Patrick Murray, 'Only Fools and Horses' star, dies aged 68 after battle with cancer

Patrick Murray, best known for his role as Mickey Pearce in the beloved British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, has died aged 68 following a long illness. The actor passed away peacefully in his sleep at 1:28am on Monday, September 29, surrounded by family and friends, his representative confirmed.

Murray had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and was declared cancer-free in 2022. However, in April 2023, he revealed the disease had returned and spread to his legs and pelvis.

A spokesperson for the BBC paid tribute, stating, “We are very sad to hear of the passing of Patrick Murray, much loved for his role as Mickey in Only Fools and Horses. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Murray’s portrayal of Mickey Pearce, the fast-talking, trilby-wearing rogue and friend of Rodney Trotter, made him a fan favourite. From 1983 to 2003, he appeared in 20 episodes of the iconic series. A rep for the actor said, “Patrick’s sharp comedic timing and unforgettable turn as Del Boy’s rakish mate made Mickey Pearce a fan favourite across generations.”

Born in Greenwich, London, in 1956, Murray also featured in notable films including Scum, Quadrophenia (both 1979), Breaking Glass (1980), and The Firm (1989). Outside of acting, he later worked as a cab driver, a decision partly driven by UK immigration rules that allowed his Thai wife Anong and daughter Josie to join him in the UK.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans. Friend John Shaw called him “one of Bedford’s dearest friends,” while talent manager Gary Ward remarked, “What a legacy he built.” The official Only Fools and Horses Facebook page remembered him as “warm, kind and genuine.”

Murray’s passing comes just months after fellow Only Fools actor Mario Ernesto Sánchez died in April.