Only Fools and Horses legend Patrick Murray dies at 68 as tributes flood in for actor

BBC

The actor was best known for portraying Mickey Pearce in the classic sit-com
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Only Fools and Horses icon Patrick Murray has died at 68.
The Mickey Pearce star, who appeared in 20 episodes of the BBC favourite, had been battling cancer.
Mr Murray had previously battled lung cancer but had been given the all-clear. A year later though, he revealed the cancer had sadly returned, spreading to his legs and pelvis.
A touching statement shared on Only Fools fan account reads: "Patrick Murray. 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. Sleep Well Pat!".
Fans also flooded social media with tributes to the actor who featured in the beloved comedy.
Patrick Murray
— Only Fools and Horses News (@onlyfoolsnews) October 2, 2025
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! pic.twitter.com/YEvXkJaGX7
Taking to X, one wrote: "Terrible news. Such a fantastic character. Long live Mickey Pearce. Rest in peace, Pat."
"Such a shame. Under-rated comedy performances as Mickey Pearce. RIP Patrick," another penned.
Someone else shared: "Aww such sad news, RIP to the legend that is Mickey Pearce, I know there is one place he won’t be going to and that is the Villa Bella, hopefully there is a down by the riverside wherever he is."
"Thanks for the laughs Patrick, really sad news. RIP," one more commented.
Only Fools and Horses stars John Challis and Patrick Murray
|PA
"Very sad news. Had the pleasure of meeting him, many years ago at one of the conventions," another added.
"A great character. His relationship with Del was so underrated," another fan recalled.
Someone else posted: "Terrible news this is. Was good in the firm as well."
"Such sad news. He was great character and decent human being, thoughts with his family and the whole OFAH group. Rip Mickey, never be forgotten," one more added.
Sharing the news his lung cancer had sadly returned in 2023, Mr Murray penned a candid statement on X.
He wrote: "I have been trying to avoid this tweet for a while, but I owe it to my friends to keep you updated.
"Despite all the wonderful efforts by the medical and nursing teams at Medway, Guys, and Kings College hospitals, the lung cancer has returned.
"I thought I had a painful groin strain a couple of months ago, unfortunately that turned out to be the cancer getting into my pelvis and leg bones. It has also entered my lymphatic system.
Patrick Murray in Bergerac (1981)
|IMDB
"What about the good news? I had radiology treatment last week and my oncologist is fairly confident this will stop the leg pain, and I will be up and about again.
"I will also hopefully [be] able to get some shut-eye. Another positive is my consultant. He is confident that the chemo will keep things in check for months and even years.
"His optimism comes not from kindness of which I know he has in spades, but advances in cancer medicine. The genetic molecular tests are super precise, and the choice of meds can be made with much more confidence.
"I am feeling positive with my good wife's awesome support. Luv'n'Hugs."
Mr Murray had touched on rumours of a return to his Only Fools character when speculation of a reboot was circulating.
Speaking in 2023, he told The Sun: "I'd love it. Getting together again and with all the cast and seeing how all the characters have developed.
"If the quality of the script was there, I imagine the others would be up for it too."