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- Mikenstace
John Sullivan, who wrote one of the best-loved British sitcoms, Only Fools and Horses, has died at the age of 64.
He had been in intensive care for six weeks at a hospital in Surrey, battling viral pneumonia.
He also wrote Citizen Smith and Just Good Friends, and the third and final episode of his latest work Rock & Chips will be shown on BBC One on Thursday.
Sir David Jason, who played Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, said he was "devastated" at the loss of his friend.
He said: "We have lost our country's greatest comedy writer but he leaves us a great legacy, the gift of laughter. My thoughts at this time are with his lovely family."
Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played Del's brother Rodney, said he was "shocked" and "deeply saddened" and described his friend as "without doubt" Britain's finest TV writer.
He said: "He was a shy and self-effacing man, but had a huge passion for his work and was looking forward to writing more Rock & Chips, I hope the last episode makes him proud."
BBC director general Mark Thompson said: "John had a unique gift for turning everyday life and characters we all know into unforgettable comedy."
The son of a plumber, he is survived by his wife Sharon and two sons, a daughter and two grandchildren.
(BBC news 23.04.2011)
I for one am very saddened by the passing of such a talented writer.
He had been in intensive care for six weeks at a hospital in Surrey, battling viral pneumonia.
He also wrote Citizen Smith and Just Good Friends, and the third and final episode of his latest work Rock & Chips will be shown on BBC One on Thursday.
Sir David Jason, who played Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, said he was "devastated" at the loss of his friend.
He said: "We have lost our country's greatest comedy writer but he leaves us a great legacy, the gift of laughter. My thoughts at this time are with his lovely family."
Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played Del's brother Rodney, said he was "shocked" and "deeply saddened" and described his friend as "without doubt" Britain's finest TV writer.
He said: "He was a shy and self-effacing man, but had a huge passion for his work and was looking forward to writing more Rock & Chips, I hope the last episode makes him proud."
BBC director general Mark Thompson said: "John had a unique gift for turning everyday life and characters we all know into unforgettable comedy."
The son of a plumber, he is survived by his wife Sharon and two sons, a daughter and two grandchildren.
(BBC news 23.04.2011)
I for one am very saddened by the passing of such a talented writer.
