View source for John Challis

{{Infobox person
| name               = John Challis
| image              = John Challis.jpg
| caption            = 
| birth_name         = John Spurley Challis
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1942|8|16|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Clifton, Bristol|Clifton]], [[Bristol]], England
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2021|09|19|1942|8|16|df=y}}
| death_place        = 
| education          = [[Ottershaw School]]
| occupation         = Actor
| years_active       = 1964–2021
| spouse             = {{ubl|{{marriage|Carol Robertson|1966|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Debbie Arnold]]|1981|1985|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Sabina Franklyn]]|1987|1988|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|Carol Davies|1995}}}}
}}
'''John Spurley Challis''' (16 August 1942 – 19 September 2021) was an English actor. He had an extensive theatre and television career but is best known for portraying [[Boycie|Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce]] in the long-running [[BBC Television]] sitcom ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'' (1981–2003) and its sequel/spin-off ''[[The Green Green Grass]]'' (2005–2009), as well as Monty Staines from the seventh series onwards in the ITV sitcom ''[[Benidorm (British TV series)|Benidorm]]'' (2015–2018). Challis was an established stage actor, making appearances for companies including the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]] and the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]].

== Early life ==
John Spurley Challis was born on 16 August 1942 in [[Clifton, Bristol|Clifton]], [[Bristol]], England.<ref name="hadoke" /> An only child,<ref name="hadoke">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/20/john-challis-obituary|title=John Challis obituary|last=Hadoke|first=Toby|date=20 September 2021|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920154037/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/20/john-challis-obituary|url-status=live}}</ref> his family moved to Southeast [[London]] when he was one year old.<ref>''Being Boycie'' (2011) – p 9</ref> He grew up in Epsom, after the family moved to Surrey.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zani.co.uk/film-tv/item/3268-john-challis-aka-boycie-from-only-fools-and-horses-talks-to-zani|title=John Challis AKA Boycie from Only Fools and Horses talks to ZANI|first=Matteo|last=Sedazzari|website=zani.co.uk|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212012/https://www.zani.co.uk/film-tv/item/3268-john-challis-aka-boycie-from-only-fools-and-horses-talks-to-zani|url-status=live}}</ref> Challis attended the state boarding [[Ottershaw School]] near [[Woking]], Surrey.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.osobs.com/about-us/notable-old-boys|title=Notable Old Boys &#124; Ottershaw School Old Boys' Society|website=Ottershaw School Old Boys' Society|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213121/https://www.osobs.com/about-us/notable-old-boys|url-status=live}}</ref> His father was Alec, a [[Civil Service (United Kingdom)|civil servant]] with the [[Admiralty (United Kingdom)|Admiralty]] who became secretary to the [[Department of Energy (United Kingdom)|energy minister]]; he was a strict disciplinarian. His mother was Joan (née Harden), a former ambulance driver who performed in amateur dramatics and taught drama in schools.<ref name="auto"/>

After leaving school, he worked as a trainee [[estate agent]],<ref name="indy">{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/john-challis-death-only-fools-horses-cancer-b1922884.html |first=Jacob |last=Stolworthy |title=Only Fools and Horses star John Challis has died |date=19 September 2021 |website=The Independent |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920211744/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/john-challis-death-only-fools-horses-cancer-b1922884.html |url-status=live }}</ref> before he "ran away with the Argyle Theatre for Youth".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/jul/08/john-challis-boycie-the-rolling-stones-rhythm-section-were-big-fans-of-only-fools-and-horses|title=John Challis: 'The Rolling Stones rhythm section were big fans of Only Fools and Horses'|date=8 July 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921101341/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/jul/08/john-challis-boycie-the-rolling-stones-rhythm-section-were-big-fans-of-only-fools-and-horses|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Career==
===Television and radio===

When offered work in television, Challis, who was {{convert|6|ft|1|in|m}} tall, often found himself typecast as doctors, soldiers and police officers.<ref name="telegraph"/> His first television role was in the BBC soap opera ''The Newcomers'' in 1967. Another early television role, also in 1967 was as a thief who stole [[Ena Sharples]]' handbag in ''[[Coronation Street]]''; he would later have a recurring role in the series as Detective Sergeant Norman Phillips from 1975 to 1977. 1969 he played in the gangster drama ''[[Big Breadwinner Hog]]'', and between 1971 and 1975 Challis made regular appearances in ''[[Z-Cars]]'' as Sergeant Culshaw.<ref>{{cite book |last=Challis |first=John |date=2011 |title=Being Boycie |publisher=Wigmore Books Ltd |pages=250 |isbn=978-0956906106 }}</ref>

The sitcom ''[[Bloomers (TV series)|Bloomers]]'' (1979), starring [[Richard Beckinsale]], was written about Challis's experience working at a garden centre while taking a break from acting.<ref>{{cite book|title=Being Boycie|first=John|last=Challis|isbn=978-0956906106|publisher=Wigmore|year=2011}}</ref>

