Patrick Murray, best known for his unforgettable role as Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses, has passed away at the age of 68.
The news broke on a dedicated fan page for the classic BBC sitcom, with a heartfelt tribute: “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.”
Only Fools and Horses Star Patrick Murray Dies Aged 68
Murray’s cheeky portrayal of the sharp-suited wheeler-dealer remains etched in the memory of fans across the UK.
His on-screen chemistry with Del Boy and Rodney Trotter made him a standout presence in the legendary series.
In recent years, Murray had faced a string of health battles with quiet resilience. In 2021, he underwent surgery and chemotherapy to remove a cancerous tumour from his lung. Unfortunately, later scans revealed another tumour on his liver unrelated to the first diagnosis.
Patrick Murray diagnosed with Cancer
By 2023, he shared with fans that he had been hit with a second cancer diagnosis.
“I kept this under my hat that they’d discovered another primary cancer last year,” he told his followers, expressing gratitude to the medical team at King’s College Hospital.
He underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) – a specialised, minimally invasive procedure that limits the blood supply to a tumour, aiming to shrink or eliminate it.
Patrick Murray, the man behind one of Britain’s most iconic sitcom characters, fought his illnesses with courage and grace – and always kept his sense of humour intact.
Murray made his Only Fools and Horses debut in 1983 and went on to feature in 20 episodes over two decades. His character, Mickey Pearce, became synonymous with flashy suits, big talk, and comic timing that could rival any of the show’s heavy-hitters.
Tributes have been pouring in from fans and fellow cast members alike. A statement from an Only Fools podcast page read: “This never gets easier … rest in peace, Patrick Murray.”
They remembered Murray as “a very talented and clever actor with impeccable timing”, stating: “He really brought ‘Mickey Pearce’ to life with a mischievous charm.”
Murray’s talents, however, extended beyond Peckham. He appeared in gritty British films such as Scum and Quadrophenia (1979), and The Firm (1989), demonstrating his acting range.
Following the end of Only Fools, he stepped away from the screen and became a London taxi driver.
Patrick Murray’s Personal Life
In 2015 and again in 2019, Murray made brief returns to television with roles in Endeavour and Conditions.
Away from acting, he found love and a new life in Thailand, where he met his wife, Anong. The couple had a daughter, Josie, and got married in 2016.
But their family faced tough challenges when Murray returned to the UK to secure visas for his wife and daughter – a process that became deeply frustrating.
He shared the pain of their separation in an emotional 2018 interview on Loose Women, calling the experience “heartbreaking”.
Murray’s passing adds to the growing list of Only Fools and Horses stars who’ve left us in recent years. John Challis (Boycie) and Roger Lloyd-Pack (Trigger) were also dearly loved and are sorely missed.
As fans mourn the loss of another icon from one of Britain’s most celebrated sitcoms, Patrick Murray’s legacy continues to bring laughter to generations, both old and new.
His character may have strutted through Peckham with bravado, but off-screen, Patrick Murray showed a humility and courage that will never be forgotten.
