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Obituary
Only Fools & Horses icon Patrick Murray has passed away at the age of 68.
The actor, renowned for his role as the charming rogue Mickey Pearce in the beloved British sitcom, succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle.
Patrick Murray portrayed Mickey in Only Fools and Horses.
His lovable rogue character was a fan favorite and made him a household name.
Mickey was friends with co-lead character Rodney Trotter, portrayed by Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Murray had previously fought lung cancer and was declared cancer-free in 2022; however, it returned and metastasized to his legs and pelvis.
A statement shared on an Only Fools fan page expressed: “Patrick Murray. With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our friend Patrick Murray – Mickey Pearce to many.”
“He was a regular at our conventions, and we will miss his humor and the joy he brought to numerous fans.”
On X, The Only Fools podcast remarked: “This never gets easier… rest in peace, Patrick Murray.”
“Patrick was an exceptionally talented and clever actor with impeccable timing. He truly brought ‘Mickey Pearce’ to life with mischievous charm.”
This news comes just months after the passing of another Only Fools actor in April, following a “long and painful illness.”
He played a Colombian drug lord in the two-part Miami Twice.
Rise to Stardom
Murray was born in Greenwich, London, in 1956 and acted alongside notable figures such as Gary Oldman and Timothy Spall early in his career.
His film credits include Scum and Quadrophenia, both released in 1979, as well as Breaking Glass (1980), Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), and The Firm (1989).
From 1983 to 2003, he portrayed Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses, appearing in 20 episodes.
In his later years, he stepped back from acting and became a cab driver, partly to meet minimum income requirements for non-European spouses at that time.
This allowed his wife Anong and daughter Josie to relocate to the UK.
In January 2021, he announced his lung cancer diagnosis but was given the all-clear in May 2022.
However, in April 2023, he disclosed that the lung cancer had returned and spread.
Tributes have poured in for the actor, with talent manager Gary Ward stating: “What a legacy he created.”
