Only Fools and Horses Star Buster Merryfield's Grave Vandalised in Dorset
The final resting place of beloved Only Fools and Horses actor Buster Merryfield has been subjected to a distressing act of vandalism. The damage was discovered at Verwood Cemetery in Dorset, sparking outrage among fans of the classic BBC comedy series.
Fans Rally to Support Restoration Efforts
Devoted followers of the show have launched a fundraising campaign through a crowdfunding platform to purchase a new headstone for the Poole-born star. The initiative is being spearheaded by The Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society organisation, which aims to restore dignity to the gravesite.
Photographs from the scene reveal significant damage to Merryfield's gravestone. A portrait of the actor has been cracked and is now covered with red and white tape, while a visible fracture runs through the inscription 'In Loving Memory'.
A Life Remembered: From Banking to Television Stardom
Buster Merryfield, who portrayed the iconic character Uncle Albert from 1985 to 1996, passed away in 1999 at the age of 78 from a brain tumour. He is buried alongside his wife of 57 years, Iris Merryfield, who died three years after her husband.
Before achieving television fame in his sixties, Merryfield had a distinguished career in banking. He began as a bank clerk at age 17 before serving in the British Army during the Second World War, where he excelled as a boxing champion and served as a physical training and jungle warfare instructor.
Following the war, he returned to banking and eventually became a manager with National Westminster Bank. Despite his professional success in finance, Merryfield maintained a passion for performance, appearing in numerous amateur shows throughout his life.
The Creation of an Iconic Television Character
Merryfield's breakthrough role came in 1984 when he was cast as Uncle Albert during the fourth series of Only Fools and Horses. The character was introduced midway through filming to replace Grandad after actor Lennard Pearce died during production.
Uncle Albert quickly became a fan favourite as Del and Rodney Trotters' long-lost seafaring uncle, known for his repetitive catchphrase: 'During the war.' Merryfield's portrayal brought warmth and humour to the role, cementing his place in British television history.
His final acting performance was in a Beauty and the Beast pantomime at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth. Throughout his life, Merryfield maintained healthy habits, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol entirely.
Community Outrage and Support
A source close to the situation expressed profound dismay about the vandalism, stating: 'They're devastated about what's happened to Buster's grave. He's so well loved, nobody can quite comprehend who would do such a thing.'
The sentiment was echoed with a touch of the show's characteristic humour, with one observer noting: 'It's even been joked the Germans wouldn't have touched it, given the only ships Uncle Albert sunk were his own!'
The fundraising campaign represents a heartfelt effort by fans to honour Merryfield's memory and restore his gravesite to its proper condition. The actor, whose real first name was Harry, leaves behind a daughter and a legacy of bringing joy to millions through his television work.
