Beloved Only Fools and Horses actor Patrick Murray, known for his iconic role as Mickey Pearce, has exposed the details of an immoral parking fine on his Twitter account. The 67-year-old actor, who triumphed over cancer last year, expressed his frustration over the incident that unfolded at a McDonald’s five years ago.
Murray said that a McDonald’s employee directed him to park in a disabled spot while waiting for his order in 2017. To his disbelief, he later found himself slapped with a parking ticket. In a tweet on Friday, he lamented, “I received a private parking ticket for parking on a disabled spot at McDonald’s.”
Despite complaining to the restaurant manager at the time, the actor faced an escalating battle with a private parking firm. The initial fine of less than £100 has now grown to a staggering £2800. Murray highlighted the potentially devastating impact this sum could have on others, saying, “This kind of harassment has to stop.”
Patrick Murray Questions McDonald’s Ethics
He further questioned the ethics of McDonald’s using private parking companies employing such tactics, urging for tighter restrictions on these firms. Murray’s public call for change raises concerns about the practices of certain private parking companies and their aggressive pursuit of fines.
In a unique twist, the Independent has reached out to McDonald’s for comment, adding a layer of anticipation to this unfolding parking saga. The actor’s revelation exposes a side of private parking fines that often remains hidden, shedding light on a situation that has affected many unsuspecting individuals.
Patrick Murray’s career in Only Fools and Horses spans two decades, with his first appearance in 1983 and a total of 20 episodes up to 2003. His portrayal of Mickey Pearce endeared him to fans, making him a beloved figure in British sitcom history.
However, Murray’s personal battles extend beyond the world of entertainment. In 2023, he bravely shared that he faced a second cancer diagnosis. Surgery to remove a tumour and half his liver followed, showing his resilience in the face of adversity. The actor, who had previously undergone treatment for lung cancer in 2021, demonstrated unwavering determination in overcoming health challenges.
“I kept this under my hat that they’d discovered another primary cancer last year,” he wrote in a heartfelt post, praising the medical team at King’s College Hospital. His journey with cancer, marked by surgeries and treatments like transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (Tace), underscores the strength and courage that define his character both on and off-screen.