John Challis Grave - Only fools and horses - Famous Grave

Today's Famous Grave, I visit a star of Only Fools & Horses and Benidorm.
John Challis
John Spurley Challis (16 August 1942 - 19 September 2021) was an English actor. Heis best known for portraying Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce in the long-running BBC Television sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003)
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Some of the information used in this video is citied from Wikipedia

[@teresalouise3855]

What a legend loved him in only fools and horses I still watches only fools and horses brilliant actor R.I.P John Thankyou Paul

[@kieron333]

I met John when he and Sue came to Exeter in 2018, in the middle of a snow blizzard. I took my favourite OFAH DVD collection that was presented to look like a photo album of the Trotters and Co for him to sign. When I put it on the table for him to sign, he said to me he had never seen this particular collection and proceeded to look through every page of it. Then, he signed his name across the 3 wheeled van on the front. What struck me was his genuine interest and kindness to his fans. He genuinely wanted to be there and had time for a chat with everybody. I was gutted to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, John.

[@sammysallis3590]

I saw John quite often in our local supermarket which I worked at, he could do his food shopping without being harassed, but the few who noticed him and wanted a photo, he was always happy to stop for them. He was a lovely chap

[@barrykelly471]

Boyce will never be copied, actors like that are on another level, RIP John, thank you.

[@hellsbells7271]

When you hear that laugh you know there can only be one person who could possibly be at the end of it, Boycie. Only fools was the best show ever to reach British screens and each and every character made that series the absolute masterpiece it became. This is a good one Paul, look forward to it. Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and your family.

[@kate_cooper]

I saw a script book for Only Fools once and Boycie’s dialogue included the stage direction [his laugh] rather than [laughs] as they would have put for anyone else.

[@hellsbells7271]

@@kate_cooper thanks for the info Kate.

[@argopunk]

I'm in Toronto, and I heard of OF&H about ten years after the show ended when an Anglophile bought me a DVD set. John was indeed super on it. Lots of laughs.

[@petergolding5733]

What a lovely video. I knew John for over 30 years and saw him for lunch every couple of months as we lived near each other. Seeing him decline was heartbreaking. He really was a lovely person and I'm proud to say one of my best friends

[@UnusualThings1]

Thank you Peter, that’s lovely to hear. 🙏

[@petergolding5733]

@@UnusualThings1 I'll make sure his wife sees the video. Funny fact - I was standing by the grave on the funeral day with Sue Holderness (Marlene) next to me. It was raining hard and, as I adjusted my umbrella, I nearly pushed her in!!!!

[@geoffpoole483]

Only Fools and Horses is extremely popular in Serbia; bars, cafes and even a street have been named in honour of the show. "Boycie in Belgrade" is on KZbin and worth watching.

[@rainmanmainplan4421]

RIP John thank you for blessing our screens

[@angietunstall2555]

I'd forgotten he was no longer with us. Wow! What a fantastic list of acting credits. Loved him as Boycie, both in Fools and the Green, Green Grass. He made the part uniquely his own. Of course Trigger (Roger Lloyd Pack) is buried in London's Highgate Cemetery. Both Roger and John seemed to have a universe of friends and admirers, in Life; but just a scant epitaph they have left us in death. R. I. P. Thanks, Paul.

[@suetodd1725]

Loved John,he was a brilliant actor, fabulous man,very loyal to all his fans,very caring,a true gentleman,thank you 😊 Paul for this one total respect xxxx❤️❤️

[@adamlee7201]

I once met him at comic con in Telford 3 years ago and he was such a wonderful man to talk too, had pictures with him and he said for my son to have a pic too then he gave 5 mins of his time to have a lovely chat. Wonderful man and I’ll never forget meeting him a true gentleman

[@colinparker5626]

Lovely tribute to John from my all time favourite comedy show. Thanks Paul, keep up the good work.

