John Altman was born in Reading in 1952. He made his acting debut in 1979 in the film “The First Great Train Robbery” in which he played a minor role. Later that same year he played musician George Harrison in a TV Show about The Beatles. He had brief roles in several films such as Quadrophenia and An American Werewolf in London.
His most famous role is “Nasty” Nick Cotton in the BBC television series, EastEnders. He appeared in the 1st ever episode in 1985. He made a come back to the show in 2008 with a new storyline featuring his daughter.
John has also appeared in pantomime, alongside fellow EastEnders stars Mike Reid and Barbara Windsor. He has since been more active in theatre most notably touring around the UK playing Billy Flynn in the long-running musical Chicago. He also appeared in the John Godber written stage play Bouncers opposite fellow soap actor Nigel Pivaro who is best known for playing Terry Duckworth in Coronation Street.
John is also credited for doing work in comedy series such as The Benny Hill Show, The Liver Birds, The Goodies, Dad’s Army, Porridge, Sykes and Are You Being Served.