A role in the [[John Sullivan (writer)|John Sullivan]] sitcom ''[[Citizen Smith]]'' led to Challis being cast as [[Boycie|Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce]] in ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'' (1981—2003), which became his best-known role.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58617283 | title=John Challis and Boycie – how one of TV's greatest comedy characters was born | work=BBC News | first=Ian | last=Youngs | date=19 September 2021 | access-date=20 September 2021 | archive-date=19 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919214714/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58617283 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="belfast telegraph">{{cite web |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/weekend/john-challis-after-three-failed-marriages-i-was-resigned-to-being-single-but-meeting-carol-was-a-turning-point-she-believed-in-me-and-grounded-me-38933122.html |title=John Challis: 'After three failed marriages I was resigned to being single, but meeting Carol was a turning point, she believed in me and grounded me' |quote=John Challis is happy to accept he'll always be best known for playing Only Fools And Horses' cigar-chomping wide boy Boycie |first=Gabrielle |last=Fagan |website=Belfast Telegraph |date=8 February 2020 |access-date=20 September 2020 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912102232/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/weekend/john-challis-after-three-failed-marriages-i-was-resigned-to-being-single-but-meeting-carol-was-a-turning-point-she-believed-in-me-and-grounded-me-38933122.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sullivan also created a spin-off for Challis, ''[[The Green Green Grass]]'' (2005—2009).<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/greengreengrass/ | title= The Green Green Grass | publisher= [[BBC]] | access-date= 29 May 2020 | archive-date= 8 January 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200108094438/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/greengreengrass/ | url-status= live }}</ref> The outdoor scenes of ''The Green Green Grass'' were filmed at his then-home at [[Wigmore Abbey]], surrounding fields and local villages.<ref name=one>{{cite news |last=Tucker |first=Jake |title=15 Minutes with… John Challis |url=https://www.one-mag.co.uk/15-minutes-with-john-challis/ |access-date=19 September 2021 |work=One Magazine |date=4 April 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060809/https://www.one-mag.co.uk/15-minutes-with-john-challis/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:John Tandy November 2013 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|200px|Challis in November 2013, with crew from [[HMS Talent (S92)|HMS ''Talent'']]]]
His other television appearances include ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]'', ''[[Thriller (British TV series)|Thriller]]'', ''[[The Sweeney]]'', ''[[Doctor Who]]'' (''[[The Seeds of Doom]]''), ''[[Bram Stoker's Dracula (1974 film)|Dracula]]'', ''[[Beau Geste (TV series)|Beau Geste]]'', ''[[Juliet Bravo]]'',  ''[[Bloomers (TV series)|Bloomers]]'', ''[[Ever Decreasing Circles]]'', ''[[Doctor Snuggles]]'', ''[[Chance in a Million]]'', ''[[The Bill]]'', ''[[One Foot in the Grave]]'', ''[[Open All Hours]]'', ''[[The New Statesman (1987 TV series)|The New Statesman]]'', ''[[Don't Wait Up (TV series)|Don't Wait Up]]'', ''[[Soldier Soldier]]'', ''[[Brass Eye]]'', ''[[My Family]]'', ''[[In Sickness and in Health]]'', ''[[Benidorm (British TV series)|Benidorm]]'' and ''[[Heartbeat (British TV series)|Heartbeat]]''.<ref name="ITV">{{cite web
|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-09-19/john-challis-a-look-back-on-the-career-of-beloved-only-fools-and-horses-actor
|title=John Challis: Career highlights of Only Fools And Horses star remembered as a 'wonderful actor'
|date=19 September 2021
|work=ITV News
|publisher=ITV Consumer Limited
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=22 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922200551/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-09-19/john-challis-a-look-back-on-the-career-of-beloved-only-fools-and-horses-actor
|url-status=live
}}</ref> During his appearance in a 1997 [[Channel 4]] mockumentary ''[[Brass Eye]]'' television episode "[[Brass Eye#Episodes|Decline]]", he was tricked into believing [[Clive Anderson]] had been shot by [[Noel Edmonds]].<ref name="RoTo">{{cite web
|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/john_challis
|title=John Challis
|work=Rotten Tomatoes
|publisher=Fandango
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=24 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924083037/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/john_challis
|url-status=live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/decline/umc.cmc.2l9njh9xmwh15vsshzcd9c77m?showId=umc.cmc.4vtmfjpxkm5289dj8ehmct6j7
|title=Brass Eye, Season 1, Episode 6:mDecline
|year=2021
|publisher=AppleTV
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=24 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924085502/https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/decline/umc.cmc.2l9njh9xmwh15vsshzcd9c77m?showId=umc.cmc.4vtmfjpxkm5289dj8ehmct6j7
|url-status=live
}}</ref> In 2006 he took a cameo role in BBC's ''[[The Impressionists (BBC drama)|The Impressionists]]'' as the [[stationmaster]] at the [[Gare Saint Lazare]].<ref name="BBCPO">{{cite web
|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/03_march/30/impressionists_synopsis.shtml
|title=The Impressionists
|date=30 March 2006
|publisher=BBC
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=24 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924080554/https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/03_march/30/impressionists_synopsis.shtml
|url-status=live
}}</ref> In the 2008 episode "Is Jeremy Quite Safe?" of ''[[Last of the Summer Wine]]'' he guest-starred as a retired jewel thief with fanciful stories of his past exploits in the South of France.<ref name="BBC1">{{cite web
|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00drx67
|title=Last of the Summer Wine
|year=2021
|publisher=BBC
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=24 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924072836/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00drx67
|url-status=live
}}</ref> In 2012, he narrated the [[National Geographic Channel]] series ''Strippers: Cars for Cash''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.natgeotv.com/za/strippers-cars-for-cash/competition|title=Strippers: Cars For Cash – National Geographic Channel – Sub-Saharan Africa|website=natgeotv.com}}</ref>

On BBC radio, he played an interrogator in the play ''Rules of Asylum'' by [[James Follett]], broadcast by [[BBC Radio 4]] in 1973.<ref name="BBC4">{{cite web
|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007k17k
|title=James Follett – Rules of Asylum
|year=2021
|work=BBC Radio 4 Extra
|publisher=BBC
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=24 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924074153/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007k17k
|url-status=live
}}</ref> He also played Dibden Purlew in ''[[Getting Nowhere Fast]]'' from 2001 to 2004.<ref name="RT1">{{cite web
|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/radio-programme/m6jdc/getting-nowhere-fast-season-3/?episode=dvw54p
|title=Getting Nowhere Fast – Season 3
|year=2021
|work=Radio Times
|publisher=Immediate Media Company Ltd.
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=24 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924074930/https://www.radiotimes.com/radio-programme/m6jdc/getting-nowhere-fast-season-3/?episode=dvw54p
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

