Credit: BBC
Only Fools And Horses Star Has Died
Tributes are pouring in following the death of a star of Only Fools and Horses.
Fans, colleagues, and friends have taken to social media to remember the actor, praising his humor, warmth, and the joy he brought to millions through his work on the beloved BBC sitcom.
The Only Fools and Horses News account on X (formerly Twitter) broke the news with a heartfelt statement: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we report the death.
“He was a regular attendee of our conventions, and we will miss his humour and the joy he brought to many. Sleep Well!”
The Only Fools podcast also paid tribute, writing: “This never gets easier… rest in peace. A very talented and clever actor with impeccable timing. He really brought the show to life with a mischievous charm.”
Fans quickly added their own memories.
One shared: “He used to be a cabby in Blackheath in the 90s, and often I would get him to drive me home after a late night out at the pub. He was just as funny and kind in real life.”
Another added: “Such sad news. A lovely gentleman. Thank you for the laughs where he’ll live on forever. Rest in Peace.”
Patrick Murray rose to fame in the 1980s when he joined Only Fools and Horses, one of Britain’s most successful comedies.
His character Mickey Pearce, a hustler and friend of Rodney Trotter, appeared in 20 episodes during the show’s impressive 22-year run from 1983 to 2003.
Known for his fedora, fast-talking, and shady deals, Mickey became one of the program’s most recognizable side characters, often landing Rodney in trouble.
Murray’s career stretched far beyond Peckham.
He appeared in cult British films including Scum and Quadrophenia in 1979, as well as The Firm in 1989 and Curse of the Pink Panther in 1983.
Even after stepping away from the spotlight, his role as Mickey Pearce ensured a lasting place in television history and kept him a favorite at fan events and conventions for decades.
Away from acting, Murray lived a colorful life.
After Only Fools came to an end, he became a taxi driver in Kent and later opened a pub in 1998, though he was forced to sell it after battling alcohol addiction.
He later spoke openly about his recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous.
In the 2010s, he spent time living in Thailand, where he met his wife, Anong. The couple married in 2016 and welcomed their daughter Josie soon after.
However, Murray’s return to the UK highlighted personal struggles, as he was unable to secure visas for his family to join him due to income requirements.
He worked as a chauffeur while continuing to attend fan conventions, often sharing how much joy he got from meeting Only Fools devotees.
In 2021, Murray revealed he had been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors caught a tumor at an early stage.
He underwent surgery and chemotherapy and was later told his condition was treatable.
Sadly, in 2023, he announced that the cancer had returned, this time spreading to his pelvis, legs, and lymphatic system.
Despite the devastating news, Murray maintained a sense of gratitude, praising NHS staff for their ‘wonderful efforts’ and telling fans he was hopeful about attending future conventions.
At the time, he said per the Express: “It’s not over yet, but as you can imagine, I am over the moon with this latest news. Thanks to the brilliant doctors and nurses of our NHS, I will hopefully be there at next year’s convention.”
Tragically, Murray’s battle came to an end this week at the age of 68.
His passing follows the loss of other Only Fools icons such as John Challis, who played Boycie, and Roger Lloyd-Pack, who played Trigger, leaving Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst among the last surviving pillars of the iconic cast.
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