Tributes have poured in for the beloved actor
Only Fools and Horses star Patrick Murray has passed away at 68 following a lengthy fight against cancer. The adored actor was renowned for portraying Mickey Pearce in the BBC comedy series from 1983 through to 2003. Murray also featured in the legendary 1970s films Scum and The Who’s rock opera Quadrophenia.
The performer disclosed his lung cancer diagnosis in 2021. The subsequent year, he shared that he’d received the all-clear and his cancer had been “cured” following chemotherapy and surgery to extract a cancerous tumour.
The star additionally revealed he’d undergone another procedure – known as a TACE – to eliminate a separate, unrelated tumour in his liver which was treatable. He was informed the liver tumour was “shrinking”.
In April 2023, he informed supporters the lung cancer had returned despite the “wonderful efforts” of his medical team. Murray revealed the cancer had metastasised to his pelvis, leg bones and lymphatic system, reports the Daily Star.
The actor’s death was confirmed on Thursday (October 2) by the Only Fools and Horses News account on X. In a touching tribute, they wrote: “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 bought to many Sleep Well Pat!”. Heartfelt tributes to the television legend have flooded in from admirers across social media.
One fan posted a tribute to the star, saying: “Thanks for the Laughs Patrick, really sad news. RIP.” Another shared: “Very sad news. Had the pleasure of meeting him, many years ago at one of the conventions.”
A third added: “Rest in peace pat, was fantastic as Mickey Pearce.” Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: “That’s so sad. RIP Patrick and my thoughts are with all his family and friends.”
In 2023, Patrick revealed that his lung cancer had returned. He posted on X: “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.”
The post added: “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. 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.”
The post added: “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.”
The actor had previously shown enthusiasm about reprising his role as Mickey in a potential Only Fools reboot.
Speaking to The Sun in 2023, he said: “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.”
He paid tribute to the programme’s late creator, John Sullivan, describing him as “such a great writer”. However, he believed John’s son Jim, who penned episodes of spin-off The Green Green Grass and Only Fools and Horses The Musical, could rise to the challenge of crafting a revival. He described him as “really good,” adding: “I’m sure he could achieve it.”
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