[@davidwhaite3330]

Great actor , RIP Boycie

[@gailj5434]

Love watching your video's Paul, you always treat the person and their story with the upmost respect and that is so nice to see. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@billwilliams474]

I recall meeting him many times with some of the other great actors from the show. His eyes popped out of his head when I told him I remembered him from Dr. Who. In Citizen Smith and of course the voice on the phone to Victor Meldrew. How does this TV remote or video work? What a Great man to meet... R.I.P. Mr. Challis.

[@daffybluestripes3573]

I met him in a bar in benidorm a while back had a pic with him so glad i met him great friendly guy

[@WarmasAsunnedcat]

My family met him and his wife after a pantomime he was playing Captain Hook. We saw him coming out of the stage door my wife took the kids over to meet him. My son had a little sword, John took it of him and went straight into the Captain Hook routine he made a real fuss of the kids. He and his wife were genuinely warm people he will be sadly missed.

[@wendyfletcher4458]

Hi Paul 👋 I brought the complete box set only fools & horses for my Son many Christmas ago, it still makes me laugh when i watch the repeats, Greetings from Peterborough my friend 🥰

[@joannegarratt615]

What a lovely actor I still watch him in only fools and horses and the green green grass r.i.p john

[@hazelsamuel4752]

Thank you again for this. Such a funny guy.. I thought his headstone was quite plain & non descriptive at 1st & considering he hasn’t been passed away that long, there were no remnants of flowers or anything.. I’m sure he was way more than an Actor.. Thank you Paul. I love the way u tap them all & give them such respect.. R.I.p John ❤thank you for the comedy 🎭

[@UnusualThings1]

Yes his wife could only get the tombstone laid on Friday just gone, I think they’ve planted some bulbs for the spring or they will be doing that.

[@cheesypuffs3207]

Loved John had pleasure of meeting him few times (my son is OFAH mad) he once closed a entire book shop to spend hour with my son and do interview with him for the local newspaper and pose for pics. Shop manager complained and he replied no I’m spending time with my super fan and stayed in touch with my son after too. Rest easy dear friend u are missed

[@daleHarrison93]

thats a great story, what a man. R.I.P

[@davidtilstone4814]

Oh man, what a character Boycie was. The intro instantly made me laugh Paul. Loved it. The world is certainly a poorer place without John. If any of his family read this, he's given me hours of enjoyment with the whole only fools gang and If there's only one thing we all remember Boycie by, it was that brilliant laugh (you're all now doing it) 😂😂. I'll keep watching, I'll keep smiling and I'll keep laughing. Cheers Paul, cheers John, cheers Aubrey. I AM HERE.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

John clearly loved his life and especially his role as "Boycie" which he played with relish. Even when Fools and Horses ended, he campaigned for it's revival. A real class act, who by his own admission, landed on his feet. RIP, John.

[@dorkarama3135]

Grandad, Uncle Albert, Mike, Trigger, Boycie...RIP.

[@Hoopspur]

Sid from the cafe too. Denzils wife Coreen and Hopkins who was Slaters driver died very young also. RIP to all.

[@gerrypowell2748]

Great comedy actor,RIP❤️

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

I met him at the only fools and horses theatre musical in London .It was the premier the three wheel car was there ,and John was joking and talking the show is first class Thankyou for this lovely Tribute 🙏

[@henrymackley1]

John and Carol were regular customers in my deli in Ludlow, Shropshire, just down the road from where they lived in Wigmore. John was absolutely charming and also extremely funny in real life. He was a hugely popular character in our community.

[@jennybee4870]

We love to visit Ludlow and we met him in the Feathers Hotel.One of the nicest funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of being with.I have his two books which he autographed which I treasure.Thank you John rest in peace.

[@juliepurcell83]

Another great British legend gone but certainly not forgotten, rest in peace John

[@carlday3538]

He was a cornerstone in Only Fools and Horses .. so iconic ... thank you Boycie

[@Ruckduck72]

A true comic genius sadly missed rest in peace John (Boycie)

[@TelThePower]

"For gawd sake Marlene" John challis, Looking forward to this one, cheers Paul 👍

[@geoffpoole483]

There are so many great scenes in Only Fools..... that feature Boycie, like the one where the Driscoll brothers tell Mike they want to buy everyone in the pub a drink with a pound, and they want change. "Large Cognac please, Michael".

