Only Fools and Horses is a classic British sitcom that has captured the hearts of viewers since its debut in 1981. Created by John Sullivan, the series follows the adventures (and misadventures) of the Trotter family, a group of working-class Londoners who dream of escaping their financial struggles through get-rich-quick schemes. The show features a wide array of colorful characters, each contributing to the comedy, warmth, and unforgettable moments that make Only Fools and Horses a beloved part of British television history.
Here’s a detailed look at the main and supporting cast members that brought this iconic sitcom to life.
Main Characters
Derek “Del Boy” Trotter (David Jason)
Del Boy is the charismatic and ambitious protagonist of the series. Played by the legendary David Jason, Del is a self-proclaimed entrepreneur who constantly dreams up schemes to strike it rich, often to hilarious results. His catchphrases, like “You plonker!” and “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!” are iconic in British pop culture. Jason’s portrayal of Del Boy earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst)
Rodney, Del’s younger brother, is often the straight man to Del’s outrageous antics. Played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, Rodney is portrayed as more sensitive and intellectual compared to his older brother, and the character’s constant struggles with his family’s chaotic lifestyle provided plenty of comic moments. Over the course of the series, Rodney’s journey from awkward, clumsy youth to a responsible adult was a key part of the show’s emotional core.
Grandad (Lennard Pearce)
Grandad, played by Lennard Pearce, was a central figure in the early years of the show. He was the Trotter family’s elderly patriarch who often found himself involved in Del’s schemes. His character was known for his naïveté and lovable nature. Pearce’s sudden passing in 1984 led to the introduction of Uncle Albert.
Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield)
After Grandad’s departure, Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield) became a key part of the family dynamic. Albert was a World War II veteran who moved in with the Trotters and became a source of comedy with his constant anecdotes about “the war.” Merryfield’s portrayal of Albert added a new dimension to the show’s familial relationships.
Key Female Characters
Raquel Turner (Tessa Peake-Jones)
Raquel is Del’s love interest, introduced in the 1988 Christmas special. Played by Tessa Peake-Jones, Raquel is a part-time stripper who eventually becomes Del’s girlfriend and later his wife. The relationship between Del and Raquel, filled with ups and downs, provided a mixture of humor and tenderness to the show.
Cassandra Trotter (Gwyneth Strong)
Cassandra, Rodney’s wife, brought a touch of middle-class sophistication to the Trotter family’s world. Played by Gwyneth Strong, Cassandra’s character was often the voice of reason, contrasting with Rodney’s goofy and sometimes immature behavior. Their relationship, while rocky at times, was one of the emotional anchors of the series.
Iconic Supporting Characters
Trigger (Roger Lloyd-Pack)
Trigger, whose real name is Colin Ball, was one of Del’s long-time friends. Played by Roger Lloyd-Pack, Trigger was known for his lack of intelligence and his odd behavior, such as continually calling Rodney “Dave.” Trigger’s naivety became one of the show’s most endearing qualities, and he was a regular feature in many of the sitcom’s best moments.
Boycie (John Challis)
Boycie, portrayed by John Challis, was a successful but pompous car dealer who often found himself in competition with Del. Boycie’s arrogance and his strained relationship with his wife Marlene were a constant source of humor. He was eventually given his own spin-off show, The Green Green Grass, which delved further into his character’s life.
Marlene (Sue Holderness)
Marlene, Boycie’s wife, was portrayed by Sue Holderness. Marlene was the opposite of Boycie, often showing a more down-to-earth side and even participating in Del’s antics. Her relationship with Boycie was often comically tumultuous, and she added a lot of heart to the show.
Denzil (Paul Barber)
Denzil was another of Del’s friends, a lorry driver who frequently found himself caught up in Del’s schemes. Played by Paul Barber, Denzil provided a grounded contrast to the Trotters’ wild ambitions. He had his own share of personal drama, especially in his relationship with his wife.
Other Notable Cast Members
Mickey Pearce (Patrick Murray)
Mickey Pearce, portrayed by Patrick Murray, was a dodgy character and friend of Rodney. Known for his mischievous nature, Mickey was often involved in shady dealings, often getting caught up in trouble with the Trotters.
Mike (Kenneth MacDonald)
Mike the barman, played by Kenneth MacDonald, was the long-suffering landlord of The Nag’s Head pub. As Del’s drinking buddy, Mike often found himself dealing with Del’s unpaid bar tab and his outlandish schemes.
Trigger’s Mother (June Whitfield)
Trigger’s mother, played by June Whitfield, made a memorable appearance in the show. Whitfield was a renowned British actress, known for her work in both comedy and drama, and her role in Only Fools and Horses added to the show’s rich tapestry of eccentric characters.
