Rapper Ice T pays tribute to Only Fools and Horses star John Challis

Who knew they were pals?! US rapper Ice T pays tribute to his ‘close internet friend’ Only Fools and Horses star John Challis who always wished him Happy Christmas on Twitter

  • Rapper Ice T took to Twitter to pay tribute to his ‘internet friend’ after his death  
  • ‘I’m sad. Although I never met him in person… Internet friends can become close’
  • Challis died at the aged of 79 ‘peacefully in his sleep’ after a battle with cancer  

An unlikely friendship between Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis and American rapper Ice T has been revealed following the actor’s death.

As tributes flooded in for the beloved actor, who died at the age of 79 after a battle with cancer, Ice T joined in to voice his appreciation for his ‘internet friend’.

Taking to Twitter yesterday Ice T wrote: ‘I just heard John passed away.. He somehow became a Twitter friend.

‘I’m very sad. Although I never met him in person… Internet friends can become close.. RIP.’

The unlikely friendship between Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis and American rapper Ice T was revealed following the actor’s death

As tributes flooded in for the beloved actor, who died at the age of 79 after a battle with cancer, Ice T joined in to voice his appreciation for his ‘internet friend’

John Challis and Ice T regularly chatted on Twitter and the comedy actor, who played Boycie on the famous show, would wish the musician a Merry Christmas

The pair of friends often chatted on Twitter and the comedy actor, who played Boycie on the famous show, would regularly wish the musician a Merry Christmas.   

Challis, who died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ after a long battle with cancer, was best-known for his portrayal of second-hand car dealer Boycie – a cigar-smoking businessman with a mocking laugh who butted heads with Del Boy – in the beloved British sitcom, starring alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst. 

Sir David, who played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter on the hit show, called Challis a ‘dear friend’ and ‘wonderful actor’ and said he was pleased the star had witnessed the outpouring of admiration recently shown for the 40th anniversary of the first episode of the sitcom.   

In a statement Sir David said: ‘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.’

Only Fools And Horses star John Challis has died ‘peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer’ aged 79

Sir David Jason described his Only Fools and Horses co-star John Challis as ‘a gentleman in the true sense of the word’ as he led tributes to the actor today. Pictured: John Challis (centre) with Sir David Jason, Roger Lloyd Pack, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Buster Merryfield and Sue Holderness

He added: ‘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.’ 

Challis cancelled a 30-date speaking tour earlier this month after only one appearance due to ill health. 

The TV star recently became an honorary citizen of Serbia, where the BBC sitcom remains hugely popular. Challis made the documentary Boycie In Belgrade, exploring why the show was so beloved in the Balkan country.  He was also known for playing Monty Staines in ITV’s Benidorm. 

Challis was born in Bristol but when he was one, the family moved to south-east London. He attended the state boarding Ottershaw School near Woking, Surrey – and upon leaving school he worked as a trainee estate agent before becoming an actor. 

Famous role: The actor played Boycie – or Terrance Aubrey Boyce – between 1981 and 2009 (pictured in OFAH in 2001)

In a statement, Challis’ family 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.’      

Challis starred in Only Fools And Horses alongside Sir David and Nicholas Lyndhurst for 22 years before going on to star in the spin-off The Green Green Grass.

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