Only Fools and Horses actor Ron Pember dies aged 87

Ron Pember, who starred in Only Fools and Horses, has died aged 87.

The actor played Baz in the critically acclaimed sitcom and also featured in the BBC comedy Red Dwarf and co-starred in the 1970s BBC drama Secret Army.

The news of Pember’s death appeared to have been confirmed by his grandson Paul Pember, who said on Twitter: “The sadness now is the happiness then. That’s the deal.”

The official Twitter page for Only Fools and Horses tweeted on Thursday: “We are saddened to hear of the news of the death of Ron Pember who played Baz in the series three episode Homesick. Our thoughts and warm wishes go to his family and friends.”

Further tributes were seen across social media in memory of Pember. Morris Bright, the chair of Elstree Studios, responding to Paul Pember’s post, said: “Sad for your loss. Your grandfather Ron Pember was a staple of the small screen with film appearances too for 30 years.

“I grew up seeing Ron as a kindly crook in fave drama Rumpole of the Bailey and numerous roles in Crown Court. He was born to play slightly shady roles.”

Danny John-Jules, one of the stars of Red Dwarf, tweeted: “Just heard the sad news that Ron Pember has passed away. He was such a gentleman with us upstarts when he appeared on #RedDwarf. He just rammed his tongue firmly into his cheek and joined the party! What a legend. RIP.”

The writer Danny Kelly also paid tribute, saying: “RIP Ron Pember, actor in every TV show of the 70s and 80s. And, crucially, Alain in the greatest UK drama series, Secret Army. Go peacefully ‘down the line’, Ron.”

Pember was born in Essex in 1934 and served in the Royal Air Force before entering a career in the arts. As well as acting he also worked as a theatre writer and composer. In 1974, he co-wrote and composed a musical titled Jack the Ripper, which ran in Covent Garden, London.

Pember retired in 1992 after a stroke and had lived in Southend-on-Sea since then.