He became an honorary citizen of [[Serbia]], where ''Only Fools and Horses'' remains hugely popular. In 2020, Challis made the documentary ''Boycie in Belgrade,'' exploring why the show was so beloved in the Balkan country.<ref>{{cite news|title=John Challis: Why Serbians have soft spot for late Only Fools actor|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58630500|accessdate=28 September 2021|work=Guy De Launey|date=20 September 2021|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boycieinbelgrade.com/|title=Boycie in Belgrade|access-date=22 September 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716210815/https://www.boycieinbelgrade.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="guardian">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/sep/19/only-fools-and-horses-actor-john-challis-boycie-dies-aged-79|title=Only Fools And Horses actor John Challis dies aged 79|agency=PA Media|date=19 September 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919211818/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/sep/19/only-fools-and-horses-actor-john-challis-boycie-dies-aged-79|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Theatre===
Challis performed many stage roles, including with the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]] in the 1960s and the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/music/2019/09/28/its-been-a-remarkable-career-john-challis-talks-only-fools-and-horses-beatles-encounters-and-his-upcoming-tour-ahead-of-midlands-and-shropshire-show/ | title='It's been a remarkable career': John Challis talks Only Fools and Horses, Beatles encounters, and his upcoming tour | work=[[Shropshire Star]] | first=Andy | last=Richardson | date=28 September 2019 | access-date=1 May 2021 | archive-date=1 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501055633/https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/music/2019/09/28/its-been-a-remarkable-career-john-challis-talks-only-fools-and-horses-beatles-encounters-and-his-upcoming-tour-ahead-of-midlands-and-shropshire-show/ | url-status=live }}</ref> His first performance in London's [[West End theatre|West End]] was in ''Portrait of a Queen'' in 1965 at the [[Vaudeville Theatre]].<ref name="Independent1"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/leisure/film_tv/11590996.laura-enfield-catches-up-with-john-challis-boycie-from-only-fools-and-horses-ahead-of-his-appearance-at-the-abbey-theatre-in-st-albans/ | title=Laura Enfield catches up with John Challis – Boycie from Only Fools and Horses – ahead of his appearance at the Abbey Theatre in St Albans | work=St Albans Review | first=Laura | last=Enfield | date=10 November 2014 | access-date=1 May 2021 | archive-date=1 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501062129/https://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/leisure/film_tv/11590996.laura-enfield-catches-up-with-john-challis-boycie-from-only-fools-and-horses-ahead-of-his-appearance-at-the-abbey-theatre-in-st-albans/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 1977 he played a leading role at the [[Orange Tree Theatre]] in Richmond, in [[Sam Walters (director)|Sam Walters]]’ production of [[Václav Havel]]’s play ''[[The Memorandum]]''.<ref name="TSMC">{{cite web
|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/obituaries--archive/obituaries/john-challis
|title=John Challis
|last=Smurthwaite
|first=Nick
|date=20 September 2021
|work=The Stage
|publisher=The Stage Media Company Limited
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=24 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924051021/https://www.thestage.co.uk/obituaries--archive/obituaries/john-challis
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
In 1979 he went on tour of the US with  [[Tom Stoppard]]'s play ''Cahoot’s Macbeth''.<ref name="Independent1"/>

His work at the National Theatre included productions of ''[[On the Razzle]]'' (1979) and ''[[The Rivals]]'' (1983), with [[Michael Hordern]], and ''[[Laughter on the 23rd Floor]]'' with [[Frank Finlay]].<ref name="Independent1"/> In a 1993 tour with the National he starred along with [[Barbara Windsor]], [[Kenneth Waller]], and [[Christopher Villiers]] in a production of ''[[Entertaining Mr Sloane]]'' by [[Joe Orton]]. He appeared with [[Sue Holderness]] ('Marlene' in ''Only Fools and Horses'') in [[Alan Ayckbourn|Ayckbourn's]] ''[[Relatively Speaking (Ayckbourn play)|Relatively Speaking]]'', ''[[Time and Time Again]]'' and ''[[How the Other Half Loves]]'', and the National Theatre's own production of ''Boycie and Marlene''.<ref name="TSMC"/>

In 1995, at the height of the success of ''Only Fools and Horses,'' as an established Shakespeare actor he returned to the stage to appear in ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard III]]'' and ''[[A Midsummer Night’s Dream]]'' at [[Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre]], and in 2000 he played Malvolio in ''[[Twelfth Night]]'', at [[Stafford Castle]] and he performed at [[Ludlow Castle]] in ''[[As You Like It]]''  in 2011.<ref name="TSMC"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58617114|title=Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis dies aged 79|work=BBC News|date=19 September 2021|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920154018/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58617114|url-status=live}}</ref>

