The laughter has gone quiet for Mickey Pearce. Patrick Murray, the actor who brought the cheeky, trilby-wearing schemer to life in Only Fools and Horses, has died at 68 after a courageous battle with lung cancer that saw him face the disease not once, but twice.
For Australian viewers who fell in love with Del Boy's world of dodgy deals and family loyalty, Mickey Pearce was the perfect foil—the mate who'd convince you to buy a three-wheeled car or join him in some half-baked business venture that was doomed from the start.
Murray played Mickey Pearce, the dim-witted friend of David Jason's Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst's Rodney Trotter across 20 episodes between 1983 and 2003 of the BBC comedy series.
But behind the swagger and the schemes was a man whose real life proved far more complex and challenging than any storyline.
From screen success to personal struggles
Patrick N. Murray had roles in ITV Playhouse (1977), Scum and Quadrophenia (1979), Breaking Glass (1980), Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), Bergerac (1983), Dempsey and Makepeace (1986), and The Firm (1989).
He wasn't just Mickey Pearce—he was a serious actor with genuine range, appearing in gritty dramas that showcased his talent beyond comedy.
But success in showbusiness came with its demons. Patrick struggled with alcohol addiction, a battle that eventually led him to make a dramatic life change. After struggling with alcohol, he attended an Alcoholics Anonymous programme and quit the acting world, taking up work as a taxi driver in Kent.
'Patrick was a very talented & clever actor with impeccable timing. He really brought 'Mickey Pearce' to life with a mischievous charm.'
It's a story that resonates with many—the high-flying career that becomes unsustainable, the need to step back and rebuild. Patrick's choice to drive taxis wasn't a failure; it was a man taking control of his life and choosing stability over glamour.
Love, family and immigration battles
Patrick's personal life took a beautiful turn when he met Anong in Thailand in 2016. Their love story led to marriage and daughter Josie, but it also brought challenges that many mixed-nationality families in Australia would recognise all too well.
Patrick, from Higham, near Gravesend, told fans: '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.'
But before cancer returned, Patrick faced a different kind of struggle—one that touches many Australian families dealing with visa applications and income requirements.
His application for a family visa was initially refused because his earnings weren't sufficient. He described the heartbreak of being a 'Skype dad' for two years of his daughter's life, working as a chauffeur to try to meet the financial requirements.
It's a stark reminder that behind the laughter and the entertainment industry glamour, real people face very real bureaucratic challenges.
Only Fools' enduring appeal Down Under
Why does Patrick Murray's death matter to Australian audiences? Australia, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Yugoslavia are among those who purchased it.
Only Fools and Horses wasn't just a British success story—it travelled the world, and Australia was among the first to embrace Del Boy's particular brand of optimistic scheming.
The show's global success
It was voted Britain's best sitcom in a 2004 BBC poll, and came 45th in the British Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes.
The series ran for 64 episodes between 1981 and 2003
The most-watched show in British TV history stars David Jason as the hapless market trader, Del Boy, joined by his brother Rodney and the rest of the Trotter clan.
The humour translated beautifully—who hasn't known a Mickey Pearce in their life? The mate who's always got a 'guaranteed' money-making scheme, who exaggerates his success with business and romance, who somehow manages to be both annoying and endearing at the same time.
Mickey Pearce was known for his scheming personality and comic interactions with the main characters, making him a memorable figure in the series and a fan favourite.
A fighter to the end
Patrick's battle with cancer showed the same resilience that characterised his career recovery. The actor revealed in 2021 that scans had caught a cancerous lung tumour in its early stages and that he had undergone an operation to have it removed, followed by chemotherapy.
But cancer, like Mickey Pearce's schemes, doesn't always go according to plan. 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. Even facing this devastating news, Patrick maintained his connection with fans and the Only Fools community.
Patrick Murray's legacy
- Appeared in 20 episodes of Only Fools and Horses from 1983-2003
- Overcame alcohol addiction and rebuilt his life as a taxi driver
- Fought cancer twice, showing remarkable courage and openness with fans
- Remained connected to the Only Fools community through conventions and fan events
- Left behind wife Anong and daughter Josie
The actor underwent surgery and chemotherapy to remove a cancerous lung tumour in 2021. Subsequent scans found another tumour in his liver that was unconnected to his lung cancer and also treatable.
In 2023, the actor revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer for a second time, telling his fans he had surgery to remove the tumour and half his liver.
Tributes pour in for a beloved character
The news of Patrick's death has brought an outpouring of love from fans, fellow actors, and the dedicated Only Fools and Horses community.
A BBC spokesperson said: '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.'
Only Fools And Horses co-star Sue Holderness, who played Marlene in the sitcom, paid tribute to Murray on X, saying: 'R.I.P. darling Patrick. Much love. You will be greatly missed.'