[@ohlookasquirrel4942]

I had the pleasure of meeting John at so many fan conventions I lost count of how many. He did so much for his fans.

[@wowimpro76]

Had the pleasure of running two book signing events for John. Both him and Carol were so nice at the events and I’m proud to say we kept in touch since. Carol is doing a great job keeping his legacy going on Twitter too.

[@daveeashton241]

Great job, and thank you for putting in the time and effort! I’m a Brit, born and raised in London, 1982. I now live in Austin, TX. During the late 80’s/ early 90’s, I used to love watching Only Fools and Horses around Christmas time. So This video came at a great time. Even if it is bitter/sweet and makes me somewhat homesick… keep up the great work! And thank you again!

[@maxineverschoyle2625]

Ironic. Loved him in Only Fools and Horses.... Thank you for a year full of wonderful information Paul. Wishing you a lovely Christmas 🤶

[@TelThePower]

About 10yrs ago I was working on a church extension... Had to dig the footing's beside the church.. only dug down about 3ft mostly sandy soil, so easy dig.. had to be careful obviously, unfortunately the end of my spade took a part of a skull off.. dating back to a 1600 century family... adults & children, the richest were buried closet to the church back then & the poorest, or peasants some called them were buried far away towards the fields.. All of the bones of the family were excavated carefully by an archaeologist & photographed.. & buried elsewhere in the church burial grounds.. it shows possibly how the earth can rise over time in certain settings..

[@theanglianflaneurs5857]

I'm loving your vlogs Paul. Very informative and entertaining with an engaging style. As its The World Cup Final today would you do Bobby Moore (City of London cemetery)?

[@fansfootballfocus4577]

a absolute belter of a comedy legend. He is always going to be remembered as the great boysie and also loved Green Green Grass series.

[@animalsplayground2023]

Real shame we lost him. He was a comical genius. He'll be very much missed. God bless him 🙏❤️

[@jgscatsandthings5208]

Such a lovely video Paul. Such a shame his life has ended due to cancer. I hard heard he's meant to of been a lovely guy too. Thank you for this.

[@TheTwoFingeredBulldog]

Its very sad, those 12 years I'm sure he lived it to the fullest. Have a family member who worked on his has and often said what a top fella he was.

[@keithshuttler6259]

John was in radio Leeds a few months before he passed away,I txt in too see if he would do the boycie laugh on air he did it,such a great man/actor. R.I.P John 🙏

[@edasadi8848]

Thank you my brother for this lovely video. Rest in peace John ( I am in heaven )

[@hayleykerrison-wright915]

Thanks for another superb vlog Paul👌Loved OF&Hs, and Boycie was an amazing character that only John could’ve played with such timing and uniqueness. Sad he is no longer here, but his work lives on for us to still laugh at and enjoy x

[@davidandbrendahall3142]

Another great actor gone, but will not be forgotten

[@kate_cooper]

I always loved John in Only Fools and occasionally spotted him turning up in something else. My dad also once owned a copy of a book of Giles cartoons that John had written the foreword to. He does have a reputation for being a really great guy, I’ve only ever heard nice things about him. His gravestone may be a bit plain but it’s very smart. You’re very dedicated, still going out to make these videos in the cold and frost.

[@ann-marielavictoire6045]

Thank you Paul for doing this video. I feel lucky as I had the pleasure of meeting John. I had my photo taken with him and he signed a book for me. He really was a lovely man and an amazing actor. May he RIP ❤

[@mauriceedwards9588]

When he was in Doctor Who he played a character called Scorby and for years after when Tom Baker saw John he'd shout "hello Scorby!"John has often told the story .

