Patrick Murray, the beloved actor best known for his role as Mickey Pearce in the iconic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, has died at the age of 68, as reported on October 2, 2025. His passing marks the end of a remarkable, if sometimes turbulent, journey through British television and film, leaving behind a legacy that continues to bring laughter and joy to millions.
Murray’s portrayal of Mickey Pearce—the cheeky, fast-talking wheeler-dealer friend of Del Boy and Rodney Trotter—earned him a permanent place in the hearts of fans. Appearing in 20 episodes of the much-loved sitcom between 1983 and 2003, his mischievous charm and impeccable comedic timing made Mickey a memorable fixture at the Nag’s Head. According to the BBC, Murray’s character often left audiences in stitches with his exaggerated tales of business triumphs and romantic conquests, as well as his knack for taking advantage of Rodney, the ever-gullible “plonker.”
But Murray’s talents weren’t confined to Only Fools and Horses. Before his sitcom fame, he appeared in gritty dramas such as Scum and Quadrophenia in 1979, and later in films like Curse Of The Pink Panther and The Firm. His television credits spanned popular series including The Upper Hand, The Bill, ITV Playhouse, and Bergerac. Still, it was as Mickey Pearce that Murray truly made his mark, with the character’s blend of bravado and vulnerability resonating across generations.
Murray’s life off-screen was no less eventful. After Only Fools and Horses ended, he stepped away from acting, grappling with personal struggles. He spoke candidly about his battle with alcohol, sharing that he attended Alcoholics Anonymous and subsequently left the limelight, working as a taxi driver in Kent. This period of his life, far removed from the glamour of television, was marked by resilience and humility—qualities that endeared him even more to those who knew him.
Yet, the pull of performance never quite left him. Murray made brief returns to acting with roles in TV shows such as Endeavour in 2015 and as Frank Bridge in 13 episodes of Conditions in 2019. Each appearance was met with enthusiasm from fans, who cherished the opportunity to see him back on screen.
Behind the scenes, Murray’s personal life was shaped by love and sacrifice. He spent a decade living in Thailand, where he met his wife Anong. The couple married in 2016 and welcomed a daughter, Josie. However, bureaucratic hurdles cast a shadow over their happiness. In a 2018 interview on ITV’s Loose Women, Murray revealed that his application for a UK visa for his family was rejected by the Home Office due to income requirements. This forced him to return to the UK alone, spending a year as a “Skype dad,” separated from his wife and daughter. He described the situation as “heartbreaking,” a sentiment that resonated with many viewers who empathized with the challenges faced by families divided by immigration rules.
Murray’s health struggles became public in July 2021, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour, followed by chemotherapy in January 2022. As he later recounted, “After an op in October to remove the tumour I had chemo to help prevent the cancer returning. During this chemo, another tumour was discovered in my liver. Luckily for me this cancer was unconnected to the lung cancer and was also treatable. I had a procedure called TACE to deal with this.” TACE, or transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation, is a minimally invasive procedure to restrict a tumour’s blood supply. In May 2022, Murray shared with fans that his oncologist told him his “lung cancer was cured and that the tumour in my liver was shrinking.” He added, with palpable relief, “It’s not over yet, but as you can imagine I am over the moon with this latest news.”
Unfortunately, the respite was short-lived. By April 2023, Murray revealed that his lung cancer had returned and had spread to his legs and pelvis. Despite these setbacks, he remained candid and optimistic, continuing to update his supporters and express gratitude for the care he received—particularly praising the medics at King’s College Hospital.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike following news of his death. Sue Holderness, who played Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “R.I.P. darling Patrick. Much love. You will be greatly missed.” The Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society shared, “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!” The Only Fools podcast echoed the sentiment, calling him “a very talented and clever actor with impeccable timing” and crediting him with bringing Mickey Pearce “to life with a mischievous charm.”
The BBC also paid tribute, stating, “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.” According to BBC reporting, Murray died in Rochester, Kent, where he had lived for several years.
Murray’s passing follows that of other Only Fools and Horses stalwarts, including John Challis (Boycie) and Roger Lloyd-Pack (Trigger), both of whom have died in recent years. The loss of these iconic actors marks the end of an era for the show’s devoted fanbase, who continue to celebrate the laughter and warmth they brought to British television.
In the end, Patrick Murray’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and enduring affection—from audiences, colleagues, and family. Survived by his wife Anong and daughter Josie, his legacy as Mickey Pearce and beyond will undoubtedly live on, both in the annals of comedy and in the hearts of those who found joy in his work.
