John Challis’ unlikely Twitter friendship with rapper Ice T who has paid tribute to the acting legend
Rap star paid tribute to the Only Fools legend on Twitter
Tributes have flooded in for Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis who died at the weekend and it seems his fame stretched wider than the show’s loyal London fanbase.
The actor best known for playing Boycie on the well loved show died aged 79 after a battle with cancer.
Heartfel tributes have been paid by his former costars, including Sir David Jason.
But it seems the actor also had friends in unlikely places. One of the more surprising tributes came from an American rapper who the actor had struck up an unlikely friendship with.
Ice T had become friends with the Only Fools actor on Twitter, although the pair had not actually met
On hearing the news the star duly paid his own tribute and said: “I just heard John passed away.. He somehow became a Twitter friend.
“I’m very sad. Although I never met him in person… Internet friends can become close.. RIP.”
The pair often exchanged messages on the social media platform with the actor regularly wishing Ice T and his family a Merry Christmas.
As recently as this month Challis said he’d hoped he would be able to meet up with the rapper in New York.
The actor played the well loved character Boycie in Only Fools And Horses alongside Sir David and Nicholas Lyndhurst for 22 years before going on to star in the spin-off The Green Green Grass.
A statement from Challis’ family said: “It is with heavy hearts that we bring you such sad news.
“Our dear friend and yours, John Challis, has died peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer.
“He will always be loved for being ‘Boycie’ and leaves a great legacy of work that will continue to bring pleasure and smiles for many years to come.