[@andrew3530]

Enjoyed thanks Paul

[@nicola6387]

Only just had time to catch up on your videos Paul and I'm so glad you visited John Challis! Only Fools and Horses is one of my all time fave tv shows and what a legend he was! Sadly missed!

[@ohlookasquirrel4942]

I draw very detailed fan art using basic Microsoft Paint tools. A large part of my fan art is Only Fools and Horses based, John was very happy to receive what I had drawn at the time as a gift at one of the many fan conventions I had the pleasure to meet him at as it heavily featured Boycie. I have several photos of myself sat between John and Sue Holderness in a recreation of Del's flat and an event banner of each of them both signed. I think it will be strange now if I see Sue Holderness at a signing event without John by her side. Rest In Piece John .

[@UnusualThings1]

That’s amazing and great to hear 🙏

[@janinechell9804]

I absolutely loved John especially in only fools & horses..what a gent..Rip John xx

[@DiecastPowderCoating]

I watched an episode of Green Green Grass being made at Teddington studios. He was covered in red paint at the end of that episode, but still came out to chat with the audience at the end. A genuine guy, rest in peace John.

[@belgrader6858]

Thank you very mutch Mr.Challis,thank for your great acting career,thank youj for your visiting Belgrade several years ago,Rest In Peace mister

[@nancyhaynes4310]

Such a funny guy specially in Only fools and horses. R.I.P John challis x

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Hi Paul Although I now live in Ireland I'm originally from Herefordshire....I know that Graveyard. John's headstone was only put in place a few days ago..his Wife Carol posted about it on Twitter. John and I had conversations on Twitter about our mutual love of Herefordshire. Thanks for the video Paul All the Best Steve

[@joseluisgarcia1388]

I lived in London for 20 years until 1997 I remember driving like crazy from night college to arrive in time to see Only Fools and Horses, I just loved it. Incredible that so many actors who appeared are no longer with us.

[@daviddrew7845]

One in a million! A very funny man who will forever be remembered as "Boycie" #RIP

[@martinsailjocasta9399]

Another outstanding production Paul!...cheerful viewing from the comfort of our homes...your stalwart effort does not go unnoticed....pls drive safe & keep your hat on,!

[@user-pl9kj7ne8c]

What a very funny and very nice man.i was very lucky to meet him and have my picture taken with him and some of the cast from only fool's and horses. RIP john.🙏

[@wendyjones7753]

So sad to see he is alone... wonderful actor.. r.i.p. xx that was lovely Paul. Xx

[@ericka8440]

Only Fools and Horses is my hubbys favourite tv program. Watch’s it all the time. I’m more into horror. I’ll show him this. Thank you. ❤️

[@gillkati6294]

Absolutely loved John Challis, a talented actor and a very funny man. You are going to be missed very much, particularly your laugh. RIP JOHN CHALLIS.

[@wendyfletcher4458]

HI Paul 👋 I took pictures off the graves because it looked so lovely with the flowers covered in frost. Greetings from Peterborough my friend 🥰

[@robertsimkin3949]

One of the great comedy actors and a very respectful video

[@peterbreeden4899]

The reference to, ‘I Am Here’ at the bottom of the headstone, was an episode of Only Fools and Horses were a character, Elsie Partridge was a medium and called out … somebody is looking for Aubrey. In which Boycie answered “I Am Here’…

[@rayoflight6505]

"I am here" on his grave 😆 That cracked me up lol

[@John01GM40]

4am start! Your dedication to doing these trips is most appreciated. 4 wives (I live near his second wife) but no children, so perhaps understandable there are no personal sentiments expressed on the headstone, but therefore somehow more fitting to just have "I am here".

[@markharris6354]

I hope you can do more like this .I do think to myself how do you find them

[@bamboo782]

Love him in only fools and horses much miss great one liners.

