John Altman

John Altman is a seasoned actor best known for his iconic portrayal of “Nasty” Nick Cotton in the long-running BBC soap opera “EastEnders.” Born on March 2nd, 1952, in Reading, Berkshire, John’s passion for acting emerged at an early age. He honed his craft through theatrical performances before transitioning to television and film.

Altman’s breakthrough came in 1985 when he was cast as Nick Cotton in BBC’s “EastEnders.” Nick quickly became one of the show’s most infamous characters, known for his devious schemes, manipulative nature, and tumultuous relationships with other characters, notably his mother Dot Cotton. Altman’s portrayal of Nick garnered widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a household name.

Throughout his tenure on “EastEnders,” which spanned over two decades, Altman’s character underwent numerous dramatic storylines, including drug addiction, feuds with other characters, and various run-ins with the law. His compelling performances endeared him to audiences and contributed to the show’s enduring popularity.

Outside of “EastEnders,” Altman has enjoyed a diverse acting career, appearing in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions. His versatility as an actor has allowed him to tackle a wide range of roles, from villains to comedic characters, showcasing his talent and versatility.

In addition to his acting pursuits, Altman is also a musician, proficient in playing the guitar and harmonica. He has incorporated his musical talents into his performances, further enriching his artistic endeavours.

Altman’s contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him respect and admiration from peers and fans alike. His memorable portrayal of Nasty Nick continues to be fondly remembered by “EastEnders” viewers, cementing his legacy as one of the show’s most iconic characters. With his passion for acting and dedication to his craft, John Altman remains a beloved figure in television and beyond.

Training

York Academy of Speech and Drama

Theatre credits include:

                  The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

                  Dracula

                  Masque of the Red Death

                  Woyzeck                                            (Pip Simons Theatre Group)

                  Oh What a Night                           (Apollo Theatre and UK Tour)

                  Funny Money                                  (UK tour)

                  Worm’s Eye View                         (Crewe Lyceum)

                  Oliver!                                                 (Leicester De Montfort Hall)

                  Dangerous Obsession               (Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch)

                  American Patrol

                  Up in the Gallery                           (UK tour)

                  Bouncers                                            (UK tour, Ambassador Theatre Group)

Musical Productions include:

                  Billy Flynn in Chicago                 Clear Channel

                  Pocahontas : Little Shop

                  Of Horrors

                  Kiss Me Kate                                      (UK) tour

                  Little Tramp

                  John is a veteran panto villain, appearing in over 30 productions

TV Credits include:

                  Nick Cotton 1985 – 2015       Eastenders / BBC

                  The Real Marigold Hotel

                  Soapington Way                            ITV

                  Minder                                                ITV

                  Murder in Question                    Granada Television

                  A Child in the Forest                   ITV

                  Monster TV                                     CBBC

                  The Famous Five                          Zenith Productions

                  Black Hearts in Battersea       BBC

                  Cold Lazarus                                   Channel 5

Film Credits include:

                  Demons at Dawn

                  Hammer Home

                  My Lonely Me – (Joe Scott)

                  On a Prayer – (Terry Cocker)

                  The Story of (James Abadi)

                  The Wager

                  1969

                  It Could Be You (Paola Guglielmotti)

                  Dressing Down                                                                Axe Productions

                  The higher Mortals

                  To Die For

                  Memoirs of a Survivor (David Gladwell)

                  An American Werewolf in London                       Universal Pictures

                  Birth of the Beatles                                                        Dick Clark Productions

                  Quadrophenia (The Who and Franc Roddam)

                  The First Great Train Robbery  (Michael Crichton)

                  In the Nick of Time

The Autobiography of John Altman is available on Audible.  John’s self-penned first album ‘Never Too Late to Rock and Roll’ is available on YouTube and all major music platforms.