Jimmmy Martin, the beloved actor who played "Auld" Eric in the BBC sitcom Still Game, has passed away at the age of 93. Martin appeared in 47 episodes of the show alongside Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan between 2002 and 2018. He was one of the few members of the cast who was actually a pensioner when the show began, but his character was killed off in the eighth series. The news of his passing was announced by the show's director and producer Michael Hines, who described Martin as a "wonderful actor" and said he was honored to call him a friend.

Martin was born in Glasgow's Partick, but lived for a long period in Musselburgh, East Lothian. He joined the Royal Navy at the age of 17 and spent 16 years in the fire service before becoming an actor. Martin was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2024 King's birthday honors for his services to military charities. He began acting regularly in the 1980s, including appearances in Taggart and Take the High Road, before joining Still Game - a spinoff of comedy sketch show Chewin' the Fat. Martin's character, Eric, was a regular presence in The Clansman alongside Jack and Victor, as well as Winston, played by Paul Riley, Tam, played by Mark Cox, Isa, played by Jane McCarry, and barman Boaby, played by Gavin Mitchell.

Parts of Martin's real-life back story were worked into that of his character on the long-running show when he became the first customer of new Craiglang funeral director Iain Duncan Sheathing in 2018. That was only after he claimed to have carried out a summer romance with Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida in Rome, which was later found to be untrue after the character's funeral. Martin also appeared in Peter McDougall's Just Another Sunday, Rab C Nesbitt, and Netflix comedy Lovesick. His management company said his performances "brought joy to so many". Former Still Game producer Michael Hines described him as a "wonderful actor" in a post on X, saying he was honored to call him a pal. Martin's legacy will live on through the laughter he shared with the world, and his contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by his fans and colleagues, who remember him as a talented actor and a true gentleman.

The actors Still Game co-stars have taken to social media to pay their respects. Jane McCarry, who played Isa, said on Instagram: "Farewell Jimmy. A colourful life well lived. I loved hearing your stories. You’ll be missed auld pal." Greg Hemphill, Victor, also paid his respects on the app, saying: "Very sad to hear that the wonderful Jimmy Martin has passed away. He really was an amazing fella and a joy to be around." Sanjeev Kohli, known for playing Navid in the series, shared that Jimmy always had the best stories and that he was a pleasure to be around. The outpouring of tributes is a testament to Martin's impact on the entertainment industry and the lives of those who knew him.

Martin's passing has left a void in the entertainment industry, but his memory will live on through his work. He will be remembered for his iconic role as "Auld" Eric in Still Game, as well as his appearances in other TV shows and films. The list of his notable works includes: * Still Game (2002-2018) * Taggart * Take the High Road * Just Another Sunday * Rab C Nesbitt * Lovesick Martin's impact on the entertainment industry will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and comedians. His contributions to the world of entertainment have been invaluable, and he will be deeply missed by his fans and colleagues.