In a recent update from the Challis home, Carol, widow of the acclaimed actor John Challis, posted an earnest message on social media. Taking over her late husband’s Twitter account since his passing, Mrs. Challis has been sharing her experience of tidying up John’s cherished collections in their shared cupboards.
The missus penned: “I’m busying myself clearing out cupboards. John collected antique boxes and chests and stored stuff in them. So much stuff after 27 years in this house. His old passport and wallet set me back a bit. Had to have a sit down.”
Support flooded in response to the candid revelation with fans far and wide sharing their condolences, memories, and fondness for the dearly departed star.
One touched user, Chris Bill (@chris_bill), replied, “The amount of laughter and amazing comedic timing he brought into people’s homes is something that is rarely seen, Everyone knows who Boycie is and even today when I watch re-run after re-run of OF&H I still cry with laughter, what a great guy!!”
The thread grew thicker with love and admiration as Warren Mowle (@WMowle) expressed, “It’s really hard when you find things like that, we recently went through stuff that was our daughters, John regularly tweeted for us and we thank him deeply, but the one thing to remember when you find these bits is the wonderful memories from them, thinking of you all ??”.
An overwhelmed Ella Bailey (@Turner15Ella) shared, “He was a great actor, he made me laugh many many times. Laughter I have found is the best medicine. I remember my family mostly in my dreams every night. They are never far away from me. This gives me great comfort. Looking back over past years really helps I believe. Take care x.”
John Challis, a gem of the English theatre, and the unforgettable “Boycie” in the BBC’s long-running sitcom Only Fools and Horses, passed away in September 2021. He was also renowned for his roles in The Green Green Grass and Benidorm.
John’s early days were in Clifton, Bristol, and he later moved to London and then Epsom. He was a well-established stage actor, having played for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. In his latter days, he became an honorary citizen of Serbia, where his show Only Fools and Horses was highly popular. His prowess in theatre also saw him in several pantomimes playing villainous roles like Captain Hook.
John married Carol in 1995, and the couple had spent the last 27 years in their house, where Carol is now tending to his precious collections. She, along with the rest of the world, will forever cherish the laughter and joy that John brought to countless homes across the globe. His legacy will continue to last for many years to come.