Why was Patrick Murray forced to leave acting for driving jobs? Actor’s later-life struggles explained following his death at 68

Actor Patrick Murray died on October 2 at the age of 68. He was famous for his roles in Only Fools and Horses, Scum, Curse of the Pink Panther, and Quadrophenia.

However, the actor was forced to step away from acting and take up driving jobs after struggling to land roles from casting directors and facing visa issues a year after his marriage, when his application to move to the UK with his family was rejected for not meeting the income requirements.

Murray married his wife, Anong Murray, in 2016, and the couple had a daughter. Speaking on Loose Women about why he took up driving jobs, he explained:

"I wanted to get her a visa, but it was hard, so I had to come back here. Being out of the industry for so long, the work dried up, so I went back to driving an executive car, a Mercedes, to do it."

He continued:

"I only saw my baby on the phone for two years. I was a Skype dad."

In 2018, following his Home Office battle, Patrick was reunited with his family in Britain.

Patrick Murray opens up about his cancer recurrence

In 2023, Patrick Murray revealed to his Twitter followers that his cancer had returned. He had first shared the news of his diagnosis in 2021, and the following year, he revealed that his doctors had successfully removed the cancer from his lungs.

Sharing the updates in 2023, he said:

"I thought I had a painful groin strain a couple of months ago, unfortunately that turned out to be the cancer getting into my pelvis and leg bones. It has also entered my lymphatic system."

In another statement, he shared at that time that professional was:

"confident that the chemo will keep things in check for months and even years... I am feeling positive with my good (wife's) awesome support"

Paying tribute to Patrick Murray, the Facebook page of Only Fools and Horses wrote:

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses. Patrick’s unforgettable portrayal of Mickey – the trilby-wearing wide-boy, always on the make and often leading Rodney into trouble – brought laughter to millions and made him a cherished part of the show."

The tribute ended with the statement:

"Away from the screen, Patrick was warm, kind and genuine. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this very sad time."

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What was Patrick Murray’s first role before Only Fools and Horses? Career highlights explored as actor dies at 68

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