BBC StudiosThe cast of Still Game have paid tribute to “force of nature” Jimmy Martin, who has died at the age of 93.
Best known for his role as Auld Eric in the iconic Scottish sitcom, the actor’s death was confirmed by the show’s director Michael Hines on X on Tuesday.
It comes after Martin was awarded the British Empire Medal last year after serving in the Royal Navy.
The show, starring Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill as Jack and Victor, captivated audiences in Scotland and across the world for a number of years.
The BBC sitcom aired six seasons from 2002 until 2007 before going on hiatus until its return almost ten years later in 2017.
The final episode of season nine dubbed ‘Over The Hill’ aired in March 2019 – with Martin last appearing on the show the previous year when the character of Eric died.
Hines wrote: “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.”
Gavin Mitchell, who played Boaby the Barman, paid an emotional tribute to the 93-year-old on social media.
He said on X: “I have a sad and heavy heart tonight. I kept very few things from the set of ‘Still Game’, but this photograph I treasure.
“Jimmy Martin’s final day on the show. It hung behind the bar in ‘The Clansman’ until the final scene and now in my home. He was always with us.
“I always called Jimmy the ‘Timelord’, as he’d lived so many lives; sailor, firefighter, life model, actor, wild days in the 60s, his ceaseless charity work, and general raconteur.
“I first met him over 30 years ago on a whisky ad in Nobles Bar in Leith. He took me under his wing and regaled me with tales, jokes, anecdotes, and magic tricks…and it never ever stopped!
“He always came to see me in productions, surprised and supported me and he always bought his own ticket.
“He was an extraordinary force of nature who showed us all up on set with his positive vitality. He was a respectful, polite, professional and damned snazzy, snapper debonair dresser off-screen who put us all to shame.
“Unlike the rest of us Jimmy never once moaned or complained but worked long days and was always completely up for anything.
“Every scene, screening, and wrap party, he was one of the gang , and you just forgot and never questioned his age.”
Greg Hemphill wrote: “Very sad to hear that the wonderful Jimmy Martin has passed away. He really was an amazing fella and a joy to be around.
“Full of great stories about cutting about Byres Road in the 60’s, about his time in the Navy, and of course, the only genuine auld yin amongst us.
“We will miss you, Jimmy.”
Sanjeev Kohli, who played Navid, said on Instagram: “Farewell Jimmy Martin. An absolute pleasure to work with, and an absolute pleasure to be around.
“Always with the best stories, always in the best clobber. Go easy pal.”
Jane McCarry, who played Isa in the show, said on Instagram: “Farewell Jimmy. A colourful life well lived. I loved hearing your stories. You’ll be missed auld pal.”
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