Only Fools And Horses Creator Dies At 64


1:54pm UK, Saturday April 23, 2011

John Sullivan, the creator of one of Britain's most successful television comedies Only Fools And Horses, has died at 64 after a short illness.

Only Fools And Horses creator John Sullivan

Sullivan 'turned everyday life into unforgettable comedy'

Sullivan was also behind a number of other TV hits including Citizen Smith, Roger Roger and The Green Green Grass.

His most recent work Rock & Chips was scheduled to be shown on BBC One this Thursday.

Gareth Gwenlan, producer of Only Fools and Horses and a close friend, said: "The sudden death of John Sullivan has deprived the world of television comedy of its greatest exponent.

"John was a writer of immense talent and he leaves behind him an extraordinary body of work which has entertained tens of millions of viewers and will continue to do so for many decades to come.

"I have had the privilege of working with John for over 30 years as a colleague and close friend. He was a writer at the peak of his creative powers with so much more to give."

Simply the best, most natural, most heartfelt comedy writer of our time.

Mark Freeland, BBC head of comedy

Mark Thompson, BBC director general, said: "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."

Mark Freeland, BBC head of comedy, said: "No one understood what made us laugh and cry better than John Sullivan. He was the Dickens of our generation. Simply the best, most natural, most heartfelt comedy writer of our time."

Sullivan was married with two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. He was awarded the OBE in 2005 for services to drama.