Fans have been paying tribute to him on social media, with one post from the Only Fools and Horses News account reading: '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!'
Perhaps most tellingly, Patrick remained connected to the show's community right until the end.
The Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society, established in 1993, has a membership of around 7,000, published 45 issues of a quarterly newsletter, Hookie Street, and organises annual conventions of fans, often attended by cast members.
Patrick was a regular at these gatherings, bringing joy to fans who grew up watching his mischievous performances.
More than just Mickey Pearce
While Mickey Pearce will remain Patrick Murray's most famous creation, his career was far broader. He appeared in films such as Scum (1979), Quadrophenia (1979), The Curse of the Pink Panther (1983) and The Firm (1989). These weren't lightweight comedies—they were serious dramas that showcased his range as an actor.
In 2017, the actor launched a DJ career in Benidorm, performing as his character Mickey Pearce while dressed in the iconic black trilby, suit and tie. Even in his later years, Patrick found ways to bring joy to people, understanding that Mickey Pearce had become bigger than just a TV character—he was a cultural touchstone.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Only Fools and Horses is credited with the popularisation in Britain of several words and phrases used by Del Boy, particularly 'Plonker', meaning a fool or an idiot, and two expressions of delight or approval: 'Cushty' (from the Roma word for 'good'). The show's linguistic influence extended far beyond Britain, with Australian fans adopting these terms as well.
His story reminds us that behind every beloved character is a real person with real struggles and real triumphs. Patrick Murray's life wasn't always cushty, to use Del Boy's favourite word, but he faced his challenges with dignity and kept bringing laughter to others even when facing his own darkest moments.
What This Means For You
Patrick Murray's death marks the end of an era. On 2 October 2025, it was announced that Murray had died at the age of 68. He joins other beloved members of the Only Fools family who have passed away, but his legacy lives on in the countless hours of laughter he provided and the very human story of resilience he embodied.
Mickey Pearce may have been a schemer, but Patrick Murray was the real deal—a talented actor, a devoted family man, and a fighter who never gave up. As Del Boy might say, 'He was a diamond, a 24-carat plonker, and we'll miss him.'
What's your favourite Mickey Pearce moment from Only Fools and Horses? Share your memories of this beloved character and the man who brought him to life in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowb...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Only Fools And Horses star Patrick Murray dies aged 68
Cited text: Murray played Mickey Pearce, the dim-witted friend of David Jason's Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst’s Rodney Trotter across 20 episodes between 1983 an...
Excerpt: Murray played Mickey Pearce, the dim-witted friend of David Jason's Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst's Rodney Trotter across 20 episodes between 1983 and 2003 of the BBC comedy series.
https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/20...-and-horses-star-patrick-murray-dies-aged-68/
Patrick Murray (actor) - Wikipedia
Cited text: Patrick N. Murray (17 December 1956—September or October 2025) was a British actor who had roles in ITV Playhouse (1977), Scum and Quadrophenia (197...
Excerpt: Murray had roles in ITV Playhouse (1977), Scum and Quadrophenia (1979), Breaking Glass (1980), Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), Bergerac (1983), Dempsey and Makepeace (1986), and The Firm (1989).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Murray_(actor)
Tributes paid as Only Fools and Horses actor dies aged 68 | LBC
Cited text: After struggling with alcohol, he attended an Alcoholics Anonymous programme and quit the acting world, taking up work as a taxi driver in Kent.
Excerpt: After struggling with alcohol, he attended an Alcoholics Anonymous programme and quit the acting world, taking up work as a taxi driver in Kent.
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/only-fools-and-horses-actor-dies-5HjdDrR_2/
Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray, from Higham, dies aged 68
Cited text: Picture: BBC · At the time, Patrick, from Higham, near Gravesend, told fans: “I have been trying to avoid this tweet for a while, but I owe it to my f...
Excerpt: Patrick, from Higham, near Gravesend, told fans: 'I have been trying to avoid this tweet for a while, but I owe it to my friends to keep you updated.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/only-fools-and-horses-star-dies-aged-68-330627/
Only Fools and Horses—Wikipedia
Cited text: Australia, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Yugoslavia are among those who pu...
Excerpt: Australia, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Yugoslavia are among those who purchased it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Fools_and_Horses
Only Fools and Horses—Wikipedia
Cited text: It was voted Britain's best sitcom in a 2004 BBC poll, and came 45th in the British Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest British Television Progr...
Excerpt: It was voted Britain's best sitcom in a 2004 BBC poll, and came 45th in the British Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Fools_and_Horses
Only Fools and Horses—Apple TV
Cited text: The most-watched show in British TV history stars David Jason as the hapless market trader, Del Boy, joined by his brother Rodney and the rest of the ...
