Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray dies aged 68 after cancer diagnosis

19 February 2019. Only Fools & Horses press night at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London. Patrick Murray Credit: Andy Oliver/GoffPhotos.com Ref: KGC-143
Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray has died at the age of 68 (Picture: Andy Oliver/GoffPhotos.com)

Only Fools and Horses legend Patrick Murray has died at the age of 68.

The actor, who is best known for playing Mickey Pearce, was previously diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 before being given the all-clear just a year later.

However, in 2023 the 68-year-old revealed that his cancer had returned and spread to his legs and pelvis.

Murray played the role of Mickey in 20 episodes of the legendary British sitcom during its 22-year run from 1983 to 2003.

Like David Jason’s Del Boy character, Mickey was also known for wheeling and dealing in black market goods.

His character was most recognised for making outlandish claims about his success in both business and with women.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tony Kyriacou/REX/Shutterstock (396030q) PATRICK MURRAY GINJA AND LEE O PROMOTING THEIR SINGLE 'DEL BOYS TUNE', LONDON, BRITAIN - 11 NOV 2002
The actor was best known for playing Mickey Pearce in the legendary sitcom (Picture: Tony Kyriacou/REX/Shutterstock)
Only Fools and Horses : S3 : Ep5 Picture shows L-R Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney Trotter and Patrick Murray as Mickey Pearce in the Nag's Head pub image John Ridley aired 15/12/1983 Hundreds of never-before-seen photos taken during the filming of Only Fools and Horses have been unearthed by the BBC. The charming photos were taken behind the scenes and show Del Boy, Rodney, Granddad and Uncle Albert relaxing while off camera. To mark the 40th anniversary of the broadcast of the first episode of the classic sitcom, the long-forgotten negatives for the show have been dug out of the BBC archives to be digitised. Many of the black and white images were taken while filming on location.
Murray’s character would often take advantage of Rodney Trotter (Picture: BBC)
Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock (9593666bb) Patrick Murray 'Loose Women' TV show, London, UK - 09 Apr 2018 SURPRISE GUEST: IT'S PATRICK MURRAY AKA MICKEY PEARCE Patrick Murray is best known for playing wheeler-dealer, Mickey Pearce, who was Rodney Trotter?s best mate for over 20 years in the beloved BBC sitcom ?Only Fools and Horses?. He?ll be joining the panel today to SURPRISE John Challis and will be wearing his trilby and suit!
The actor pictured during an appearance on ITV’s Loose Women (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

He would also frequently take advantage of Nicholas Lyndhurst’s character Rodney Trotter, who was inexperienced in the trade.

In 2018, Murray revealed that he was receiving treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Towards the start of Murray’s career, the actor appeared in the TV play Scum and film of the same name in 1979, starring both times alongside Ray Winstone.

In the same year, he starred in the film Quadrophenia in a cast which included Sting, Michael Elphick and Timothy Spall.

"ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES"...Picture Shows: SID (Roy Heather), TRIG (Roger Lloyd Pack),. BOYCIE (John Challis), DENZIL (Patrick Barber), MARLENE (Sue Holderness) and MICKEY PEARCE (Patrick Murray) TX: BBC ONE TUESDAY, 25TH DECEMBER 2001 When last seen the Trotters were living the high life after finally making millions. How have they fared since? WARNING: This BBC copyright image may be used only to publicise current BBC programmes or other BBC output. Any other use whatsoever without specific prior approval from the BBC may result in legal action.... BBC TUE, DEC 25 2001 Unmanipulated picture
Murray, right, starred in 20 episodes of Only Fools and Horses (Picture: BBC One)
TELEVISION PROGRAMME, 'ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES'. Picture Shows: MICKEY PEARCE (Patrick Murray) TX: BBC ONE TUESDAY, 25TH DECEMBER 2001 WARNING: This BBC copyright image may be used only to publicise current BBC programmes or other BBC output. Any other use whatsoever without specific prior approval from the BBC may result in legal action.... BBC Unmanipulated picture TUE, DEC 25 2001
In 2023 the actor revealed that his cancer had returned (Picture: BBC One)
LONDON - SEPTEMBER 9: Only Fools And Horses stars Patrick Murray (Mickey Pearce) and John Challis (Boycie) attend the TV Quick Awards at the Dorchester Hotel on September 9, 2002 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
Murray, pictured with fellow Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, has starred in several films including Quadrophenia and The Firm (Picture: Getty Images)

As well as starring in Only Fools and Horses, which ended in 2003, other film credits include Curse Of The Pink Panther (1983) and The Firm (1989), starring Gary Oldman.

Despite his TV and movie appearances, Murray quit his acting career towards the end of his life to become a taxi driver in Kent.

This was reportedly in order to comply with minimum income rules for non-European spouses to bring his wife, Among, and daughter, Josie, to the UK following a new rule that was introduced under Theresa May in 2012.

Since then, both Murray and Anong were able to obtain a work visa.

Macmillan cancer support

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.

You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.

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