Only Fools And Horses Actors Who Have Died

Hey there, let's grab a cuppa and chat about something that's been on my mind lately - the beloved sitcom Only Fools and Horses. You know, that classic show that's been making us laugh since the '80s. Now, I've been wondering, what's happened to the gang from Trotters Independent Traders? Let's take a little stroll down memory lane and pay our respects to some of the brilliant actors who've left us.

John Challis - Boycie

Oh, where do I start with Boycie? John Challis, the man behind that iconic, slightly posh, always trying to outdo the Trotters character, passed away in 2021. He was 79, and we lost him to cancer. It's a real shame, isn't it? I mean, who else could pull off that combo of a dodgy perm and a dodgier accent?

Did you know, John was actually a bit of a Shakespearean actor before he landed the role of Boycie? I know, right? The world of acting is full of twists and turns. He once said he'd rather be in Only Fools than Hamlet, though. Now that's dedication!

Kenneth MacDonald - Des

Remember Des, the smooth-talking, always-in-trouble con man? Kenneth MacDonald, the actor who brought him to life, passed away in 2019. He was 83, and he'd been battling Alzheimer's disease for a while. It's a sad reminder that even our favorite characters and the actors who play them aren't immune to life's harsh realities.

MacDonald was a true pro, with a career spanning over five decades. He was in everything from The Sweeney to Doctor Who. But it's Des that we'll always remember him for. Rest easy, Des - and Kenneth, of course.

Buster Merryfield - Uncle Albert

Oh, Uncle Albert. The lovable, slightly senile, always ready with a story or a song uncle. Buster Merryfield, the actor who played him, passed away in 1999. He was just 78, and he'd been battling cancer. It's a real shame, isn't it? He brought so much warmth and humor to the show.

Did you know, Buster wasn't the first choice for the role? The part was originally written for a woman! But the producers saw Buster's audition and knew he was perfect. And boy, were they right. He was a true gem.

Nicholas Lyndhurst - Rodney

Now, before you start panicking, Nicholas Lyndhurst, the actor who played Rodney, is still with us. Phew, right? But he did have a bit of a health scare in 2012. He had a heart attack and needed a triple bypass. Scary stuff, isn't it?

Thankfully, he made a full recovery and is still acting today. He's been in shows like New Tricks and The Level. But for me, he'll always be Rodney - the lovable, slightly dim, always trying to impress Cassandra Trotter.

Well, that's enough reminiscing for now, don't you think? It's a bittersweet walk down memory lane, isn't it? Losing these brilliant actors is like losing a part of our childhood. But their legacy lives on in the laughter and joy they brought us through Only Fools and Horses. So, let's raise a cuppa to them - cheers!