John Challis
- Born:
- 16 August 1942, Bristol, England
- Died:
- 19 September 2021, Shropshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born in Bristol to Joan and Alec Challis.
- Moved to Southeast London when he was young.
- Attended state grammar school.
- Left school at 16 and worked as a trainee estate agent.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career in amateur dramatics.
- Joined Equity in 1964.
- Performed in numerous stage productions before transitioning to television.
- Rose to prominence as Boycie in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses.
- Starred in the spin-off series The Green Green Grass.
- Made guest appearances in numerous television shows including Doctor Who, Coronation Street, and Benidorm.
- Authored two autobiographies.
Notable Works
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-2003 | Only Fools and Horses | Boycie |
| 2005-2009 | The Green Green Grass | Boycie |
| 2015 | Benidorm | Monty Staines |
Books
- Being Boycie (2011)
- Boycie & Beyond (2012)
Legacy and Impact
John Challis is remembered for his iconic portrayal of Boycie, a character that has become ingrained in British comedy history. His performances brought joy to millions and cemented his place as a beloved and respected actor. His contribution to the sitcom genre is significant.