Patrick Murray, the beloved actor best known for his role as Mickey Pearce in the British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, has died at the age of 68. His cause of death has been confirmed as complications related to lung cancer, which he had battled for several years before his passing on September 29, 2025.
The news was announced through an Only Fools and Horses fan page that paid tribute to Murray’s legacy and humor, calling him “a regular at conventions” who brought “joy to so many.”
Murray’s cause of death was linked to a long fight with lung cancer. The actor was first diagnosed in 2021 and shared updates about his condition publicly, saying in 2022 that doctors had found no trace of the disease. Sadly, the cancer later returned and spread to his legs and pelvis in 2024. Despite undergoing additional treatment, Murray’s condition worsened, and he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
He had also lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious lung condition that further impacted his health. In interviews, Murray spoke candidly about the toll of illness and how it affected both his work and personal life. He often thanked fans for their support during his treatments.
Patrick Murray became a household name in Britain for his portrayal of the charming yet scheming Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses. He appeared in 20 episodes between 1983 and 2003, often playing the role of Rodney’s rival in the world of dodgy business deals and pub banter.
Outside the sitcom, Murray had smaller roles in British films such as The Firm and Curse of the Pink Panther. However, by the 1990s, he had largely stepped away from acting. He later worked as a taxi driver in Kent and spent time living in Thailand, where he married his wife, Anong, in 2016. The couple welcomed a daughter, Josie, shortly after.
Life was not always easy for the actor. Murray openly discussed his struggles with alcoholism in the 1990s but credited Alcoholics Anonymous for helping him rebuild his life. His honesty about addiction earned him respect from fans and peers alike.
Following his death, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and industry figures. The official Only Fools Podcast wrote on X: “This never gets easier… rest in peace, Patrick Murray. He was a talented and clever actor with impeccable timing who made Mickey Pearce unforgettable.”
Many of his co-stars and long-time supporters remembered Murray not just as a performer, but as a kind and genuine man who continued engaging with fans through conventions and charity events, even when battling illness.
