Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray has died at the age of 68. The actor, best known for playing Mickey Pearce in the legendary BBC sitcom, passed away following a battle with lung cancer.

A moving 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.”

On X, The Only Fools podcast announced: “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.”

Fans of the beloved BBC sitcom rushed to share their heartbreak at the news of his passing. One person wrote: “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.”

Another replied: “Such sad news. A lovely gentleman. Thank you for the laughs where he’ll live on forever. Rest in Peace.”

Actor Patrick played the role 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 wheeling and dealing in black market goods.

The trilby-wearing entrepreneur was renowned for his outlandish claims about his success in both business and with women.

After the show ended in 2003, he landed several big-screen roles including The Firm and Curse Of The Pink Panther.

In 1998, he was the proud owner of a British pub but sadly turned to booze and ended up getting rid of the establishment. Having successfully attended an Alcoholics Anonymous programme, he focused on his rehabilitation.

When the programme came to an end, Patrick decided to turn his back on the glitz and glamour and quit acting to became a taxi driver in Kent.

Patrick also spent a decade living in Thailand, where he married his Thai partner Anong in 2016. Their daughter Josie was born in Thailand shortly after their wedding.

In 2021, Patrick was diagnosed with lung cancer. The following year, he revealed he had been given the all-clear and that his cancer had been “cured” after he underwent chemotherapy and an operation to remove a cancerous tumour in October 2022.

Sadly, the sitcom star took to X – then called Twitter – in April 2023 to say that the cancer had returned and spread to other parts of his body.

He wrote: “Despite all the wonderful efforts by the medical and nursing teams at Medway, Guy’s, and King’s 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 continued: “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.”

Original source: gb