Actor Rudolph Walker from EastEnders shares the difficulties faced by Black actors in the industry.

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In a recent interview on This Morning, EastEnders star Rudolph Walker opened up about his experience as a Black actor in the industry. The 85-year-old, who has played the character of Patrick Trueman since 2001, shared his thoughts on the challenges he faced during his early years in the business.

When asked about his journey, Rudolph explained that he never used the word "difficult," preferring to view any obstacles as "challenges." He had a clear goal in mind when he first arrived in the UK and was determined to succeed. So, despite any challenges that were thrown his way, he faced them head on and always found a way to overcome them.

One of the hosts, Ben, then brought up the topic of certain roles not being suitable for a Black actor, to which Rudolph replied that there were indeed fewer opportunities for actors of color. He recalled that if a Black person was cast as a doctor, it would always be mentioned in the episode, along with other stereotypical roles like a road sweeper or bus conductor.

However, Rudolph and many others in the industry fought to change this narrative. He pointed out that in reality, 80% of nurses in hospitals were from the Caribbean, yet some patients would refuse to be treated by them simply because of the color of their skin. But despite these challenges, Rudolph emphasized that the majority of patients were well taken care of by these nurses.

This year, the Thin Blue Line star, who will be turning 85 soon, established the Rudolph Walker Foundation. The foundation aims to provide young people with opportunities to participate in high-quality performing arts experiences and become part of a supportive and creative community. And Rudolph shows no signs of slowing down as he stated in an interview with The Agency that he has no plans of retiring anytime soon.

He expressed his love for his work and the joy he finds in it, stating that he is sure there will be exciting storylines in the future, given his long history with the show. Rudolph's determination and passion for his craft continue to inspire others, and he remains a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

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