Rudolph Walker awarded OBE
Long standing star of the stage and screen, Rudolph Walker (Patrick Trueman) has been named in the Queen's birthday honours list for services to drama. Rudolph's career spans over 40 years, and he's won many accolades.
Rudolph said: "It's exciting, but it hasn't sunk in yet. I think I'm the first Trinidadian actor to get an OBE. I just tend to take things in my stride, get on with life and enjoy it."
Like his character, he's raising the flag for Trinidad and Tobago during the World Cup. Rudolph had a fantastic time at the England v Trinidad and Tobago match last week, but the excitement of his OBE means that he won't make it back for to see them play Paraguay.
Rudolph's starred in EastEnders since 2001. He was the first black actor to have a major role in a British sitcom, ITV's Love Thy Neighbour. He's since featured in television comedies The Crouches, The Thin Blue Line and Mr Bean. He's also appeared in many stage and film productions.
Among the gongs that Rudolph's amassed are: Black Entertainment Comedy Award (BECA) for lifetime achievement in 1999, Ethnic Multicultural Media Award (EMMA) for best actor in 2002, and Screen Nation Film and TV Awards Trailblazer award for longstanding screen presence.