Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray has sadly passed away at the age of 68.
The actor, renowned for his portrayal of ‘wheeler dealer’ Mickey Pearce, had previously battled lung cancer and was given the all-clear. However, in 2023, Patrick disclosed that his cancer had returned and spread to his legs and pelvis.
A touching statement shared on an Only Fools fanpage read: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we report the death of our friend Patrick Murray – Mickey Pearce to so many. He was a regular attendee of our conventions, and we will miss his humour and the joy he brought to many.”
The Only Fools podcast announced on X: “This never gets easier … rest in peace, Patrick Murray. Patrick was a very talented and clever actor with impeccable timing. He really bought ‘Mickey Pearce’ to life with a mischievous charm.”
Devotees of the much-loved BBC sitcom were quick to express their sorrow at the loss of another legend from the show. One fan responded to the news: “Patrick 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 would do this in between his bouts of acting…. This is very sad news.”, reports the Mirror.
Another commented: “Such sad news. A lovely gentleman. Thank you for the laughs where he’ll live on forever. Rest in Peace.”
Actor Patrick portrayed the character of Mickey in 20 episodes of Only Fools and Horses during its 22-year run from 1983 to 2003, and like Del Boy, was known for his wheeling and dealing in black market goods.
The trilby-wearing entrepreneur was celebrated for his extravagant boasts about his achievements in both commerce and romance, and regularly exploited mate Rodney’s naivety in business dealings.
Following the programme’s conclusion in 2003, he secured numerous cinema roles including The Firm and Curse Of The Pink Panther.
In 1998, he became the proud proprietor of a British pub but tragically turned to alcohol and eventually disposed of the venue.
After successfully completing an Alcoholics Anonymous programme, he concentrated on his recovery. Upon finishing the course, Patrick chose to abandon the spotlight and retired from acting to work as a taxi driver in Kent.
Patrick also resided in Thailand for a decade, where he wed his Thai wife Anong in 2016. Their daughter Josie was born in Thailand shortly following their nuptials.
During a 2018 guest spot on Loose Women, Patrick disclosed that he was forced to return to the UK to obtain a visa for his family. The relocation occurred after the Home Office refused their application because he supposedly didn’t earn sufficient income to support them.
He spoke candidly about the experience, describing the Home Office’s verdict as “heartbreaking.”
With no acting opportunities available, Patrick began working as a chauffeur, operating an executive Mercedes, whilst missing invaluable time with his family. He reflected: “Being out of the industry for so long, the work dried up so I went back to driving an executive car, a Mercedes, to do it. I only saw my baby on the phone for two years, I was a Skype dad.”
Nevertheless, there was a bright spot when Patrick’s acting career enjoyed a resurgence in 2019 with a part in the television series Conditions as Frank Bridge across 13 episodes.
Patrick represents the most recent departure from the Only Fools and Horses ensemble following John Challis, better recognised as Terrance Aubrey ‘Boycie’, who passed away in September 2021 aged 79. Paul Barber, who portrayed Denzil, also died that same year.
Roger Lloyd-Pack, famous for his depiction of the endearing yet simple Trigger, passed away in 2014.
In recent times Patrick’s wellbeing deteriorated and in 2023 he disclosed his cancer had returned and metastasised to his legs and pelvis.
The 66 year old had previously fought lung cancer and received the all-clear in 2022.
In an online message he stated at the time: “Despite all the wonderful efforts by the medical and nursing teams at Medway ,Guys ,and Kings College hospitals, the lung cancer has returned.
“I thought I had a painful groin strain a couple of months ago, unfortunately that turned out to be the cancer getting into my pelvis and leg bones. It has also entered my lymphatic system.”
He added: “What about the good news? I had radiology treatment last week and my oncologist is fairly confident this will stop the leg pain, and I will be up and about again.
“Another positive is my consultant. He is confident that the chemo will keep things in check for months and even years””His optimism comes not from kindness of which I know he has in spades, but advances in cancer medicine. The genetic molecular tests are super precise, and the choice of meds can be made with much more confidence.
“I am feeling positive with my good wife’s awesome support.”
In January, Patrick disclosed that a portion of his liver had been excised after doctors found a malignant growth in 2022.
He shared on Twitter: “I am going home today.'”Minus half a liver and a tumour that the wonderful Prof Heaton removed last week. I kept this under my hat that they’d discovered another primary cancer last year.
“Before this, he announced in January 2022 that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors found a malignant tumour.However, there was more encouraging news later in the year and five months later, he informed fans he was “cured”, posting on Twitter: “Thanks again for all your lovely messages. As you may know, I was diagnosed with lung cancer last July.
“After an op in October to remove the tumour I had chemo to help prevent the cancer returning. “During this chemo, another tumour was discovered in my liver. Luckily for me this cancer was unconnected to the lung cancer and was also treatable.
“I had a procedure called TACE to deal with this.
“Last Friday l saw my oncologist. She told me the lung cancer was cured and that the tumour in my liver was shrinking.”
At the time he cautiously added: “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.”