Excerpt: The most-watched show in British TV history stars David Jason as the hapless market trader, Del Boy, joined by his brother Rodney and the rest of the Trotter clan.
https://tv.apple.com/us/show/only-fools-and-horses/umc.cmc.6r4coauwtq86wykaaqsx7rhij
Patrick Murray, Mickey Pearce Actor, Dies at 68 « Euro Weekly News
Cited text: Mickey Pearce was known for his scheming personality and comic interactions with the main characters, making him a memorable figure in the series and ...
Excerpt: Mickey Pearce was known for his scheming personality and comic interactions with the main characters, making him a memorable figure in the series and a fan favourite.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/10/02/patrick-murray-mickey-pearce-actor-dies-at-68/
Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses, dies aged 68 | ITV News
Cited text: The actor revealed in 2021 that scans had caught a cancerous lung tumour in its early stages and that he had undergone an operation to have it removed...
Excerpt: The actor revealed in 2021 that scans had caught a cancerous lung tumour in its early stages and that he had undergone an operation to have it removed, followed by chemotherapy.
https://www.itv.com/news/2025-10-02...-pearce-in-only-fools-and-horses-dies-aged-68
Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray, from Higham, dies aged 68
Cited text: “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.
Excerpt: 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.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/only-fools-and-horses-star-dies-aged-68-330627/
Patrick Murray death: Only Fools and Horses star dies, aged 68
Cited text: The actor underwent surgery and chemotherapy to remove a cancerous lung tumour in 2021. Subsequent scans found another tumour in his liver that was un...
Excerpt: The actor underwent surgery and chemotherapy to remove a cancerous lung tumour in 2021.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/patrick-murray-death-only-fools-121053957.html
Only Fools And Horses star Patrick Murray dies aged 68
Cited text: A BBC spokesperson said: '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 th...
Excerpt: A BBC spokesperson said: '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.'
https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/20...-and-horses-star-patrick-murray-dies-aged-68/
Only Fools And Horses star Patrick Murray dies aged 68
Cited text: ... Only Fools And Horses co-star Sue Holderness, who played Marlene in the sitcom, paid tribute to Murray on X, saying: 'R.I.P. darling Patrick. Much...
Excerpt: Only Fools And Horses co-star Sue Holderness, who played Marlene in the sitcom, paid tribute to Murray on X, saying: 'R.I.P. darling Patrick.
https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/20...-and-horses-star-patrick-murray-dies-aged-68/
Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses, dies aged 68 | ITV News
Cited text: Fans have been paying tribute to him on social media, with one post from the Only Fools and Horses News account reading: 'It is with heartfelt sadness...
Excerpt: Fans have been paying tribute to him on social media, with one post from the Only Fools and Horses News account reading: 'It is with heartfelt sadness that we report the death of our friend Patrick Murray—Mickey Pearce to so many.
https://www.itv.com/news/2025-10-02...-pearce-in-only-fools-and-horses-dies-aged-68
Only Fools and Horses—Wikipedia
Cited text: The Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society, established in 1993, has a membership of around 7,000, published 45 issues of a quarterly newsletter, ...
Excerpt: The Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society, established in 1993, has a membership of around 7,000, published 45 issues of a quarterly newsletter, Hookie Street, and organises annual conventions of fans, often attended by cast members.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Fools_and_Horses
Patrick Murray, Mickey Pearce Actor, Dies at 68 « Euro Weekly News
Cited text: He appeared in films such as Scum (1979), Quadrophenia (1979), The Curse of the Pink Panther (1983) and The Firm (1989).
Excerpt: He appeared in films such as Scum (1979), Quadrophenia (1979), The Curse of the Pink Panther (1983) and The Firm (1989).
https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/10/02/patrick-murray-mickey-pearce-actor-dies-at-68/
Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray's life after fame and career change before death at 68 | HELLO!
Cited text: In 2017, the actor launched a DJ career in Benidorm, performing as his character Mickey Pearce while dressed in the iconic black trilby, suit and tie....
Excerpt: In 2017, the actor launched a DJ career in Benidorm, performing as his character Mickey Pearce while dressed in the iconic black trilby, suit and tie.
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/...patrick-murray-life-after-fame-career-change/
Only Fools and Horses—Wikipedia
Cited text: Evans spoke of: [shows] such as Only Fools and Horses, which gets tremendous viewing figures but does inspire conventions of fans who meet in pubs cal...
Excerpt: Only Fools and Horses is credited with the popularisation in Britain of several words and phrases used by Del Boy, particularly 'Plonker', meaning a fool or an idiot, and two expressions of delight or approval: 'Cushty' (from the Roma word…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Fools_and_Horses
Patrick Murray (actor) - Wikipedia
Cited text: On 2 October 2025, it was announced that Murray had died at the age of 68.
Excerpt: On 2 October 2025, it was announced that Murray had died at the age of 68.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Murray_(actor)
