Ross James Kemp (born 21 July 1964 in Essex, England) is an acclaimed English actor, author, reporter, investigative journalist, and television presenter. He first gained widespread recognition for portraying the tough character Grant Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders, a role he played from 1990 to 1999 and briefly reprised in 2016. His early acting career also included notable appearances such as Graham Lodsworth in the ITV soap Emmerdale and Detective Inspector Monk in the sitcom Birds of a Feather. Transitioning from acting, Kemp established himself as a prominent investigative journalist and documentary maker, best known for the BAFTA Award-winning series Ross Kemp on Gangs (2004–2009), which explored global gang culture. He has produced and presented numerous documentaries on topics ranging from war zones to social issues, solidifying his reputation as a fearless reporter. Kemp has also authored books and continues to work in television production, blending his acting roots with journalistic pursuits in the British media landscape.