He had been living with lung cancer—a disease that, tragically, had spread.

Sir David Jason Breaks Silence After Passing of Only Fools and Horses Star Patrick Murray

Veteran actor Sir David Jason has finally spoken out following the sad news of the death of Only Fools and Horses actor Patrick Murray, best known for his role as Mickey Pearce.

Murray, who portrayed Mickey Pearce in the beloved BBC sitcom, passed away at age 68. His death was confirmed publicly on October 2. Prior to that, it was known that he had been contending with lung cancer, which unfortunately had metastasized. A statement released online confirmed his death, and on October 3 Sir David Jason—who starred as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter—offered a tribute.

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Death Confirmed and Public Announcements

The Only Fools and Horses fan account on Twitter (now X) first broke the news, stating:

“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!”

In response, Sir David Jason issued a heartfelt message:

“I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Patrick after his difficult health battles. It is always a great loss to the Only Fools cast and crew as the show was, and still is, like a big family and another one of our friends has passed away. I would like to send my condolences to Patrick’s family and friends.”

The BBC also released a statement: “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.”

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Fans and Colleagues Respond

Tributes poured in from fans across social media. One fan wrote, “Terrible news. Such a fantastic character,” while another shared: “Very sad news. Had the pleasure of meeting him many years ago at one of the conventions.” Comments ranged from gratitude—“Thanks for the laughs, Patrick”—to collective sorrow: “Another one gone, sadly.”

Sue Holderness, who played Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, took to social media to pay her respects:

“RIP darling Patrick. Much love. You will be greatly missed.” 

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His Career and the Role of Mickey Pearce

Patrick Murray’s role as Mickey Pearce first appeared in 1983 and continued, intermittently, until 2003. Over that time he appeared in approximately 20 episodes of Only Fools and Horses, playing a somewhat unscrupulous but comedic sidekick to Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) and Del Boy (David Jason). 

Beyond Only Fools and Horses, Murray’s earlier screen work included appearances in films such as Quadrophenia (1979) and Scum, and he later featured in television programmes like The Bill, The Upper Hand, Lovejoy, and Bergerac.

His journey was not without hardship. After stepping back from acting for a period, he managed a pub and even relocated to Thailand. He eventually returned to the UK and worked as a taxi driver, balancing his family life and visa complications in the process.

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The Cancer Battle

Patrick Murray’s health struggles were well documented. In July 2021, he publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He underwent an operation to remove a tumour, followed by chemotherapy in January 2022. Around the same time, a separate tumour was discovered in his liver. Fortunately, it was deemed unrelated to his lung cancer and treatable via a procedure known as TACE (transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation).

By May 2022, Murray announced to fans that his oncologist had declared the lung cancer “cured” and noted that the liver tumour was shrinking. 

However, tragedy struck again. In April 2023, he revealed that the cancer had returned and metastasized—to his pelvis, leg bones, and lymphatic system—despite what he described as the “wonderful efforts” of his medical team. 

He continued treatment, receiving radiological therapy and chemotherapy, and frequently spoke about the support he received from his medical team and his wife. 

Sadly, the disease proved too aggressive. Murray died in Rochester, Kent, in the early hours of Monday, 29 September 2025. 

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Legacy and Family

He is survived by his second wife, Anong, whom he married in 2016, and their daughter Josie. From his earlier marriage, he also leaves behind three sons, along with several siblings. 

While Murray’s death marks the loss of a talented comedic actor, his legacy lives on through the laughter and joy he brought to viewers around the world. Sir David Jason reflected on that legacy in his statement, emphasizing how Only Fools and Horses has always been more than just a sitcom—it was a family.