Yahoo Movies David Jason And Sue Holderness Lead Tributes To Only Fools And Horses Co-Star John Challis
Sir David Jason has described John Challis as “a gentleman in the true sense of the word” in a tribute to his Only Fools And Horses co-star.
On Sunday, it was announced that John – best known for playing second-hand car dealer Boycie in the beloved sitcom – had died at the age of 79 from cancer.
Sir David, who played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, said in a statement: “It is with much sadness to hear that John Challis, a dear friend, has passed away.
“He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the true sense of the word and I know he will be missed by so many.”
He said Boycie was “a character so well loved by the many fans of that show so I am pleased that he witnessed the outpouring of admiration recently shown for the 40th anniversary of the first episode in 1981.
“I send my love and condolences to his wife, Carol.”
Boycie, a cigar-smoking businessman with a mocking laugh, was married to the feisty Marlene, played by Sue Holderness.
She also paid tribute to her former on-screen husband, posting on Twitter: “Marlene without Boycie – it’s unthinkable. John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend. R.I.P. darling John. I will miss you every day.”
Marlene without Boycie-it’s unthinkable. John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend. R.I.P. darling John. I will miss you every day.
— Sue Holderness (@SueHolderness) September 19, 2021
A number of other well-known names from across the world of entertainment also shared tributes on Twitter...
RIP my friend. An honour to work and call my friend @BeingBoycie Lots of love to you Carol. He will be sorely missed by many many people 💔 pic.twitter.com/aqop27X43s
— Paul Chuckle 💙 #Keepsafe 😷 (@PaulChuckle2) September 19, 2021
John Challis RIP cannot believe it. Fe used to say to me "Franklyn my dear boy how the devil are you boxed anybody round the ears recently?" Loved all the TV he did. pic.twitter.com/4jyWraTDUe
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) September 19, 2021
RIP John Challis, 79.
Boycie was one of British TV’s funniest comic characters. Thanks for all the laughs, John. pic.twitter.com/xTlNVToegI— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 19, 2021
I’ve been waiting for this for a few days now. It is with great sadness that I tell you that my dear friend, John Challis (Boycie from OFAH) has just passed. I’ve been in touch with his wife, Carol, who is obviously heartbroken, as am I. Much love,
Sxx ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/nOmxCj35eK— Sheila Ferguson 3° (@SheilaDFerguson) September 19, 2021
Oh my goodness. My friend John Challis has died. What a lovely man he was funny warm and a great lover of his garden and nature. We are all the poorer for his loss.
— Colin Baker (@SawbonesHex) September 19, 2021
I am saddened to hear about the passing of John Challis. A true legend in the entertainment industry and someone who I admired working with early on in my career. A true gent. May you rest in peace my friend. Sending my deepest condolences to his family at this time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rNIunrSwVA
— Danny Walters (@DannyWalters_) September 19, 2021
Omg just seen news about John Challis. I’m absolutely gutted . He had become such a wonderful friend and ally from meeting here Twitter . Love you John you icon and all thoughts to your beloved family. May your memory be a blessing. So sad. #RIPJohnChallis
— Tracy-Ann Oberman (@TracyAnnO) September 19, 2021
The actor’s family said that John died “peacefully in his sleep” in the early hours of Sunday “after a long battle with cancer”.
A statement given to the PA news agency, they said: “It is with heavy hearts that we bring you such sad news.
“Our dear friend and yours, John Challis, has died peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer.
“He will always be loved for being ‘Boycie’ and leaves a great legacy of work that will continue to bring pleasure and smiles for many years to come.
“Please respect the privacy of John’s family and friends at this difficult time, and be assured that in the future there will be an occasion to celebrate John’s life – when everyone will be welcome to come along.”
This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated.
