Typecast But Triumphant

For millions of EastEnders fans, John Altman will always be remembered as Nick Cotton, one of the most infamous bad boys to walk the streets of Albert Square. First appearing in the very first episode back in 1985, Altman brought menace, chaos, and unforgettable drama to the soap for three decades.

But while the role was financially rewarding and made him a household name, Altman admits it came with a downside—he became typecast. Even now, years after Nick’s on-screen death in 2015, strangers still call out “It’s you, Nick Cotton!” when they spot him in public.

Despite this, the 73-year-old actor, singer, and songwriter has built a varied career, proving there’s much more to him than his soap villain alter ego.

Humble Beginnings

Altman grew up in Berkshire and Kent, raised by a Bank of England clerk father and a housewife mother. Acting was in his blood—his grandfather, Johnnie Schofield Jr, was an actor—and his parents encouraged him to save whatever he could, often in a Post Office account.

But money wasn’t always easy to come by. At 18, while traveling in India, he ran out of funds completely and had to rely on the kindness of a stranger for 30 rupees to survive until money arrived from home.

Like many young actors, he juggled jobs between roles, working as a waiter, cleaner, and even scrubbing entertainer Anita Harris’s Kensington home to cover his rent.

Soap Fame and “Silly Money”

Altman’s EastEnders role transformed his finances. At the height of his fame, he was in huge demand—not just on-screen but also for live appearances. He recalls being driven to nightclubs across the UK, where he would step into character as Nick Cotton, insult the crowd, stage a mock fight with the DJ, and leave with autographs signed, drinks poured, and £1,000 in his pocket for a night’s work.

Even his father had a nickname for the soap—“DeadEnders”—because of how many characters ended up robbed or killed. But for Altman, it was a role that set him up financially and led to new opportunities.

Beyond Albert Square

One of Altman’s most rewarding ventures came in 2001, when he landed the role of Billy Flynn in the first national tour of Chicago. The show ran for two years and paid well, though touring was hard work. He also appeared in The Mousetrap and many Christmas pantomimes, where up to three performances a day could keep him financially comfortable for months.

Outside of acting, Altman has pursued his passion for music, performing with the Heavy Metal Kids and releasing his debut solo album Never Too Late to Rock and Roll under his alter ego, Johnny Altman.

Financial Highs and Lows

Not every decision has paid off. In the 1980s, he bought a second-hand BMW from a friend of co-star Leslie Grantham, only to discover it was a money pit. “Everything that could go wrong did go wrong,” he admits. On the flip side, buying a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI in the 2000s turned out to be a joy—it’s still running with more than 100,000 miles on the clock.

Priorities and Legacy

Today, Altman lives in a two-bedroom apartment in Richmond Upon Thames. He’s nearly paid off the mortgage and relies mostly on his state pension, supplemented by acting work. His biggest financial priority is simple: stay busy and secure his home.

Looking ahead, Altman plans to pass what he can to his daughter and granddaughter. He also wants to leave money to dementia research, honoring the memory of his late partner, actress Diana Marchment, who died from the illness.

More Than Nick Cotton

While some directors still struggle to look beyond his soap legacy, John Altman has long since proven his versatility. From West End tours to rock ’n’ roll gigs, he continues to reinvent himself.

Nick Cotton may have been his most famous role, but John Altman’s story shows there’s much more to the man than Albert Square’s resident villain.