Only Fools and Horses star Sue Holderness has led the tributes to her sitcom co-star Patrick Murray, who has died at the age of 68 following a battle with lung cancer
Sue Holderness has paid tribute to her late co-star Patrick Murray, saying that he “will be greatly missed”. The 76 year old actress – who portrayed Boycie’s glamorous spouse Marlene in Only Fools and Horses – posted on X on Thursday (02.10. 25) afternoon to honour her BBC sitcom colleague.
It was revealed this morning that Patrick, who was best known for playing Mickey Pearce in the iconic comedy, died aged 68 after battling lung cancer. Sue shared a tribute to Patrick on social media, writing alongside a photograph of Patrick: “R.I.P. darling Patrick. Much love. You will be greatly missed.”
Carol Challis – who lost her husband John Challis to cancer in September 2021, aged 79 – expressed her heartfelt condolences to Patrick’s wife Anong and their daughter Josie, also on X.
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Adding a caption to an endearing photograph of the trio, Carol penned: “My condolences to Pat’s beloved wife Anong and their daughter Josie.”
Carol also posted four photographs of Patrick, including two of his Only Fools and Horses character Mickey Pearce – whom he portrayed from 1983 until 2003 – and one with her late husband John, spanning the years.
Making reference to the sitcom’s late creator John Sullivan – who passed away after suffering viral pneumonia for six weeks in April 2011, aged 64 – she added the caption to the collection of photographs: “Sullivan loved Pat’s Mickey Pearce.” Devotees of Only Fools and Horses also honoured Patrick on X.
One user commented: “The faces we grew up with in the 70s and 80s weren’t just on TV – they became part of our childhood, shaping humour, culture and even how we saw the world.
“Sad to hear Patrick Murray, who gave us Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses, has passed. Another icon of an era gone.”
A second person wrote: “Such sad news indeed that Patrick Murray sadly passed away. I met him at the London film convention some time ago, he was a very nice person, and I had a very interesting chat with him RIP (sic).”
And a third fan penned: “Rest in Peace Patrick Murray. Patrick Murray has passed away age 68. Best known for playing the character Mickey Pearce on Only Fools and Horses. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. (sic)”.
News of Patrick’s death came from a statement on an Only Fools and Horses fanpage on Thursday, which read: “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.”
In 2021, Patrick was diagnosed with lung cancer. The following year, he revealed he had been given the all-clear and that his cancer had been “cured” after he underwent chemotherapy and an operation to remove a cancerous tumour in October 2022.
Sadly, the sitcom star took to X – then called Twitter – in April 2023 to say that the cancer had returned and spread to other parts of his body.
Despite the grim prognosis, Patrick remained resolute to stay “positive”. He also shared that his oncologist was “confident” that the treatment would keep things “in check” for some time.
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