Only Fools and Horses cast now - from tragic deaths to Hollywood stardom

Only Fools and Horses holds a cherished spot in the hearts of British comedy fans. The sitcom birthed national icons, with stars like and Nicholas Lyndhurst still celebrated for their comedic prowess long after the show's inception.

Despite wrapping up in 2003, the show's iconic catchphrases continue to pepper daily chit-chat. The beloved sitcom chronicles the escapades of Del Boy (Sir David) and Rodney Trotter (Lyndhurst), as they hatch plans to strike it rich. Yet, the show transcended its plotline, resonating with viewers through its relatable characters and memorable one-liners. It swiftly ascended to the ranks of Britain's most revered comedy series, winning over millions nationwide.

The series bagged a slew of accolades, including nods from BAFTA, the National Television Awards and the Royal Television Society. It clinched the title of Britain's Best Sitcom in a poll.

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The cast will forever be synonymous with their roles in Only Fools and Horses, as the show continues to draw in both new and loyal fans whenever reruns air on TV, reports .

We've compiled a list of some of the most unforgettable characters and what became of the actors who portrayed them post-show. Regrettably, some are no longer with us.

David Jason

Sir David Jason is renowned for his portrayal of Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter from 1981 to 2003. Other renowned roles include Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and its sequel Still Open All Hours, as well as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.

His most recent on-screen appearance was in the 2019 revival of Open All Hours. Currently, he has turned his attention towards voiceover work, particularly for animated projects, due to challenges with memorising lines.

Last month, the iconic actor announced an exciting new venture — he's taking to the stage for a one-man show this year to look back on his illustrious career, alongside special guest appearances.

Anticipating the event, Sir David's promoter shared: "Relive some of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history, including the legendary Only Fools and Horses scenes-the bar fall, the chandelier disaster, Batman and Robin, and more."

In 2001, at 61 years of age, Sir David welcomed a daughter with his girlfriend, Gill Hinchcliffe. The couple tied the knot in 2005 and have made their home in Buckinghamshire.

Nicholas Lyndhurst

Nicholas Lyndhurst remains widely recognised for his role as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. His notable television credits also encompass playing Gary Sparrow in Goodnight Sweetheart and Raymond Fletcher in Going Straight.

In recent times, Nicholas has taken on a role in the reboot of the classic American sitcom Frasier, which kicked off in 2023 and is currently still airing. Discussing his time filming stateside with Radio Times, the actor shared: "I'm just here for the duration of the show and I'll go home to the UK afterwards.

"But it is absolutely wonderful to be here for now."

In the series, Nicholas portrays Alan Cornwall, an old college mate of Frasier's and a university professor.

The beloved comedy figure tied the knot with Lucy Jane Smith, a former ballet dancer, in West Sussex back in September 1999. The couple welcomed their only child, Archie Bjorn Lyndhurst, into the in London on October 2, 2000.

Tragically, their son passed away in his sleep due to a brain hemorrhage triggered by acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2020. In a heart-wrenching statement, he expressed that he and his wife were "utterly grief stricken and respectfully request privacy."

Nicholas now leads a tranquil life in West Sussex with his spouse. When not acting, the 63 year old indulges in hobbies like underwater diving, beekeeping, and flying his own planes.

Tessa Peake-Jones

Tessa Peake-Jones became known for her portrayal of Raquel Turner in Only Fools and Horses, featuring in the beloved series for an impressive 11 years, from her first appearance in 1988 to her final bow in 2003. She stepped into the shoes of Derek Trotter's partner, initially joining the cast as a guest star.

At the age of 67, Tessa Peake-Jones boasts an impressive array of acting credits. Her screen work spans several beloved series including Bergerac, The Demon Headmaster, Midsomer Murders, Casualty, and Holby City.

Fans were delighted to see her return to television as Mrs Chapman in the ninth series of Grantchester this January, a role she has inhabited since the show began in 2014.

Tessa's personal life once intertwined with her professional one when she entered into a long-term relationship with Douglas Hodge, who briefly portrayed her adult son in Only Fools for a single episode. Their partnership ended in 2013 after 29 years and two children, Charlie and Molly-Rose.

Not just a familiar face on dramatic series, Tessa also turned heads with her musical prowess on ’s All Star Musicals in 2019, performing the iconic Abba hit 'Mamma Mia'.

Gwyneth Strong

Gwyneth Strong is best remembered for her portrayal of Cassandra Parry, Rodney Trotter's partner in the classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses. While Gwyneth hasn’t graced the small screen since her 2016 run in , she hasn't shied away from theatre, recently taking the stage as Mrs. Boyle in "The Mousetrap" which marked its 70th anniversary.

Audiences might also recall her from various roles such as WPC Rachel McMahon in The Missing Postman, Hetty in ITV’s Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married (1999), and Elizabeth Brodie in BBC’s Casualty (2003), not to mention her time in the two-series BBC drama Real Women from 1997 to 1998.

She made a memorable appearance in the "True Confessions" two-parter of A Touch of Frost, which saw her share the screen once more with her Only Fools and Horses colleague David Jason.