[@drmadstudio6441]

I was so fortunate to have met John Challis at least twice. My first meeting with him was at Wigan Comic Con back in 2016, then the second time at Ellesmere Port Comic Con in 2019. Wonderful guy, always had time for his fans. He was a regular on the convention circuit for many years. And would sometimes attend with fellow co-star, Sue Holderness. I was really sad to hear of John's passing, when his wife Carol broke the news on his Twitter account. I know she visits his grave every now and again, and leaves some flowers for him. Boycie will always be my favourite character, from Only Fools and Horses R.I.P

[@fus149hammer5]

Blimus! You got there quick!

[@ajaysaggar8274]

He was one of the best actors in only fools gave us so much laughs and fun god bless him, Boyce

[@Wscb80]

Met him a few times at the OFAH conventions. Truely fantastic guy

[@debbiekerr7659]

Still can't believe he's gone!! John Challis was a Status Quo fan too.May he RIP!! 💔💔😥😥

[@Fran-xe6wh]

I was lucky enough to meet him when he was promoting his book a few years ago, he was happy enough to have a chat and spent about 10 minutes with him, he was such a lovely man.

[@guyforks1314]

Before retiring, I had the good fortune to meet up with John at his home on the Worcester/Hereford border with my work. I found him to be a most delightful chap, totally unpretentious. Talking with him, I mentioned that I have never watched OFaH, and was totally unaware he had some sort of laugh which the public, on meeting him, asked him to do. I thought, “How embarrassing for you!”, but being the entertainer he was, he did it for me. I felt embarrassed and didn’t know how to react. I didn’t watch that program because of the silly title and that Jason chap who played that Trotter character. He was only just tolerable as Granville in Open all Hours, but I did not decry his mate or the program. On the strength of him being so pleasant, I started to watch an episode of OFaH, but could only stand about 10 mins of it before changing channels. I had previously seen John at a charity cricket match in Ludlow which is near his home, and I had taken a few photographs of him which he was unaware of. I got a couple printed up and took them along with my autograph book, which I had had since the early 1960’s when I worked at the first motorway service area on the M1 open to the motorist; it is full of famous people, many who are no longer “with us”. He graciously signed the photos with some comic comments, and my autograph book. He sadly died on the same day as Jimmy Grieves, who by a strange coincidence, I had met in 1961/2 at the M1 services and had signed my autograph book. RIP both of you.

[@davidwills3107]

Come along Marlene! I met him a few years ago and bought his book, he was a gentleman and took the time to talk to me about his time in only fools and his life. RIP

[@Darkeyed89]

How beautiful 🤍🤍not seen snow in a cemetery for a long time brilliant video paul👍amazing actor allways be remembered for all his amazing years of actor in fools rest in peace John 💛god bless 🙌 🙏 💙

[@mariemurphy5499]

Loved John Chalice great all round actor may he rest in peace 🙏😇❤️

[@duncanmit5307]

💜👍💜👍...I do remember seeing him going over his lines as a after dinner speaker....at Coventry city football club.....many years ago 👍👍😀😀😀 I was surprised to see him there was always a after dinner guest ..made my night at work ...he was in his Camel hair coat👍👍👍

[@mnova69]

Superb work Paul !! As I mentioned earlier, had the pleasure of meeting John in Benidorm while I was performing at the annual elvis festival there and he was obviously filming there for the tv series. I could see him from the stage meeting fellow elvis guys and I couldn’t wait to say hello, when I came off stage to say hi, he looked at me and shouted, ‘ oh my gawd there is another one’ what a legend he was!! And us elvis guys had a real blast in his company for a few hours with his fantastic stories. God rest your soul John and Thankyou paul for the video!

[@KittyCatFurbabiesMaria1972]

Loved John ! Such a nice man , genuinely nice and down to earth . We used to chat/follow each other on Twitter he was so kind pleasant and I do miss him . Rip John x

[@heatherpinnegar7472]

Hi Paul thanks for your lovely tribute.had the pleasure of meeting him several times can say he really was a genuine nice guy! Went to a only fools and horses convention to ask him a few questions but the chap looking after there area he sitting at told me I couldn't see him now it was getting late but John said no the the chap let me see her !! He was so nice and didn't mind chatting, really cared about his fan's.

