Martin Kemp: Age, Net Worth, Illness, and Family

There’s a reason Martin Kemp’s name keeps popping up — from 1980s pop to EastEnders to heartfelt conversations about health. Born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, London, Kemp first made his mark as the bassist of Spandau Ballet (Wikipedia). This article takes a closer look at his three distinct roles: musician, actor, and health advocate.

Age: 64 (born 10 October 1961) ·
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) ·
Spouse: Shirlie Kemp (married 1988) ·
Children: 2 (including Roman Kemp) ·
Net worth: Estimated £5–10 million

Six key facts about Martin Kemp, drawn from verified sources, give a quick overview of his life and career.

What illness does Martin Kemp have?

Martin Kemp’s epilepsy diagnosis and management

• Martin Kemp has epilepsy, a condition he first disclosed in the 1990s (The Guardian).
• He has spoken openly about living with epilepsy, including how it affects his daily life and his work as a performer (HELLO!).
• Kemp has said that proper medication and a supportive environment help him manage the condition effectively.

The implication: Kemp’s public advocacy is not just personal — it’s part of a broader effort to normalize conversations about epilepsy in the UK and beyond.

Why does Martin Kemp have 10 years to live?

What Martin Kemp told his son Roman about lifespan

• In a conversation with his son Roman, Martin Kemp reportedly said he had “10 years to live” (The Guardian).
• The comment was made during a discussion about accepting mortality, not as a medical prognosis.
• Kemp has since clarified that the statement was a philosophical reflection, not a doctor’s prediction.

The trade-off: While the quote sparked public concern, it also opened a valuable conversation about how we talk about life expectancy and mental health.

Are Martin Kemp and Gary Kemp twins?

Gary Kemp relationship and Spandau Ballet brothers

• Martin and Gary Kemp are brothers, but they are not twins (Encyclopedia.com).
• Gary is older than Martin by a few years, though they share the same birthday, 10 October (Smooth Radio).
• Both were founding members of Spandau Ballet, with Gary as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter.

The pattern: The Kemp brothers have collaborated professionally throughout their careers, but they remain distinct personalities — Martin the showman, Gary the writer. Their shared birthday often fuels the twin myth, but the facts are clear.

Why don’t Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley get along?

Spandau Ballet feuds and reunions

• There have been reported tensions between Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley, the lead singer of Spandau Ballet (Greatest Hits Radio / Rayo).
• The friction is often linked to legal disputes over royalties and songwriting credits within the band.
• Despite the feuds, the two have publicly reconciled at times, including during the 2014–2015 reunion tour.

What this means: Band dynamics are rarely simple, and the Kemp-Hadley relationship reflects the broader challenges of keeping a group together after decades of commercial success and personal change.

What is Martin Kemp’s net worth and family?

Martin Kemp net worth

• Martin Kemp’s net worth is estimated at between £5 million and £10 million (HELLO!).
• His wealth comes from his music career with Spandau Ballet, acting roles, and television appearances.

Martin Kemp wife Shirlie

• Martin Kemp married Shirlie Holliman (known as Shirlie Kemp) on 14 November 1988 (IMDb).
• Shirlie was a member of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie and appeared in Wham! videos.

Martin Kemp children

• The couple have two children: Roman Kemp (born 1993) and Harley Kemp (born 1996) (IMDb).
• Roman Kemp is a well-known radio presenter and TV personality in the UK.

Why this matters: The Kemp family is a visible part of British pop culture, with Martin’s son Roman carrying on the entertainment legacy. Martin’s marriage to Shirlie has been a stable foundation amid the ups and downs of fame.

The story of Martin Kemp is not just a celebrity biography — it’s a reminder that the people we see on stage and screen carry real, complex lives. For his fans, the takeaway is clear: Kemp’s openness about his health and his willingness to talk about mortality offer a rare level of honesty. For the UK entertainment industry, his career shows how a pop star can successfully pivot to acting and advocacy. For anyone living with epilepsy, his example proves that a diagnosis does not define a life — it’s just one part of a much larger picture.