Not to be confused with Mark Fowler, the 2016 EastEnders character.
Mark Albert Fowler first appeared in 1985. He was a main character for the first few months, but then unexpectedly ran away from home. He maintained occassional contact with his family through letters, and returned to see them on numerous occasions, usually just for a day or so, until Christmas 1987. During this time, he was played by David Scarboro, who died in April 1988.
In 1990, Mark returned. This time played by Todd Carty. Upon his return he announced he was HIV Positive. His final exit was in 2003. Mark died on 12 April 2004.
About
Mark Fowler was Walford's original Wild One - a rebellious teen running around with gangs and breaking his mother's heart.
After running away from home in 1985 he travelled the country living in Southend-on-Sea, a farm in Wales and with mates in Gloucester.
But by the time he roared back into Albert Square on his motorbike to take up full-time residency in 1990, Mark was a changed man.
Mark was heroic when facing the Square's prejudice over his HIV status. Led by a less-than-understanding Peggy Mitchell, the residents of Walford made his life a misery, boycotting his fruit and veg stall, graffittiing his home and treating him as a second-class citizen.
Unfortunately, Mark's love life gave him little solace. His first wife Gill died of an AIDS related illness. His relationship with second wife Ruth disintegrated due to his inability to have children. Ruth started an affair with Mark's cousin, Conor Flaherty, and fell pregnant. Ruth left for Scotland. Mark's relationship with Phil Mitchell's ex Lisa, and attempts to play father to their daughter, Louise, weathered Lisa's attempt at playing assassin (she had Phil shot). However, shortly after she married Mark, she ran back to the burly arms of Mr. Mitchell. Shoot him, sleep with him… well… how can a girl decide?
Fiercely independent, Mark found it difficult to accept the restrictions of the illness which finally claimed his life. When he realised that death was imminent, he refused to allow his family and friends see him deteriorate and rode out of the Square for the final time, leaving the entire community (even Peggy Mitchell) to grieve in his wake.
First and last lines
"I notice you ain't asking me." (First line)
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"Bye mum." (Last line)
See also
Template:Original characters