Creator of Only Fools and Horses

John Sullivan, the creator of Only Fools and Horses, has died at the age of 64.

The BBC said he had suffered a short illness.

He also wrote Citizen Smith, and the Only Fools prequel Rock & Chips.

BBC director general Mark Thompson said: ‘John had a unique gift for turning everyday life and characters we all know into unforgettable comedy.’

Stephen Fry led the tributes on Twitter, tweeting: ‘Terribly saddened to hear that John Sullivan, one of the great comedy writers of our time, has died. Deepest sympathy to all his family.’

David Schneider added that he was ‘atrue inspiration to all comedy writers. His work is the benchmark. Very sad news.’

And Gareth Gwenlan, producer of Only Fools and Horses , told Sky News: 'The sudden death of John Sullivan has deprived the world of television comedy of its greatest exponent. John was a writer of immense talent and he leaves behind him an extraordinary body of work which has entertained tens of millions of viewers and will continue to do so for many decades to come.'

Sullivan grew up in Balham, South London – a working-class upbringing which would go on to influence the plots of Only Fools – and left school at 15 with no qualifications.

He decided he wanted to be a writer, but was employed by the BBC as a scenery shifter when he approached comedy producer Dennis Main Wilson with an idea for a comedy about a luckless revolutionary leader. The esteemed progamme-maker was enthusiastic about the submission and it was included in the Comedy Special showcases – before being spun off into its own, series Citizen Smith, which ran for three years from 1977.

His other credits include Just Good Friends, Over Here and Roger, Roger.

In 2005 New Years Honours, Sullivan was awarded an OBE for services to drama.

The latest episode of Rock & Chips is is due to be shown on BBC One on Thursday

Published: 23 Apr 2011