The actor died at the age of 68
Only Fools and Horses actor Patrick Murray, known for his role as Mickey Pearce, made a touching gesture to a fan before his sad passing at the age of 68. The news of his death was announced yesterday (October 2), following a brave battle with lung cancer and a tumour on his liver, which led to him undergoing surgery to remove half of the organ.
In May 2022, he shared the uplifting news that he had been given the all clear on his lung cancer after successful treatment. However, just a year later, he revealed that his lung cancer had returned and had spread.
The BBC star, beloved by Only Fools fans as Cockney chancer Mickey, reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep. Now, a devoted fan of the show has shared a heartwarming encounter with Mickey, which occurred while his father was receiving treatment at the same time.
Councillor Paul Canal, the Leader of the Conservative Party in the Bridge ward, Redbridge, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a photo of Patrick taken from his hospice bed.
He wrote: “My father shared a ward at Wisdom Hospice with ‘Micky Pierce’ aka Patrick Murray. On my first visit to Dad 4 weeks ago he gave me a signed photo, which I will frame. I also met his lovely wife Anong and their beautiful daughter Josie. It was a wonderful family. Condolences and love to all the family and friends. In the picture ‘Mickey’ is wearing my hat!”
On Thursday, the official Only Fools and Horses social media account confirmed Patrick’s passing. Accompanied by a photograph of him from the programme, they wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses. Patrick’s unforgettable portrayal of Mickey – the trilby-wearing wide-boy, always on the make and often leading Rodney into trouble – brought laughter to millions and made him a cherished part of the show. Away from the screen, Patrick was warm, kind and genuine. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this very sad time.”
On X, The Only Fools podcast declared: “This never gets easier … rest in peace, Patrick Murray. Patrick was a very talented and clever actor with impeccable timing. He really brought ‘Mickey Pearce’ to life with a mischievous charm.”
A BBC representative commented: “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.”
Sue Holderness, who memorably portrayed Marlene in the comedy series, posted on social media: “RIP darling Patrick. Much love. You will be greatly missed.”
Patrick featured as Mickey across 20 episodes of Only Fools and Horses throughout its 22-year journey from 1983 to 2003, and much like Del Boy, was renowned for his involvement in dodgy dealings and black market trading. The trilby-sporting businessman was famous for his extravagant boasts about his achievements in commerce and romance, regularly exploiting mate Rodney’s naivety in their dealings.
Following the programme’s conclusion in 2003, he secured numerous cinema appearances, featuring in films such as The Firm and Curse Of The Pink Panther. He subsequently abandoned his acting career and chose to work as a cab driver instead.
Patrick also lived in Thailand for ten years, where he wed his Thai wife Anong in 2016. Their daughter Josie was born in Thailand shortly after their marriage.
During a 2018 stint on Loose Women, Patrick disclosed that he was forced to return to Britain to obtain visas for his family. This decision followed the Home Office’s rejection of their application due to his allegedly insufficient income to provide for them. He discussed the painful experience, describing the Home Office’s ruling as “heartbreaking.”
Without any acting opportunities available, Patrick began working as a chauffeur, operating an executive Mercedes whilst missing invaluable time with his loved ones.
He contemplated: “Being out of the industry for so long, the work dried up, so I went back to driving an executive car, a Mercedes, to do it. I only saw my baby on the phone for two years; I was a Skype dad.”
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