James Martin, who played Eric in Still Game, dies aged 93
- James Martin, who appeared in over 40 episodes of Still Game as pensioner Eric, has died aged 93
- His other TV roles included The Catherine Tate Show, How Not To Live Your Life and Rab C. Nesbitt
James Martin, who played Eric in Still Game and had roles in a number of other Scottish comedies, has died aged 93.
Born in Glasgow, he was often known as Jimmy. Before becoming an actor, he worked in various jobs, including as a helper at a local primary school. He was awarded a British Empire Medal last year for services to charity, particularly military veterans.
The sitcom's director, Michael Hines, posted on social media this afternoon: "Just to let all the Still Game fans out there that Jimmy Martin - 'Eric' - passed away today. He was a wonderful actor and I was honoured to call him pal."
The character of Eric - named "one of Scotland's favourite TV pensioners" by The Daily Record - was a regular in The Clansman pub who enjoyed sitting at the end of the bar and chatting to other patrons. He often became involved in the conversations with central characters Jack, Victor, Isa, Winston, Tam and Boabby.
Martin appeared as Eric in 46 of the 62 episodes of the Glasgow-set sitcom, with his first appearance in the third episode of the first series, which aired in September 2002.
Before Still Game, one of this first screen roles was playing a priest in 1992 sitcom pilot Miles Better. He went on to appear in other TV comedies, including Snoddy, The Catherine Tate Show, How Not To Live Your Life and Rab C. Nesbitt.