He was only supposed to be in one episode. But as in all the best comedy, sometimes you simply can’t predict what, or in this case who, is going to be a hit.
Now, of course, the rat-a-tat of Boycie’s laugh and his signature cry — ‘Marleeeene!’ — is as much a part of the Only Fools And Horses canon as Del Boy’s barrow-boy banter and Rodney’s gullibility.
Yesterday, tributes poured in for John Challis, the actor who was trying to make a career for himself in the U.S. when he was asked by writer John Sullivan to appear as a dodgy car salesman, selling a clapped-out motor to Rodney.
At 79, Challis had continued to work with the same vigour he threw into immortalising Boycie — a role for which he happily jettisoned U.S. ambitions when more scripts landed — but was forced to cancel a speaking tour earlier this month after just one appearance, due to ill health.
Tributes poured in for John Challis, the actor who was trying to make a career for himself in the U.S. when he was asked by writer John Sullivan to appear as a dodgy car salesman, selling a clapped-out motor to Rodney
Announcing his death, his family said yesterday that he went ‘peacefully in his sleep’ after a ‘long battle with cancer’.
‘It is with heavy hearts that we bring you such sad news,’ they added. ‘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.’
There is no doubt of that. Only Fools And Horses is still one of the most popular British sitcoms. And John Challis with Boycie’s nasal twang was crucial to its success.
Earlier this year, Challis was granted honorary citizenship in Serbia for his portrayal of the second-hand car dealer, after he visited the country to film the documentary Boycie In Belgrade, which explores Serbia’s love affair with the show.
Challis explained the show is as popular in the Balkan state as it is in Britain: ‘A local DJ said it was the only thing that made them smile during their wars.’
He added that Serbian people identify with the characters: ‘They love Boycie, Trigger [the road sweeper played by Roger Lloyd-Pack], Del Boy, Rodney . . . they have murals of them all over.’
Clips of Boycie’s infectious laugh proliferate on the internet. But he could deliver a line with deadpan panache, too.
Take the 1996 Christmas Day episode in which he asks Del Boy and Rodney, who appear at a wake dressed as Batman and Robin: ‘What have you two come as, then?’ It’s one of many gems.
Sir David Jason, who played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, with whom Boycie so memorably butted heads for so long, was among the first to pay tribute yesterday.
‘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.’
Sue Holderness, the actress who played Boycie’s wife Marlene (another character only meant to appear once), said: ‘Marlene without Boycie — it’s unthinkable. John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend. R.I.P. darling John. I will miss you every day.’
Challis will be missed most by the woman who filled that role off screen, Carol Davies, to whom he was married for nearly 30 years.