Key Highlights
- Martin Kemp shares a heartfelt story about his father’s support during his career choice.
- The story revolves around a letter written by Kemp’s father, Frank, allowing him to leave an apprenticeship for music.
- Kemp reflects on the financial struggles his family faced and how his father’s faith in him was crucial.
- This isn’t the first time Kemp has spoken about his parents’ passing and its impact on him.
Martin Kemp’s Emotional Story of Support from His Father
Entertainment veteran Martin Kemp, known for his roles in television shows like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, recently shared a poignant family story on his son Roman’s podcast. The 64-year-old actor and musician shed light on how his father, Frank, supported him during his formative years as he pursued a career in music.
The Letter That Changed Everything
Kemp recounted the moment when he was an apprentice compositor in print. At 17 years old, he decided to leave his apprenticeship behind to pursue his dreams of becoming a rockstar. His father, Frank, wrote a letter to the manager, allowing Martin to leave early.
“And it said, ‘Dear sir.
You have to excuse Martin from his apprenticeship. Will you release him early because he wants to be…. a rockstar?’”
This letter was more than just a formality; it represented a deep belief in Kemp’s potential by his father.
The Financial Struggles and Faith in Son
Kemp explained that during this time, the family faced financial hardships. If he had stayed with his apprenticeship, he could have provided financial support to the family. However, his father’s faith in him was strong enough to let him pursue his music career.
“I’ve told that story so many times, but it’s kind of like every now and again, you realise how important it is. When my dad wrote me that letter we had nothing.”
Kemp’s voice cracked with emotion as he shared the significance of this moment, reflecting on his father’s faith in him.
A Reflection on His Parents’ Legacy
This isn’t the first time Kemp has talked about his parents. Earlier this year, he spoke about their passing and its impact on him to The Mail’s Love Sunday magazine. Kemp shared that both his mother and father had passed away just 48 hours apart in 2009.
“Both of my parents have passed on now, but I’ve got memories of them and it feels like I can still smell them when I see old clips. We had a load of old tapes of the kids and a few Christmases ago, Shirlie bought me a camera that can play them all.”
The actor reflected on how important capturing these moments is, emphasizing their lasting impact.
Conclusion
A Heartfelt Reminder of Parental Support
Martin Kemp’s story serves as a reminder of the profound impact parents can have on their children’s lives. His father’s letter and support during his formative years allowed Martin to pursue his dreams, despite financial struggles. This narrative not only highlights the importance of parental guidance but also underscores how legacy and memories can continue to shape an individual long after their loved ones are gone.
