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Ice-T Pays Tribute To 'Internet Friend' John Challis After Comedy Actor's Death

Ice-T has paid tribute to his “internet friend” John Challis.

The Only Fools And Horses star died on Sunday at the age of 79, following what his family described as a long battle with cancer.

The US rapper and Law & Order actor had struck up a friendship with John on Twitter in the last few years, and was among the stars to pay their respects online.

Ice-T  (Photo: NBC via Getty Images)
Ice-T (Photo: NBC via Getty Images)

The Grammy-winning artist wrote on Twitter: “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.”

Just weeks ago, John – who was best known for his role as Boycie in Only Fools And Horses – had shared his hopes to meet up with Ice-T in person in New York.

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Ice-T – who stars in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – had tweeted: “It amazes people that I’m still going strong doing concerts almost every weekend and filming every weekday.. I’ll think about slowin down in about 7 more years when I’m 70. Maybe not… (sic)”

John wrote back: “Your body will tell you when to slow down, believe me.Hoping we can meet in NY next year. (sic)”

John Challis  (Photo: Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
John Challis (Photo: Mike Marsland via Getty Images)

After news of John’s death was announced on Sunday, his Only Fools And Horses co-stars Sir David Jason and Sue Holderness led the tributes.

Sir David, who played Derek “Del Boy” Trotter, said in a statement: “He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the true sense of the word and I know he will be missed by so many.”

He said Boycie was “a character so well loved by the many fans of that show so I am pleased that he witnessed the outpouring of admiration recently shown for the 40th anniversary of the first episode in 1981”.

Sue, who played John’s on-screen wife Marlene, tweeted: “Marlene without Boycie – it’s unthinkable.

“John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend. R.I.P. darling John. I will miss you every day.”

This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated.

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