Gwyneth said 'I do' to her long-term beau, Jesse Birdsall of Footballers' Wives fame, back in 2000. The couple have been blessed with two children, their son Oscar, who arrived in 1988, and daughter Lottie, welcomed into the world in 1991.

On top of that, Gwyneth is also a proud grandmother to two.

Paul Barber

Hailing from Toxteth, Paul Barber has graced numerous episodes of Only Fools and Horses as the unforgettable Denzil Tulser. He frequently figured in Del Boy's elaborate plans to strike it rich, and his trusting disposition often saw him unwittingly swindled by Del.

His acting credentials include a pair of brief stints on – first stepping into the shoes of Nelson in 2004 and later as Billy Arrowsmith in 2008. Recognised for his impact on the arts, Paul was bestowed an honorary doctorate from Liverpool John Moores University in July 2011.

A versatile actor, he boasts a variety of roles: he featured in To the Manor Born (1979) as a musician in a Jamaican steel band, took on Willie Reynolds in a Minder (1980) episode titled 'Don't Tell Them Willie Boy Was Here,' starred in Boys from the Blackstuff (1982), and played Malcolm in The Front Line.

More recent years have seen Paul play Fieldhouse in the pilot episode of Home from Home in 2016, returning for the series in 2018. He was then spotted in two episodes as Ernest Maxwell in 2019, reprising this role again that year.

He also made an appearance in the 2022 crime action thriller film Renegades and stars in the 2024 horror film The Baby in the Basket.

Buster Merryfield

Harry 'Buster' Merryfield was most notable for his portrayal of Uncle Albert in the popular sitcom Only Fools and Horses. He earned the nickname "Buster" from his grandfather, thanks to his impressive nine-pound birth weight.

Buster began his professional acting career at 57, during World War II, after discovering his passion for acting while serving as an entertainment officer and staging shows for the troops.

The character of Uncle Albert was introduced to the Only Fools and Horses cast following the passing of Lennard Pearce, who played Grandad, in December 1984. Buster joined the show as Grandad Trotter's long-lost younger brother and became famous for his catchphrase, "During the war..."

The actor also took part in pantomime performances during 1997 and 1998, playing the father role in Beauty and the Beast at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth.

The BBC star sadly passed away at Poole General Hospital on June 23, 1999, after battling a brain tumour. Buster married his wife Iris in 1942, and they had a daughter and two grandchildren together. Iris passed away on November 5, 2002, and was laid to rest alongside Buster.

Lennard Pearce

The actor had a successful career in both theatre and television, most notably playing the role of Grandad in Only Fools and Horses. He was a mainstay of the show from its debut episode in 1981 until his passing in December 1984.

He suffered a heart attack on 12 December, 1984, and was hastily ferried by ambulance to Whittington Hospital, where his condition seemed to look up. However, tragedy struck again when the actor had a second heart attack on 15 December in his flat, dying instantly at the age of 69.

Lennard's telly work spanned across some classic shows including Dixon of Dock Green in 1965, Dr. Finlay's Casebook in 1967, Sykes in 1972, and stops at Coronation Street during May of 1969 and April of 1977, not forgetting The Wednesday Play for the iconic "Cathy Come Home" episode in 1966.

In the Only Fools and Horses episode "Strained Relations", the Trotters endure the heartache of Grandad's passing which results in tension between Del Boy and Rodney.

Their grief is eased slightly with the introduction of Uncle Albert.

John Challis

The actor won countless fans as the car salesman "Boycie" in Only Fools and Horses and was also a venerated stage actor, taking to the boards with the likes of the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre.

Boycie's journey in Only Fools and Horses stretched over 22 years, starting in 1981 and concluding when the series wrapped up in 2003. Yet, he kept collaborating closely with the show’s creator, John Sullivan.

An initial gig in John Sullivan's sitcom Citizen Smith paved the way for John to bag the memorable role of Herman Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce in OFAH. This led to a spin-off centred on Boycie titled The Green Green Grass, running from 2005 to 2009, courtesy of John Sullivan’s penmanship.

The comedy legend was married four times, with his last marriage to Carol Davies taking place in Brighton in 1995. John passed away peacefully from cancer on September 17, 2021, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy that prompted an outpouring of tributes from his fellow actors.

Roger Lloyd Pack

Roger became a household name as the dim-witted Trigger in the BBC One smash hit Only Fools and Horses. His big break came in 1981 when he landed the role of Colin "Trigger" Ball.

Though initially a side character, Trigger's presence graced nearly every episode of the iconic series, endearing him greatly to fans. He also captured hearts with his role in The Vicar of Dibley as Owen Newitt, a farmer whose lack of personal hygiene didn't stop him from hopelessly pursuing Dawn French's character throughout the show.

Roger's talents extended to the silver screen, where he appeared in as Barty Crouch Snr, the formidable head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

His stage work further cemented his status in the acting world.The comedic star first tied the knot with Sheila Ball in 1968, and they had a daughter, actress Emily Lloyd, before parting ways.

He then shared 25 years with poet Jehane Markham before marrying her in 2000. In January 2014, Roger's agent, Maureen Vincent, announced his battle with pancreatic cancer, revealing he "died at home surrounded by his family".

His passing was mourned by fans and colleagues worldwide.

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