He was also featured regularly in pantomime productions in which he usually played the roguish or wicked roles, such as for example,  [[Captain Hook]] in ''[[Peter Pan]]'' at the Plaza Theatre, Stockport, a role he reprised in 2018 at the [[Theatre Royal, Nottingham]]. He also appeared in pantomime at [[Weston Playhouse]] in winter 2011–12 playing Ebenezer in ''[[Aladdin]]'' and as King Rat in ''[[Dick Whittington]]'' at the Plaza over Christmas 2013 and New Year 2014.
<ref name="TSMC"/>
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.paulferris.org/productions/entertaining-mr-sloane/
|title=Entertaining Mr Sloane
|year=2021
|work=Paul Ferris.org
|publisher=Paul Ferris
|access-date=23 September 2021
|archive-date=15 October 2017
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015094852/http://www.paulferris.org/productions/entertaining-mr-sloane/
|url-status=live
}}</ref> In 2013, Challis occasionally contributed to the ''[[Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Live Tour]]'' as the narrator.<ref name="AET">{{cite web
|url=https://www.alledinburghtheatre.com/review-the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-radio-show-live/
|title=Review – The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy Radio Show Live!
|last=Simpson
|first=Hugh Simpson
|date=28 September 2013
|publisher=All Edinburgh Theatre.com
|access-date=24 September 2021
|archive-date=21 September 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921011423/https://www.alledinburghtheatre.com/review-the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-radio-show-live/
|url-status=live
}}</ref> In 2014, he began a theatre tour of his one-man show titled ''Only Fools and Boycie'', which charted his life before, during and after his time as Boycie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/11565961.review-fools-boycie-brewhouse/|title=REVIEW: Only Fools and Boycie at the Brewhouse|website=Somerset County Gazette|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920211810/https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/11565961.review-fools-boycie-brewhouse/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life and death==
[[File:John Challis (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|200px|Challis in 2007]]
Challis was married four times. His first wife, [[Carol Challis|Carol Robertson]], was a stage manager.<ref name="times"/> His second and third wives were actresses [[Debbie Arnold]] and [[Sabina Franklyn]].<ref name="times"/> He married his fourth wife Carol Davies in Brighton in 1995 and in 1998 bought the Abbot's Lodgings at [[Wigmore Abbey Grange]], [[Adforton]], [[Herefordshire]], which they proceeded to renovate.<ref name="times"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/2016/10/24/interview-john-challis-talks-moving-to-shropshire-ahead-of-new-book-wigmore-abbey-the-treasure-of-mortimer-release/|title=Interview: John Challis talks moving to Shropshire ahead of new book, Wigmore Abbey: The Treasure Of Mortimer, release|website=shropshirestar.com|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523120029/https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/2016/10/24/interview-john-challis-talks-moving-to-shropshire-ahead-of-new-book-wigmore-abbey-the-treasure-of-mortimer-release/|url-status=live}}</ref> Challis had no children.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/voices/opinions/john-challis/2018/01/15/john-challis-loving-our-real-home-from-home/|title=John Challis: Loving our real home from home|website=shropshirestar.com|access-date=28 July 2020|archive-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716131929/https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/voices/opinions/john-challis/2018/01/15/john-challis-loving-our-real-home-from-home/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Challis was a patron of the British [[Hedgehog]] Preservation Society.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2015/09/30/star-boycie-gets-prickly-with-bird-charity-over-hedeghogs/|title=Star 'Boycie' gets prickly with bird charity over hedeghogs|website=shropshirestar.com|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212833/https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2015/09/30/star-boycie-gets-prickly-with-bird-charity-over-hedeghogs/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was an [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] supporter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/only-fools-horses-boycie-john-6594197|title='I'm on my fourth wife... not counting Marlene'|work=Birmingham Mail|date=26 January 2014|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028215217/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/only-fools-horses-boycie-john-6594197|url-status=live}}</ref> Challis wrote two volumes of autobiography, ''Being Boycie'' and ''Boycie & Beyond''.<ref name="auto">{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/biographyandmemoirreviews/9584902/Boycie-and-Beyond-by-John-Challis-review.html | title=Boycie & Beyond by John Challis: review | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Martin | last=Chilton | date=6 October 2012 | access-date=9 September 2014 | archive-date=10 September 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910205424/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/biographyandmemoirreviews/9584902/Boycie-and-Beyond-by-John-Challis-review.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, he wrote ''Wigmore Abbey: The Treasure of Mortimer'' about the renovation of his house's gardens.<ref name="Garden">{{Cite news |date=24 October 2016 |title=Interview: John Challis talks moving to Shropshire ahead of new book, Wigmore Abbey: The Treasure Of Mortimer, release |work=[[Shropshire Star]] |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/2016/10/24/interview-john-challis-talks-moving-to-shropshire-ahead-of-new-book-wigmore-abbey-the-treasure-of-mortimer-release/ |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523120029/https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/2016/10/24/interview-john-challis-talks-moving-to-shropshire-ahead-of-new-book-wigmore-abbey-the-treasure-of-mortimer-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=one/>

Challis additionally was a patron and avid supporter of "The Rose Theatre" in [[Kidderminster]], Worcestershire. The organisation also paid special tribute to Challis after his death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kidderminster theatre pays tribute to late patron John Challis |url=https://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/19592306.kidderminsters-rose-theatre-pays-tribute-fools-horses-star-john-challis/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=Kidderminster Shuttle |language=en}}</ref>

Through [[Twitter]], Challis became friends with American actor and musician [[Ice-T]], with the pair exchanging gifts although never meeting in person.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=FINALLEVEL |author=Ice-T |author-link=Ice-T |number=1439602799382351877 |date=19 September 2021 |title=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 |language=en}}</ref>

Challis died of [[cancer]] in his sleep on 19 September 2021, aged 79.<ref name="hadoke"/><ref name="telegraph">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2021/09/20/john-challis-actor-endeared-millions-tv-viewers-boycie-fools/|title=John Challis, actor who endeared himself to millions of TV viewers as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses – obituary|first=Telegraph|last=Obituaries|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=20 September 2021|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921004058/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2021/09/20/john-challis-actor-endeared-millions-tv-viewers-boycie-fools/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58617114|title=Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis dies|work=BBC News|date=19 September 2021|accessdate=19 September 2021|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919215359/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58617114|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Alex |last=Green |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/boycie-actor-from-only-fools-musical-john-challis-told-me-to-carry-the-torch-40866348.html |title=Boycie actor from Only Fools musical: John Challis told me to carry the torch |website=Irish Independent |quote=Jeff Nicholson met Challis, who died from cancer on Sunday morning aged 79, during the opening night of the West End production in 2019 and the pair continued to exchange messages until shortly before his death |date=19 September 2021 |access-date=20 September 2021 |archive-date=21 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921014458/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/boycie-actor-from-only-fools-musical-john-challis-told-me-to-carry-the-torch-40866348.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="times">{{cite news |title=John Challis obituary |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/john-challis-only-fools-and-horses-actor-who-played-boycie-dies-aged-79-q7z03fclf |access-date=20 September 2021 |work=The Times |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920003556/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/john-challis-only-fools-and-horses-actor-who-played-boycie-dies-aged-79-q7z03fclf |url-status=live }}</ref> He had been diagnosed with the disease in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2021/09/07/49201/john-challis-reveals-cancer-diagnosis|title=John Challis reveals cancer diagnosis : News 2021 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide|first=Steve|last=Bennett|website=www.chortle.co.uk}}</ref>

Tributes were paid by a number of fellow actors and entertainers including his ''Only Fools and Horses'' co-stars [[Sir David Jason]] and [[Sue Holderness]], as well as Ice-T, [[Paul Chuckle]], [[Piers Morgan]] and [[Sheila Ferguson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/ice-t-john-challis-tribute-b1923246.html|title=Ice T pays tribute to his 'internet friend' John Challis in heartwarming post|date=20 September 2021|website=The Independent|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920214047/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/ice-t-john-challis-tribute-b1923246.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/john-challis-dead-tributes-david-jason-sue-holderness_uk_61475d0fe4b0d9b6de97e42a|title=David Jason And Sue Holderness Lead Tributes To Only Fools And Horses Co-Star John Challis|date=19 September 2021|website=HuffPost|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920183234/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/john-challis-dead-tributes-david-jason-sue-holderness_uk_61475d0fe4b0d9b6de97e42a|url-status=live}}</ref>