Legacy of the Cast
The Only Fools and Horses cast became one of the most beloved ensembles in British TV history. Their chemistry, memorable catchphrases, and perfect timing made the show a cultural touchstone. While some actors, like David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, continued to enjoy successful careers, others, such as Lennard Pearce and Buster Merryfield, have sadly passed away. However, the show’s legacy endures, with reruns continuing to attract new audiences, and the characters still regularly referenced in British popular culture.
The strong performances from the cast and their well-written, multidimensional characters remain one of the key reasons Only Fools and Horses continues to be so cherished by fans. Even today, decades after the show’s end, the Trotters and their quirky friends live on in the hearts of millions.
FAQs
Who played Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses?
Del Boy, the lovable and often overconfident Trotter brother, was portrayed by actor David Jason. His portrayal of Del Boy became one of the most iconic in British TV history. Jason’s performance earned him numerous awards and widespread recognition. Del’s catchphrases like “You plonker!” and “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!” are still fondly remembered.
David Jason’s portrayal of Del Boy was integral to the show’s success. His ability to bring depth to the character—blending ambition, warmth, and a certain level of comedy—made him a fan favorite. Jason’s career continued to thrive post-Only Fools and Horses, with roles in shows like A Touch of Frost and The Darling Buds of May.
Who played Rodney Trotter in the show?
Rodney Trotter, Del’s younger and often more sensible brother, was portrayed by Nicholas Lyndhurst. Rodney was the more down-to-earth member of the Trotter family, providing the perfect foil to Del’s larger-than-life personality. Played by Lyndhurst, Rodney’s awkwardness, his frequent failed relationships, and his eventual success in marrying Cassandra created a dynamic relationship with Del that became the heart of the show.
Nicholas Lyndhurst’s portrayal of Rodney was beloved by audiences, and his chemistry with David Jason was a key factor in the sitcom’s success. After Only Fools and Horses, Lyndhurst continued his acting career, starring in Goodnight Sweetheart and other TV shows.
What happened to Grandad and who replaced him?
Grandad, the Trotter family patriarch played by Lennard Pearce, was a central character in the first few series of Only Fools and Horses. He was known for his kind-hearted yet somewhat hapless nature. Pearce’s portrayal of Grandad brought warmth to the show, but tragically, he passed away in 1984 after filming only a few seasons. Following his death, the character of Grandad was replaced by Uncle Albert, played by Buster Merryfield.
Uncle Albert, a World War II veteran, brought a new dynamic to the family. His constant war stories and quirky behavior endeared him to the audience, though it took a while for the Trotters to fully accept him into their home. Merryfield’s portrayal of Uncle Albert was warmly received, and he remained a fan-favorite until the show’s end.
Who played Boycie and Marlene?
Boycie, the snobbish car dealer, was portrayed by John Challis. Boycie was a constant source of rivalry for Del, often playing the role of a self-important businessman who thought highly of himself. His character was beloved for his laugh, his arrogance, and his rivalry with Del, with whom he had many humorous interactions. Boycie and his wife Marlene were so popular that they even got their own spin-off, The Green Green Grass.
Marlene, Boycie’s long-suffering wife, was played by Sue Holderness. Marlene was the more down-to-earth character in the relationship, providing a balance to Boycie’s snobbery. Marlene’s character developed over the years, and her interactions with Del often hinted at a past flirtation, which added another layer of intrigue to the show.
Who was Trigger in Only Fools and Horses?
Trigger, whose real name was Colin Ball, was played by Roger Lloyd-Pack. Trigger became one of the most iconic characters in Only Fools and Horses, known for his laziness, low intelligence, and constant confusion. His trademark mistake was calling Rodney “Dave,” a running gag that never seemed to end, despite Rodney’s repeated corrections.
Trigger’s role as the dim-witted yet endearing character became central to many of the show’s funniest moments. Roger Lloyd-Pack’s portrayal of Trigger earned him much praise, and he went on to appear in other popular shows such as The Vicar of Dibley and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
In Summary
The cast of Only Fools and Horses brought to life one of the most beloved sitcoms in British television history. Each character, from the ambitious Del Boy to the dim-witted Trigger, left a lasting impression on audiences. The chemistry between the cast members, particularly David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, was a key factor in the show’s enduring popularity.
From the heartwarming portrayal of family relationships to the sharp comedic timing that made the show a hit, the Only Fools and Horses cast played a pivotal role in the show’s success. The show’s characters are still fondly remembered and continue to influence British comedy today. Whether it’s Del Boy’s schemes or Rodney’s awkwardness, the unforgettable personalities of the Trotter family and their friends will always be cherished.
As the show remains a staple of British TV culture, the legacy of the Only Fools and Horses cast continues to be felt, proving that great characters and excellent performances have the power to create lasting memories that transcend generations.
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