[@dennisfieldhouse2234]

the only words that you can say about john is excellent funny and a true gent,who bought so much laughter into the homes of millions of people around the world.which we will all be eternally grateful for.R.I.P JOHN and thanks for all the laughter

[@BassGirlSusan1961]

Loved Fools and Horses! That snow looks so inviting, we are scorching in a Queensland summer at the moment. 🔥🔥🔥

[@Cradley684]

Absolute Classic's fool's & horses, wish they would show the Christmas ones again, Have a great christmas & new year Paul . !!!.🤣🤣

[@johnowen5686]

John and his lovely wife stayed at the Hotel I worked for a couple of times he and his wife were the most wonderful guests we ever had ,they were both naturally so very very funny, I really enjoyed this video brought back such good memories of John and Carol

[@pauljackson2395]

Great video and Carol Challis said very kind thing to do on her twitter page. Love that video Paul and R.I.P Boycie x

[@UnusualThings1]

Oh wow just seen that 🙏

[@tonymanuel500]

All about timing and delivery. Along with much of the cast in OFAH. Thank you John Sullivan

[@davidormond8573]

Can you please find Robbie Coltrane final resting place loved him in Harry potter can't watch Harry potter anymore knowing he's gone

[@KevinJones-ye3vw]

Absolutly loved this guy . He was without a doubt one of the funniest actors on TV . Him and Sue definatley made a mark on OFAH , but the spin off Green green grass was fantastic . Sadly missed Boycie God bless

[@andyg.9406]

Brilliant Brilliant bloke was JC, A natural born actor and very very funny in OFAH. Taken way to soon. Great info and vid there Paul, Cheers. Glad to see John's new headstone looks great and great words on it.🙏 R.I.P John.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Maybe you could one day visit the grave of actor Jack Smethurst, best remembered for the TV comedy series Love Thy Neighbour (1972-76), he passed almost a year ago.

[@iandalby4273]

A suggestion for a visit??The voice of Marvin the Paranoid Android in Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy tv series,Im not sure if he did the film version.He was also in the film Clockwise with John Cleese and a multitude of other things.His name was Stephen Moore.Keep up the fantastic work,loving all the vids.John Challis,when I was on twitter back in the day always would answer to any twitter question or suggestion I would have,he was a very kind generous man.The only other generous,kind,considerate man on twitter back in the day was Percy Pringle,he of the WWE,being the Undertakers manager Paul Bearer

[@virginianeil6172]

Thank you for giving us great tv John , I always loved your boycie laugh . Rip John ❤

[@peterhleechleech2346]

Still can't believe John died he was good actor miss him very much 😢. Only Fools and Horses is my favourite Comedy Series got a DVD Boxset.

[@trevorbrown6654]

His appearance in Open All Hours was brief (he was delivering bread as I recall) but by coincidentally David Jason was the co-star of that sitcom. It was a total fluke as it was filmed about 5 years before OFAH debuted and written by Roy Clarke (OFAH was written by David Sullivan who also wrote Citizen Smith which John had a role in one episode of). Incidentally that is a very peaceful looking cemetery and great to see the man had sense of humour as his gravestone indicates. A lot of actors don't like being stereotyped but I guess John knew that OFAH was the one he was always going to be remembered for so he enjoyed the fame it gave him. Apparently he was something of a cult celebrity in Croatia of all places because of that role. Interestingly according to IMDB John is credited as a soldier in a 1976 series 1 episode of The New Avengers. A series 2 episode features Sue Holderness, who plays Boycie's on screen wife Marlene.

[@andrefalconer6537]

What a Man. Very witty on Fools &, Horses , Sadly Missed im sure, God Bless, John ,

[@robsmithracing]

“Two more Cognacs please Michael, large ones”. Read that in Boyces voice and you’ll smile. 😊