Challis was an avid supporter of [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal Football Club]] and the club paid tribute to him following his death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=https://twitter.com/arsenal/status/1439640983877136389?lang=en-GB |url=https://twitter.com/arsenal/status/1439640983877136389?lang=en-GB |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Twitter |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
! class=unsortable| {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}}
|-
|1964 || ''Where Has Poor Mickey Gone?'' || Tim || ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1971 || ''[[Say Hello to Yesterday]]'' || Salesman || Uncredited ||<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvdlocker.com/|title=DVD Locker|first=D. V. D.|last=Locker|website=dvdlocker.com|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827214219/https://www.dvdlocker.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmesdetv.com/say-hello-to-yesterday.html|title=SAY HELLO TO YESTERDAY – 1971 – Filme em Português|website=filmesdetv.com|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923215119/https://www.filmesdetv.com/say-hello-to-yesterday.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1981 || ''[[Burning an Illusion]]'' || Man in Car || ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1985 || ''[[Defence of the Realm]]'' || Challis || ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1989 || ''Spotters'' || General cast || ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1998 || ''[[The Tichborne Claimant (film)|The Tichborne Claimant]]'' || Rous the Landlord || ||<ref name="BBFC1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-tichborne-claimant-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtnjy2njuy|title=The Tichborne Claimant|work=BBFC|publisher=British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925035745/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-tichborne-claimant-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtnjy2njuy|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2000 || ''Five Seconds to Spare'' || Shopping Centre Manager || ||<ref name="ITVhilights">{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-09-19/john-challis-a-look-back-on-the-career-of-beloved-only-fools-and-horses-actor|title=John Challis: Career highlights of Only Fools And Horses star remembered as a 'wonderful actor'|date=19 September 2021|publisher=ITV|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922200551/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-09-19/john-challis-a-look-back-on-the-career-of-beloved-only-fools-and-horses-actor|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=2|2001 || ''Dream'' || Toby || ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://washingtonnewsday.com/news/only-fools-and-horses-is-a-british-comedy-series-boycie-john-challis-died-of-cancer-after-a-long-fight/|title='Only Fools and Horses' is a British comedy series. Boycie John Challis died of cancer after a "long fight." &#124; The Washington Newsday|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060901/https://washingtonnewsday.com/news/only-fools-and-horses-is-a-british-comedy-series-boycie-john-challis-died-of-cancer-after-a-long-fight/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|| ''Subterrain'' || || ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8a96f086|title=Subterrain (2001)|publisher=British Film Institute|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921215802/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8a96f086|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/rupert-wyatt-director-of-the-film-subterrain-with-actors-john-challis-and-jamie-harris-and-composer-michael-nyman-lr-challis-wyatt-nyman-harris-1059583a|title=Rupert Wyatt Director Film subterrain Actors John Editorial Stock Photo – Stock Image &#124; Shutterstock|website=Shutterstock Editorial|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923215415/https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/rupert-wyatt-director-of-the-film-subterrain-with-actors-john-challis-and-jamie-harris-and-composer-michael-nyman-lr-challis-wyatt-nyman-harris-1059583a|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cineuropa.org/en/film/21053/|title=SUBTERRAIN|website=Cineuropa – the best of european cinema|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923215416/https://cineuropa.org/en/film/21053/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2020|| ''Boycie in Belgrade'' || Himself || Documentary film ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boycieinbelgrade.com/|title=Boycie in Belgrade|website=Boycie in Belgrade}}</ref>
|-
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
! class=unsortable| {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}}
|-
|1967 || ''[[The Newcomers (TV series)|The Newcomers]]'' || Harry Kapper || 5 episodes || <ref name="hadoke"/>
|-
|1967 || ''[[Z-Cars]]'' || Detective Constable Armitage || 2 episodes ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1967 || ''[[Coronation Street]]'' || George Naylor || 2 episodes || <ref name=itv>{{Cite web|url = https://www.itv.com/news/2021-09-19/john-challis-a-look-back-on-the-career-of-beloved-only-fools-and-horses-actor|title = John Challis: A look back on the career of beloved Only Fools and Horses actor|date = 19 September 2021|access-date = 22 September 2021|archive-date = 22 September 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210922200551/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-09-19/john-challis-a-look-back-on-the-career-of-beloved-only-fools-and-horses-actor|url-status = live}}</ref>
|-
|1968 || ''[[City '68]]'' || Hospital Doctor || Episode: "The Old Country" ||<ref name="BFI">{{Cite web|title=John Challis|url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba04a61b6|access-date=21 September 2021|publisher=[[British Film Institute]]|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921205048/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba04a61b6|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1968 || ''[[Virgin of the Secret Service]]'' || Captain Kirby || Episode: "The Rajah and the Suffragette" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://televisionheaven.co.uk/reviews/virgin-of-the-secret-service|title=Virgin of the Secret Service|access-date=22 September 2021|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120173204/https://televisionheaven.co.uk/reviews/virgin-of-the-secret-service|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1968 || ''[[Mr. Rose]]'' || Detective Constable Jackson || Episode: "The Frozen Swede" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1968 || ''[[Softly, Softly (TV series)|Softly, Softly]]'' || DC Rankin || 2 episodes ||<ref name="GuardianSS">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/19/john-challis-versatile-actor-celebrated-for-a-signature-snicker|title=John Challis: versatile actor celebrated for a signature snicker|last=Lawson|first=Mark|date=19 September 2021|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923112723/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/19/john-challis-versatile-actor-celebrated-for-a-signature-snicker|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1969 || ''[[Big Breadwinner Hog]]'' || First Operative || Episode: "Self-Discipline Is Its Own Reward" ||<ref name="BFI" />
<!-- |-
