Only Fools and Horses creator dies

Stars Only Fools and Horses (left to right) Buster Merryfield, Nicholas Lyndhurst and David Jason. Writer John Sullivan has died
12 April 2012

Scriptwriter John Sullivan has died at the age of 64, the BBC has announced.

Most famous for creating the favourites Only Fools and Horses, Citizen Smith and Roger Roger, the writer died after a short illness.

Mark Thompson, the BBC Director General, said: "John created some of the UK's most-loved comedies, from Only Fools and Horses to his most recent work, Rock & Chips.

"He had a unique gift for turning everyday life and characters we all know into unforgettable comedy. His work will live on for years to come. We will miss him and we send our condolences to his family."

Sullivan was born in 1946 in Balham, south London, and was married to his wife Sharron. He had two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren.

He died at a private hospital in Surrey after a battle with viral pneumonia, and he had been in intensive care for six weeks.

Gareth Gwenlan, a close friend and producer of Only Fools and Horses, said: "Sharron is obviously devastated and she has her family around her."

Sullivan got his first job at BBC Television Centre as a scene hand at the age of 16, shortly after he left school, writing sketches in his spare time.

His break came when he submitted one of his scripts to Dennis Main Wilson, the renowned BBC comedy producer and was given three months paid leave to work on the series, which turned out to be Citizen Smith.

He was awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to drama.

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