John Challis Obituary – Death: UK Actor In ‘Only Fools And Horses’, John Challis died unexpectedly in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, September 19, 2021. He was 79 years old.
Challis was best known for his presentation of the unscrupulous car dealer Boycie in the beloved comedy, alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst. He played a vital role in its spin-off, The Green Green Grass, which ran from 2005 to 2009, as well as Monty Staines from season seven onwards on the ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2015 to 2018.
“John’s book is one of the few books which when I knew I was getting to the end, I would only read one page at a time as I didn’t want it to end. He was a lot more than Boycie and his book taught me this. Another Legend leaves us but his on screen presence is here forever”
He also appeared in different television series such as Dixon of Dock Green, The Sweeney, Doctor Who (The Seeds of Doom), Dracula, Beau Geste, and Heartbeat.
No Further Details Known.
Condolences – Comments And Tributes
So so very sad, I grew up watching him on tv, my children have too. We as a family still watch OFAH. Will miss seeing his tweets of countryside and wildlife. Deepest sympathy to his loved ones, RIP Boycie, a real life gent 💔🙏😢
— Jules Headley (@juheadley9) September 20, 2021
Only seen this news this morning! How sad 😞 I’m thinking of John Challis’ nearest and dearest at this very hard time. You have left behind a wealth of great moments I’m sure for them but for me it’s the scene with “Gary” when you’re brandishing the
— Sophie Larose (@poolofwisdom) September 20, 2021
A lovely man, worked a theatre shows with him over the years, leaving this world & seeing how many loved & respected him… always a joy & will be very much missed #RIPJohn
— Tim Slater (@Timsy99) September 20, 2021
I remember when I used to help our Press officer get the Twitter page off the ground for @TenbyRNLI I was so excited when @BeingBoycie tweeted to help us gain support. A huge supporter of the @rnli and a national treasure! #RIPJohnChallis #marlene #RIPboycie
— Jon Lewis 🏴 (@JonseyLewis) September 20, 2021
Such sad news😢💔. I liked his character Boycie with his legendary laugh. Great actor. Defender for animals in need and against animal cruellty. RIP mr. Challis
— Rosalie🌹 (@rmvandebeek) September 20, 2021
We’re incredibly saddened to learn that our much loved patron John Challis @BeingBoycie has passed away. John was a dedicated supporter of BHPS & loved hedgehogs. We feel a great sense of loss & we will miss him very much. Our thoughts & condolences are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/JGIF24EwHQ
— Hedgehog Society (@hedgehogsociety) September 19, 2021
@BeingBoycie was kind enough to like my caricature. I sent him two prints, want for him and one to sign and send back, this he duly did. I mentioned I’d like to publicise this, he then sent me this shot of him holding the picture. What a gentleman.
— Style Machine Illustration (@StyleMachineIl1) September 20, 2021
The world needs laughter, especially at times like this. Re-runs of Only Fools never grow old thank goodness so we’ll always have reminders of John’s brilliance. RIP John knowing that putting smiles on people’s faces is one of the best qualities in life
— Mat Richardson (@MatRichardson12) September 20, 2021