|1969 || ''[[ITV Playhouse]]'' || Carstairs || Episode: "The John Hilarian Salt Exhibition and Numerous Illustrated Slides" ||{{cn|date=September 2021}}<!- only IMDb available. Please restore when refs better than IMDb are available. Thanks. -->
|-
|1969 || ''Who-Dun-It'' || Rev. Lindsay Whittaker || Episode: "An Embarrassment of Murder" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memorabletv.com/episodes/who-dun-it-an-embarrassment-of-murder-s1ep5-itv-tues-16-sep-1969-amanda-reiss-john-barcroft/|title=Who-Dun-It: An Embarrassment of Murder (S1EP5 ITV Tues 16 Sep 1969, Amanda Reiss, John Barcroft)|date=18 May 2020|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920042431/https://www.memorabletv.com/episodes/who-dun-it-an-embarrassment-of-murder-s1ep5-itv-tues-16-sep-1969-amanda-reiss-john-barcroft/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1969 || ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]'' || Ray || Episode: "Obsession" ||<ref name="Independent1">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/john-challis-only-fools-and-horses-obituary-death-b1926315.html|title=John Challis: Talented actor best known for his portrayal of 'Boycie' in Only Fools and Horses|last=Shenton|first=Kenneth|date=25 September 2021|work=Independent|publisher=Independent Digital News & Media Ltd|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925051035/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/john-challis-only-fools-and-horses-obituary-death-b1926315.html?amp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1969-09-20|title=Schedule – BBC Programme Index|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060837/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1969-09-20|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1969 || ''[[Canterbury Tales (TV series)|Canterbury Tales]]'' || Farmhand || Episode: "The Shipman's Tale" || <ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Radio_Times/E_JRAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=%22John+challis%22+%22Canterbury+Tales%22+1969+shipman&dq=%22John+challis%22+%22Canterbury+Tales%22+1969+shipman&printsec=frontcover |title=The Canterbury Tales by GEOFFREY CHAUCER |journal=[[Radio Times]] |date=30 October 1969 |access-date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060809/https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Radio_Times/E_JRAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=%22John+challis%22+%22Canterbury+Tales%22+1969+shipman&dq=%22John+challis%22+%22Canterbury+Tales%22+1969+shipman&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|1969 || ''[[Strange Report]]'' || Soldier || Episode: "Report 7931: Sniper – When Is Your Cousin Not?" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimate70s.com/actor/-/Strange_Report/965|title=Strange Report series regulars and episode guide|website=ultimate70s.com|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060858/https://www.ultimate70s.com/actor/-/Strange_Report/965|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- |-
|1970 || ''[[The Misfit (TV series)|The Misfit]]'' || Lofty || Episode: "On Not Being Lost" || {{cn|date=September 2021}}<!- only IMDb available. Please restore when refs better than IMDb are available. Thanks. -->
|-
|1971 || ''Brett'' || Riordan || Episode: "All the King's Horses..." || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memorabletv.com/episodes/brett-all-the-kings-horses-s1ep18-bbc-one-16-aug-1971-hugh-cross/|title=Brett: All The King's Horses' (S1EP18 BBC One 16 Aug 1971, Hugh Cross)|date=4 November 2020|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060843/https://www.memorabletv.com/episodes/brett-all-the-kings-horses-s1ep18-bbc-one-16-aug-1971-hugh-cross/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1971–1975 || ''[[Z-Cars]]'' || Sgt. Culshaw || 11 episodes ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1971 || ''[[Crossroads (British TV series)|Crossroads]]'' || Jim Wright || 9 episodes ||<ref name="ATVtoday">{{cite web|url=https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/184135-rip/|title=Actor John Challis dies aged 79|last=Watkins|first=Mike|date=19 September 2021|work=ATV TODAY|publisher=ATV Network Limited|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925050250/https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/184135-rip/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1972 || ''[[ITV Sunday Night Theatre]]'' || Factory Guard || Episode: "The Last Journey" ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memorabletv.com/tv/sunday-night-theatre-lost-journey-itv-1972/|title=Sunday Night Theatre: The Lost Journey (ITV 1972, Peggy Ashcroft, Harry Andrews)|date=30 May 2016|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808233739/https://www.memorabletv.com/tv/sunday-night-theatre-lost-journey-itv-1972/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1974 || ''[[Who Killed Lamb?]]'' || Casson || TV film ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1974 || ''[[Bram Stoker's Dracula (1974 film)|Dracula]]'' || Stockton-on-Tees Clerk || TV film ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6a930b6a|title=Bram Stoker&#039;s Dracula (1974)|publisher=British Film Institute|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806204304/https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6a930b6a|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- |-
|1974 || ''[[Whodunnit? (British game show)|Whodunnit?]]'' || Private Rhodes || Episode: "Goodbye Sarge" ||  {{cn|date=September 2021}}<!- only IMDb available. Please restore when refs better than IMDb are available. Thanks. -->
|-
|1974 || ''[[Crown Court (TV series)|Crown Court]]'' || Detective Inspector Stoddard || Episodes: "The Messenger Boy: Part 1" and "The Messenger Boy: Part 3" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1974–1977 || ''[[Coronation Street]]'' || DC Norman Phillips || 8 episodes || <ref name=itv/>
|-
|1975 ||''Drive Carefully, Darling''|| 'Ego' || Instructional film ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1975 || ''[[Nightingale's Boys]]'' || Pete || Episode: "Decision" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1975 || ''[[The Sweeney]]'' || Skef Warren || Episode: "Stay Lucky Eh?" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1975 || ''[[The Legend of Robin Hood (TV series)|The Legend of Robin Hood]]'' || Castle Guard || Episode: "Part 5" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1976 || ''[[Doctor Who]]'' || Scorby || All 6 episodes of ''[[The Seeds of Doom]]'' ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1976 || ''[[Open All Hours]]'' || Bread Man || Episode: "Well Catered Funeral" ||<ref name="BBCn"/>
|-
|1976 || ''[[Thriller (British TV series)|Thriller]]'' || Peter || Episode: "Sleepwalker" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1976 || ''[[The Cedar Tree]]'' || Leonard Barnet || Episodes: "Mice at Play  Part 1" and "Mice at Play  Part 2" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1976 || ''[[The New Avengers (TV series)|The New Avengers]]'' || Soldier (unbilled) || Episode: "Dirtier by the Dozen" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theavengers.tv/forever/newave-11.htm|title=The Avengers Forever: Dirtier by the Dozen|website=theavengers.tv|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=26 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126204352/http://www.theavengers.tv/forever/newave-11.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|1978 || ''The Law Centre'' || DS Sharp || Episode: "Millstone" || {{cn|date=September 2021}}<!- only IMDb available. Please restore when refs better than IMDb are available. Thanks. -->
