Only Fools and Horses legend Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce on the beloved BBC sitcom, has tragically passed away at the age of 68.

The actor had previously fought a battle with lung cancer, receiving the all-clear, only to reveal a year later that the disease had returned, spreading to his legs and pelvis. He made the announcement in 2023, thanking the medical team who had treated him for their “wonderful efforts”. Murray confirmed had spread to his pelvis, leg bones and lymphatic system.

He said at the time: “It’s not over yet, but as you can imagine I am over the moon with this latest news. Thanks to the brilliant doctors and nurses of our NHS, I will hopefully be there, at next year’s convention.”

His death was announced on Thursday October 2 by the Only Fools and Horses News account on X. The statement 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 bought to many. Sleep Well Pat!”

The Only Fools podcast said on X: “This never gets easier … rest in peace, Patrick Murray. Patrick was a very talented & clever actor with impeccable timing. He really bought ‘Mickey Pearce’ to life with a mischievous charm.”

Tributes have poured in for the star, as one fan said on X: “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 agreed: “Such sad news. A lovely gentleman. Thank you for the laughs where he’ll live on forever. Rest in Peace.”

Murray appeared in 20 episodes during its impressive 22-year run from 1983 to 2003. Mickey Pearce was known for his wheeler-dealer nature, and frequently took advantage of Rodney.

He also had roles in The Who’s rock opera Quadrophenia, and 1970s film Scum. After the show ended in 2003, his career went from strength to strength as he appeared in iconic films The Firm and Curse Of The Pink Panther.

However, he later decided to step back from fame, and instead became a taxi driver in Kent, before later opening his own pub in Kent in 1998. But he was forced to sell it after battling alcohol addiction, which he attended Alcoholics Anonymous for.

He spent some of his final years living in Thailand, where he welcomed daughter Josie shortly after marrying his Thai partner Anong in 2016. However, he was forced to move back to the UK after failing to get a visa as he didn’t earn enough “to support his family”. He then started to work as chaffeur for Mercedes to try and make enough income.