Only Fools And Horses star dies aged after tragic health battle
An Only Fools and Horses star has sadly died at the age of 78. Mario Ernesto Sánchez, who appeared in the Christmas special of the BBC sitcom, has passed away after a "long and painful illness". The Cuban-American actor died in the early hours of the morning after a "long and painful" illness. His passing was confirmed by Mario's assistant to the South Florida newspaper Diario Las Americas. A statement read: "Mario Ernesto Sánchez died today at 3:03 am as a result of a long and painful illness." Mario played a Columbian drug lord Alberto Vasquez in the two-part Only Fools Christmas special, titled Miami Twice, in 1991. The episode sees Del Boy and Rodney forced to flee from a powerful Mafia family, the Occhettis, who mistake Del for a Mafia boss.
David Jason, who played Del, said Miami Twice was his favourite Only Fools episode
(Image: BBC)
He also appeared in five episodes of the hit US drama series Miami Vice as a limo driver, and in Hollywood films such as The Specialist and Invasion USA. In 2014, he received the Legacy Award in Los Angeles for his contribution to Latino Theatre in the US. Upon accepting the award, Mario said: "Mario said: “[It means] that we have done a lot but we have a lot more to do. That’s all it means. I’m humbled by it but at the same time I’m very proud. "But I always feel we haven’t done enough. We still need to create more interest in the residents of Miami for theater; that’s what we are still lacking. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m happy we are getting this award and it belongs to everybody who has helped Teatro Avante and the International Hispanic Theatre Festival to survive, and that includes audiences and sponsors. But I have to be honest, I think there’s still a lot that needs to be done.
The star in Miami Vice
He added: "Miami is my home. So I stay and fight, fight for what I believe and what I believe is good for the city. So whatever it takes, for as long as it takes. I believe in theater. It does a lot of good to people, to the community. Tributes have poured in for the actor online following news of his passing. Actress Verónica Abruza added: "Sad news. Goodbye Mario Ernesto Sánchez. My condolences to his beloved children, family and friends. "I will always remember how kind you were upon my arrival in Miami; your attention, your chivalry. May your soul unite with the source of light and love."
Only Fools cast posing for the 1988 Christmas special
(Image: BBC)
Miami Art Promotion said in a statement: "The outstanding actor and director of Cuban origin Mario Ernesto Sánchez dies in Miami. "His tireless work in the Cuban exile theater, since his early arrival in the United States, has earned him the valuable work of Teatro Avante, a group he founded, as well as the Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival, with almost 40 years of experience. "Peace to his remains and condolences to his loved ones and friends. It also serves as a well-deserved tribute to his extensive career." Sir David Jason, who played Del Boy, revealed Miami Twice was one of his favourite episodes of Only Fools. He said: "Filming this episode in Florida in 1991 I had the opportunity to shout across the water at Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, and then, later, take tea and a piece of cake at Barry’s gaff overlooking the water. "Where I learned, incidentally, that he was a) admirably down to earth and b) just the most enormous fan of our show. As an ex-pat, Barry apparently used to insist on having two things flown out to him from the UK that he couldn’t get in the States: Jaffa Cakes and tapes of Only Fools And Horses. Ah, that rock ’n’ roll lifestyle. "And I vividly recall the Miami hotel we stayed in and drinking cocktails and hanging out in the sun with Nick and mucking about on boats in the Everglades and thinking: “Is this actually work? I also vividly recall the looks on the faces of some of the cast when the scripts were handed round and they realised that they weren’t in those scenes." Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
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