|-
|1979 || ''[[Doctor Snuggles]]'' || Various || Voice; All 13 episodes ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1979 || ''[[Bloomers (TV series)|Bloomers]]'' || Policeman || Episode: #1.3  ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1980 || ''[[Citizen Smith]]'' || Chief Inspector Humphreys || Episode: "The Letter of the Law" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1980 || ''[[Play for Today]]'' || Victor Mintell || Episode: "Number on End" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1981 || ''[[Play for Today]]'' || Harry || Episode: "Before Water Lilies" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1981 || ''[[Play for Today]]'' || Voice role || Episode: "A Turn For The Worse" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1981–2003 || ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'' || [[Boycie|Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce]] || 33 of 64 episodes || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/19/john-challis-versatile-actor-celebrated-for-a-signature-snicker|title=John Challis: versatile actor celebrated for a signature snicker|date=19 September 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923112723/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/19/john-challis-versatile-actor-celebrated-for-a-signature-snicker|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1981 || ''[[Sink or Swim (TV series)|Sink or Swim]]'' || Man at Door || Episode: "Ecology" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1982 || ''[[Beau Geste (TV series)|Beau Geste]]'' || Corporal Dupré || 4 episodes (part 4–7) ||<ref name="BFI" />
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|1985 || ''[[Relative Strangers (TV series)|Relative Strangers]]'' || CID Man || Episode: #1.6 || {{cn|date=September 2021}}<!- only IMDb available. Please restore when refs better than IMDb are available. Thanks. -->
|-
|1985 || ''[[Late Starter (TV series)|Late Starter]]'' || Policeman || Episode: #1.5 ||<ref name="auto2"/>
|-
|1985 || ''[[Storyboard (TV series)|Storyboard]]'' || Billy Cato || Episode: "King & Castle" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1985 || ''[[In Sickness and in Health]]'' || Policeman || Episode: #1.1 || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaparadiso.co.uk/rentals/in-sickness-and-in-health-series-1-60039.html|title=Rent In Sickness and in Health: Series 1 (1985)|first=Cinema|last=Paradiso|website=CinemaParadiso.co.uk|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805190520/https://www.cinemaparadiso.co.uk/rentals/in-sickness-and-in-health-series-1-60039.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- 
|1985 || ''[[Juliet Bravo]]'' || Taylor || Episode: "Hostage to Fortune" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1985 || ''[[Howards' Way]]'' || Morris || 2 episodes ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1986 || ''[[Chance in a Million]]'' || Policeman || Episode: "And What Shall We Do for a Ring?" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.videodetective.com/show/chance-in-a-million-3564/season/2/episode/4|title=Chance in a Million – Season 2 Episode 4 – Video Detective|date=27 January 1986|via=videodetective.com}}</ref>
|-
|1986 || ''Strike It Rich!'' || Big John || Episode: "Suspicions" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1986-02-01|title=Schedule – BBC Programme Index|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629083429/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1986-02-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1986 || ''[[Roland Rat|Roland Rat: The Series]]'' || Policeman || Episode: #1.6 || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetvdb.com/series/roland-rat-the-series/episodes/28676|title=Roland Rat: The Series - Episode 6 |website=thetvdb.com|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060839/https://www.thetvdb.com/series/roland-rat-the-series/episodes/28676|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1986 || ''Lenny Henry Tonite'' || Various || Episode: "Gronk Zillman" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1987 || ''[[C.A.T.S. Eyes]]'' || Stark || Episode: "A Naval Affair" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1987 || ''Ratman'' || Police Chief || 2 episodes || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1987-10-19|title=Schedule – BBC Programme Index|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060859/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1987-10-19|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1987 || ''[[Alas Smith and Jones]]'' || Mexican Hotel Receptionist || Episode: #4.4 ||<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?q=Alas+Smith+and+Jones |title=Search - BBC Programme Index |access-date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060835/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?q=Alas+Smith+and+Jones |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|1987 || ''[[Ever Decreasing Circles]]'' || Maintenance Man || Episode: "Half an Office" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/ever_decreasing_circles/episodes/4/7/|title=Ever Decreasing Circles Series 4, Episode 7|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060858/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/ever_decreasing_circles/episodes/4/7/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1988 || ''[[40 Minutes]]'' || General cast || Episode: "Scarfe's Follies" ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1988 || ''[[Wish Me Luck]]'' || Victor Travussini || 5 episodes ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|1988 || ''[[Don't Wait Up (TV series)|Don't Wait Up]]'' || Man in Jewellery Shop || Episode: #5.2 || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1988-06-13|title=Schedule – BBC Programme Index|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060813/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_one_london/1988-06-13|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1988 || ''[[The Bill]]'' || Ian Gore || Episode: "Runaround" ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1494866/John-Challis-death-last-interview-Only-Fools-and-Horses-Boycie-latest-news-update|title=John Challis' unfulfilled wish shared in last interview before Only Fools star's death|first=Andrea|last=Tonks|date=22 September 2021|website=Daily Express|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060812/https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1494866/John-Challis-death-last-interview-Only-Fools-and-Horses-Boycie-latest-news-update|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1988 || ''[[Casualty (TV series)|Casualty]]'' || Harry || Episode: "Living Memories" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.holby.tv/s3-e8/|title=3.08 Living Memories – 21/10/88|first=Cheryl|last=Griffin|website=holby.tv|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304091557/http://www.holby.tv/s3-e8/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1992 || ''[[Sitting Pretty (TV series)|Sitting Pretty]]'' || Boris || Voice; Episode: "Anniversary Waltz" || <ref name=comedy>{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/john_challis/|title=John Challis|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=18 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918061205/https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/john_challis/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1992 || ''[[The New Statesman (1987 TV series)|The New Statesman]]'' || General Giray || Episode: "A Bigger Splash" || <ref name=comedy/>
