“Only Fools and Horses” Actor Michael Jayston Passes Away at 88, Eliciting Heartfelt Tributes

 

Michael Jayston, celebrated for his role as the father of Raquel Turner in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, has passed away at the age of 88 following a brief illness.

The announcement of his passing was made by his agents on behalf of his family. They shared a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow, “It is with great sadness that I have been asked by his family to announce that Michael Jayston sadly passed away this morning after a brief illness.”

The statement went on to remember him fondly, highlighting his warmth and jovial spirit, “Those who had the pleasure of knowing Michael will attest to his generous nature, brimming with love, laughter, and joy. He cherished the moments spent with his fans across the globe.”

In their time of mourning, his family and close friends have asked for their privacy to be respected.

Michael is renowned for his portrayal of James, Rachel Turner’s father, in an episode of the beloved BBC sitcom. This particular installment features the iconic characters Derek Edward ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, played by Sir David Jason, and Rodney Trotter, portrayed by Nicholas Lyndhurst, as they finally hit the jackpot at an auction.

In “Time On Our Hands,” the storyline revolves around James, an antiques dealer, who informs Del Boy and his brother Rodney about the true value of a watch they discovered in their garage. He reveals that it was crafted by the famed clockmaker John Harrison and is incredibly valuable. This revelation leads them to an auction where they end up becoming millionaires, marking a significant turn in their fortunes.

Michael Jayston, renowned for his role as James in “Only Fools And Horses,” also starred in the historical film “Nicholas And Alexandra.” The film explores the final days of the Tsars in Russia, delving into the intricate relationship between Nicholas II of Russia and his wife.

In “Doctor Who,” Jayston took on the role of the Valeyard across all fourteen episodes. The gripping conclusion unveils the Valeyard as a manifestation of the Doctor’s darker aspects.

His acting credits extend to popular British soaps as well, with appearances in “EastEnders,” “Coronation Street,” and “Emmerdale,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Furthermore, in May 2007, Michael Jayston graced the stage as The Confessor in Roger Crane’s play “The Last Confession.” He starred opposite David Suchet, who played Cardinal Benelli, at the Chichester Festival Theatre, adding a prestigious theatre role to his diverse career.

Tributes have been flooding social media for the actor, with one individual sharing an image alongside him, expressing: “RIP Michael Jayston. Genuinely one of the nicest guests I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. It was still a great joy to see you last weekend. You will be dearly missed. Absolutely devastating. #MichaelJayston”

Another person shared their sentiments, stating: “Such sad news about Michael Jayston. I’ve been a fan of his work for many years. My cousin had the chance to meet him a couple of times through work and always remarked on what a wonderful chap he was. And that voice of his… #MichaelJayston“.

On another note, a post on X read: “Lucky enough to have met Michael Jayston on several occasions. Here’s LWG with him just last year, showcasing a Valeyard drawing. Far more courageous this time around than their initial meeting when she was utterly petrified, despite his kindness! Perhaps the evil laugh was a bit much! RIP #DoctorWho #MichaelJayston