Still Game star Jimmy Martin has died at the age of 93.

Martin was best known for his role as ‘Auld’ Eric in the hit BBC sitcom, appearing in 47 episodes of the show alongside Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan between 2002 and 2018.

Still Game also starred names including Ford Kiernan, Paul Riley and Jane McCarry. Red Shoe Entertainment announced the news in a Facebook post, writing: ‘We are deeply saddened to share the news that Jimmy Martin, the beloved actor known for playing Eric in Still Game, has passed away.

‘His warmth, humour, and unforgettable performances brought joy to so many, and his legacy will live on through the laughter he shared with the world.

‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Jimmy.’

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Still Game star Jimmy Martin has died at the age of 93 (pictured in November 2024) 

Martin was best known for his role as ‘Auld’ Eric in the hit BBC sitcom, appearing in 47 episodes of the show alongside Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan between 2002 and 2018.

Still Game ran until 2019, with the ninth and final series being one of the first programmes shown on BBC Scotland when it first launched

Former Still Game producer Michael Hines also paid tribute in a post on X/Twitter.

He 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.’

Actress Jane McCarry, 54, who played Isa Drennan in Still Game, wrote: ‘Jimmy was a fantastic character, full of stories and fun.

‘I’m so glad he received the British Empire Medal last year. That meant so much to him. He will be dearly missed but what a life he has had. Farewell auld pal.’

Others took to X and wrote: ‘Such sad news. He brought joy and a bundle of laughs to many, including myself and family as ‘Eric”.

‘Sad news. He was a lovely man. Just rewatched an episode of Still Game last night.’

‘His character was so key to the believability of the rest of the younger cast all being a group of Auld Boys. He played the role amazingly. Thanks for the laughs Jimmy.’

Martin’s management and former co-stars paid tribute to the ‘wonderful’ actor on social media

Several fans took to X to express their condolensces, with one person who met Jimmy calling him a ‘lovely man’ and another thanking him ‘for the laughs’

He received the British Empire Medal, which is awarded for ‘meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown’ (pictured with his wife Christine)

‘Met him on a couple of occasions, absolute gentleman! Wasn’t in a hurry to dart off. His charity for the Hollies day centre in Musselburgh won’t be forgotten!’ 

Still Game ran until 2019, with the ninth and final series being one of the first programmes shown on BBC Scotland when it first launched.

The cult Scottish comedy followed the lives of OAP’s Jack (Kiernan) and Victor (Hemphill) and their views on how their fictional area of Craiglang, Glasgow has gone to ruin. The show was nominated for Best Entertainment Programme at the Baftas Scotland, with McCarry winning best actress in 2007.

It was also nominated for Best Comedy Programme at the National Television Awards and won best TV show at the Scottish Comedy Awards in its final year.

Stars of the show then adapted the show for the stage with dozens of sell-out performance’s at Glasgow’s largest indoor arena, the Hydro.

In his four-decade acting career Martin also appeared in Peter McDougall’s Just Another Sunday, Rab C Nesbitt and Netflix comedy Lovesick. 

Martin was born in Patrick, Glasgow and spent many years living in Musselburgh, East Lothian.

Before working on Still Game, he was a helper working at Campie Primary School’s after-school club in the town.

Martin also served time in the Royal Navy after signing up to serve his country at the age of 17.

He received the British Empire Medal, which is awarded for ‘meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.’

Still Game also starred names including Ford Kiernan and Jane McCarry. Jane (pictured on the show) was among the first to pay tribute