|-
|1992 || ''[[One Foot in the Grave]]'' || Jack the Burglar (voice) || Episode: "Beware the Trickster on the Roof" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/one_foot_in_the_grave/episodes/3/6/|title=One Foot In The Grave Series 3, Episode 5 – Beware The Trickster On The Roof|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060813/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/one_foot_in_the_grave/episodes/3/6/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|1992 || ''[[Sitting Pretty (TV series)|Sitting Pretty]]'' || The Trainer || Voice; Episode: "Happy Birthdays" || <ref name=comedy/>
|-
|1993 || ''[[Then Churchill Said to Me]]'' || Major Harry Bouchet || Episode: "Nanny by Searchlight" || {{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} 
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|1993 || ''[[Get Back (TV series)|Get Back]]'' || Monty || Episode: "Money" || {{cn|date=September 2021}}<!- only IMDb available. Please restore when refs better than IMDb are available. Thanks. -->
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|1996 || ''[[Soldier Soldier]]'' || Police Superintendent || Episode: "Delayed Action" || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://digiguide.tv/programme/Drama/Soldier-Soldier/5756/season-6/episode-10/Delayed-Action/59284/ |title=Soldier, Soldier: Delayed Action |website=digiguide.tv |access-date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060814/https://digiguide.tv/programme/Drama/Soldier-Soldier/5756/season-6/episode-10/Delayed-Action/59284/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|1997 || ''[[Wing and a Prayer (TV series)|Wing and a Prayer]]'' || DS Doughty || Episode: "The Ties That Bind" || <ref name="auto2"/>
|-
|1998 || ''[[Heartbeat (British TV series)|Heartbeat]]'' || Stan Fraser || Episode: "Where There's a Will" ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.list.co.uk/article/119852-john-challis-just-received-9p-for-heartbeat-episode/|title=John Challis just received 9p for Heartbeat episode|date=7 October 2020|website=The List|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923214716/https://www.list.co.uk/article/119852-john-challis-just-received-9p-for-heartbeat-episode/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|2002 || ''[[Doctors (2000 TV series)|Doctors]]'' || James Fletcher || Episode: "Feet of Clay" || {{cn|date=September 2021}}<!- only IMDb available. Please restore when refs better than IMDb are available. Thanks. -->
|-
|2005–2009 || ''[[The Green Green Grass]]'' || Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce || All 32 episodes ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|2006 || ''[[The Impressionists (TV series)|The Impressionists]]'' || Station Master || Episode: #1.2 || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/03_march/30/impressionists_synopsis.shtml|title=BBC – Press Office – The Impressionists: Synopses|publisher=BBC|access-date=24 September 2021|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924080554/https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/03_march/30/impressionists_synopsis.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2007 || ''[[My Family]]'' || Jacob Marley || Episode: "Ho Ho No" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008m20y|title=BBC One – My Family, Ho Ho No|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112195234/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008m20y|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2008 || ''[[Last of the Summer Wine]]'' || Jeremy || Episode: "Is Jeremy Quite Safe?" ||<ref name="Independent1"/>
|-
|2015–2018 || ''[[Benidorm (British TV series)|Benidorm]]'' || Monty Staines || 15 episodes ||<ref name="BFI" />
|-
|2015 || ''[[Doctors (2000 TV series)|Doctors]]'' || Freddy Prenton || Episode: "Vapour Trail" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06r0zv4|title=BBC One – Doctors, Series 17, Vapour Trail|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=13 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313010325/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06r0zv4|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2016 || ''[[Are You Being Served?]]'' || Captain Peacock || TV film ||<ref name="BBCn">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58617283|title=John Challis and Boycie – how one of TV's greatest comedy characters was born|last=Youngs|first=Ian|date=20 September 2021|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924105747/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58617283|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2018 || ''[[Sooty (2011 TV series)|Sooty]]'' || Henry Witham-Smythe || Episode: "Just Desserts" || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trakt.tv/shows/sooty-2009/seasons/3/episodes/6|title=Sooty 3x06 'Just Desserts'|via=trakt.tv|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060814/https://trakt.tv/shows/sooty-2009/seasons/3/episodes/6|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/sooty/episodes/3/6/|title=Sooty Series 3, Episode 6 – Just Desserts|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|website=British Comedy Guide|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060816/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/sooty/episodes/3/6/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2020 || ''[[Državni posao]]'' || Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce || Episode: "Dostavno vozilo" ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://drzavniposao.rs/|title=Državni posao|website=drzavniposao.rs|access-date=22 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907093833/https://drzavniposao.rs/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

== Books ==
* 2011, ''Being Boycie'', Wigmore Books Ltd., {{ISBN|978-0956906106}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goodreads.com/work/best_book/17591942-being-boycie-john-challis|title=Being Boycie. John Challis|website=goodreads.com|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060815/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12581062-being-boycie-john-challis|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2012, ''Boycie & Beyond'', Wigmore Books Ltd., {{ISBN|978-0956906113}}<ref name="auto"/>
* 2016, ''Wigmore Abbey: The Treasure of Mortimer'', (photography by Alex Ramsey), Wigmore Books Ltd., {{ISBN|978-0956906144}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wigmorebooks.com/wigmore-abbey.php|title=Wigmore Abbey – Wigmore Books|website=wigmorebooks.com|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921014231/http://wigmorebooks.com/wigmore-abbey.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.john-challis.com/}}
* {{IMDb name|0149998}}
* {{Discogs artist|John Challis (3)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Challis, John}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in England]]
[[Category:People from Clifton, Bristol]]
[[Category:20th-century English male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century English male actors]]
[[Category:British male comedy actors]]
[[Category:English male Shakespearean actors]]
[[Category:English male stage actors]]
[[Category:English male television actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Bristol]]
[[Category:Royal Shakespeare Company members]]