the world,” the statement continued.
His character died in the eighth series, but not before memorable storylines including helping to lure miserly Tam into a poker night and discovering the perils of tampering with a fire hydrant on a hot day.
Tributes have poured in from Martin’s Still Game co-stars following his death.
Greg Hemphill, who played Victor, said: “He really was an amazing fella and a joy to be around.”
“Full of great stories about cutting about Byres Road in the 60s, about his time in the Navy, and of course, the only genuine ‘auld yin’ amongst us. We will miss you, Jimmy,” Hemphill added.
Jane McCarry, who portrayed Craiglang gossip merchant Isa Drennan, said: “Jimmy was a fantastic character, full of stories and fun.”
She added: “I’m so glad he received the British Empire Medal last year. That meant so much to him. He will be dearly missed but what a life he has had.”
Former Still Game producer Michael Hines described Martin as a “wonderful actor” and said he was “honoured to call him pal.”
Born in Glasgow’s Partick, Martin later lived for many years in Musselburgh, East Lothian.
He joined the Royal Navy at age 17, later spending 16 years in the fire service before embarking on his acting career.
Martin began acting regularly in the 1980s, with appearances in popular Scottish shows including Taggart and Take the High Road.
His four-decade career also saw him feature in Peter McDougall’s Just Another Saturday, Rab C Nesbitt and Netflix comedy Lovesick.
Before his role in Still Game, he worked at Campie Primary School’s after-school club in Musselburgh.
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Parts of his real-life background were incorporated into his Still Game character, who memorably claimed to have had a summer romance with Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida in Rome.
Martin was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours for his services to military charities.
His daughter Jennifer joked at the time: “We are wondering if they maybe have a translator at Buckingham Palace because I cant image Camilla and Charles are very fluent in Craiglang.”
The management company added that their thoughts were with his family, friends, and all who loved him.