When Patrick N. Murray, the beloved British actor best known for his role in Only Fools and Horses, passed away on 29 September 2025, fans across the UK felt a sudden void.
The announcement came on 2 October 2025, confirming that Murray, aged 68, had succumbed to a long‑standing battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and recurrent lung cancer. His death was confirmed by his family in a brief statement released from their home in London. Murray’s story is a mixture of comedy‑studded fame, personal sacrifice, and a relentless fight against illness.
From Television Breakthrough to Family‑First Choices
Born on 17 December 1956, Patrick began his acting career in the late 1970s, landing a supporting role in the hit sitcom Only Fools and Horses. His character, though not a household name, earned him a place in the hearts of viewers who appreciated his natural comedic timing.
In the early 2010s, Murray stepped away from the screen, choosing a modest life as a cab driver in London. The shift was driven by a desire to meet the **minimum income requirements** that would enable his Thai wife Anong Murray and their daughter Josie Murray to obtain work visas and settle in Britain. By 2019, the family had successfully navigated the visa process, marking a personal victory amid his fading public spotlight.
The 2018 Charitable Bus Trip That Never Happened
December 2018 was set to see Murray back in front of a crowd, this time for a good cause. He had signed up for a charitable bus journey from Leysdown‑on‑Sea, Kent, to Margate. The event, billed as the Demelza Hospice Bus TourKent, England, aimed to raise funds for the Demelza children's hospice and promised entertainment for an estimated 70 fans.
Just days before departure, Murray disclosed that he was undergoing treatment for COPD, forcing organizers to cancel the trip at the last minute. He vowed to reschedule once his health improved, but the event never materialised.
Health Battles: From Lung Cancer to Liver Surgery
January 2021 marked the first public revelation that Murray had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Scans also uncovered a tumor in his liver, leading doctors to perform a partial hepatectomy that removed roughly half of the organ. The operation, performed at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, was described by Murray as “a necessary gamble”.
Miraculously, by May 2022, Murray announced via social media that he had received the all‑clear after a transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) procedure. He celebrated the remission, thanking fans and the medical team for their unwavering support.
However, the respite was brief. In April 2023, Murray confirmed that the lung cancer had returned, now metastasising to multiple sites, including his bones. The prognosis shifted from hopeful to sobering, and he entered palliative care later that year.
Reactions from the Entertainment World
The news of Murray’s passing triggered an outpouring of tributes on Twitter, Instagram, and classic UK talk‑shows. David Jason, co‑star and one of the show's creators, described Murray as “a warm‑hearted soul who brought laughter both on‑ and off‑screen”.
Fans gathered at a spontaneous memorial outside the historic BBC Television Centre in White City, laying flowers, handwritten notes, and a few vintage comedy scripts. The collective sentiment was clear: Murray’s modesty and generosity, especially his decision to drive a cab to support his family, resonated deeply.
What Murray’s Story Means for Actors Facing Health Crises
Industry insiders note that Murray’s trajectory—rising fame, followed by a reluctant retreat into ordinary work to meet immigration rules—highlights the precarious financial safety net for many UK performers. The Actors’ Union (Equity) reiterated its call for better health insurance options, citing Murray’s case as a cautionary tale.
Medical experts also weighed in, pointing out that COPD and lung cancer often co‑occur, especially among former smokers. Dr. Emily Hart, a respiratory specialist at Royal College of Physicians, emphasized the importance of early detection and regular scans for high‑risk patients.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Family
Although Murray stepped away from the limelight, his influence endures. A scholarship fund has been proposed by his widow, Anong, to support aspiring actors from immigrant backgrounds, aiming to turn his personal sacrifice into a lasting opportunity for others.
Josie, now a university student studying drama, expressed in a video message that her father “taught her that comedy is about kindness, and that living a good life is the greatest punchline”. The family plans a private memorial service on 10 October, inviting close friends and colleagues.
Key Facts
- Patrick N. Murray – British actor, born 17 December 1956.
- Died 29 September 2025, announced 2 October 2025.
- Best known for Only Fools and Horses.
- Fought COPD since 2018 and lung cancer (diagnosed 2021, remission 2022, recurrence 2023).
- Worked as a cab driver to meet visa income requirements for Thai wife Anong and daughter Josie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Patrick Murray’s health issues affect his career?
Murray’s COPD diagnosis in 2018 forced him to cancel a high‑profile charity bus tour, and his ongoing lung‑cancer treatment limited his ability to act. By the early 2020s he had largely left acting, choosing cab driving to secure a steady income for his family’s immigration process.
What was the purpose of the 2018 charitable bus trip?
The event, called the Demelza Hospice Bus Tour, intended to raise funds for the Demelza children’s hospice in Kent and to give fans a chance to meet Murray in person. It was cancelled when Murray disclosed he needed urgent COPD treatment.
Who are Anong and Josie Murray?
Anong Murray is Patrick’s Thai wife, whom he married in 2015. Their daughter Josie, now a drama student, was born in 2018. Both were key reasons Patrick took a cab‑driver job to fulfill UK visa income thresholds.
What impact does Murray’s death have on the acting community?
His passing has sparked renewed calls for better health insurance and financial support for freelance actors. Equity’s spokesperson said Murray’s story underscores the need for a safety net that protects performers facing serious illness.
Are there any plans to honour Murray’s legacy?
Anong Murray announced a scholarship fund for aspiring actors from immigrant families, aiming to turn Patrick’s personal sacrifices into educational opportunities. A private family memorial is scheduled for 10 October 2025.
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