Early Years
So who is John Sullivan? Born in London in 1946 and grew up in the South London district of Balham. John Sullivan was an intellectually gifted boy who nonetheless wasn’t too interested in the academic side of things. At school he remembers an English teacher being the turning point of his English lessons. He recalls, “Mr Trowers made the books come alive.” Apperently the teacher gave character and voice to his readings. Certainly the strength of characters comes to the fore in John Sullivans Only Fools and Horses scripts. Always certain of his own creativity, he left school at 15 to focus on his ambition to be a professional writer.
John Sullivan’s Breakthrough
After many years John had a breakthrough where he managed to get work as a scenery shifter and handyman in the props department at the BBC.
While at the BBc John managed to persuade Denis Main Wilson to allow himw to write a comedy scipt. Eventually Wilson agreed for John to go away and write a pilot episode. John took two weeks’ leave and went to his In-laws home in Crystal Palace where he wrote the first episode of Citizen Smith.
The next chapter in John Sullivans life was made during a meeting with Ray Butt. Sullivan had an idea for a comedy about a South London street trader, a wheeler-dealer. Ray Butt thought it was a great idea. A few weeks after his conversation with Ray Butt, John delivered a draft script to his office for a pilot that was called Readies. Ray Butt took the script to Head of Comedy, John Howard Davis, and within weeks a full series was given the green light. John then dropped the working title of Readies and replaced it with Only Fools and Horses, because he felt that it summed up the character of Derek Trotter, whose philosophy in life was reflected in the saying that “only fools and horses work”. The legendary sit-com was born.
Other scripts from John Sullivan include Just Good Friends. John also wrote a two part comedy drama set during the Second World War called Over Here. Late 1990s John wrote Roger, Roger. This was set around a mini-cab firm and Heartburn Hotel.
Spin-offs
Due to the success of Only Fools and Horses, Spin-off series have also been in the making. Boycie & Marlene in The Green Green Grass and most recent “Rock n Chips”
What makes John Sullivan so respected is the quality from one man as ooposed to the American sitcoms that are written by big teams of writers, John Sullivan single-handedly wrote every single episode of Britain’s best-loved sitcom – Only Fools and Horses, now that is some acheivement and understandably he was recognised for this, with recent name change to John Sullivan OBE
true ledgend. will be a tear in my eye watching rock and chips thursday night.
John a great man who knew what the british public needed when it came to comedy. He gave us the Trotter family and a bunch of great catch phrases.
John you are going to be greatly missed.
RIP John
I am still shocked at the news of his passing,Its so sad.
I literally grew up watching “Only fools and horses” as I am sure did many people. But it did not stop there “Citizen Smith” brilliant “Just good Friends” brilliant and I have to say “Rock and chips” is superb too, and thats just naming a few.
The finest comedy writer ever to grace our televisions, writing alone comedies that normally would of taken a duo to come up with, and creating such legends as “Del Boy and Rodney” for us all to love.
We owe you big time John for all the laughs, I hope you rest in peace mate.
Im not sure I would want “Rock and Chips” to carry on unless John had already written the scrips, I will watch the third installment with tears in my eyes.
Where do I start? John Sullivan was without doubt the best and most prolific comedy writer ever. He inspired me to try my hand at script-writing and I’m choked. He was a man amongst men and a true genius.
He put more smiles on faces than any other human being. What a legacy!
My thoughts are with his family and all the fabulous actors that brought his words to life.
See you up there John!
I’ve only just read the news. This is absolutely devastating. This man was responsible for what is considered by public and critics alike the greatest sit-com ever! It’s in that category of Laurel & Hardy, Morecambe & Wise, Blackadder, Fawlty, Milligan, Python etc… where if in the rare instance you met someone who didn’t really like it, you looked at them as if to say ‘What on earth is the matter with you?’ A brilliant man who in his own way (while growing up watching OFAH) made my life that bit better. Thank you John. God rest you.
I am in shock, and cannot believe that the great John Sullivan has passed away. The greatest writing genius of modern times. A man who has left an incredible legacy behind. I think of his family, and hope they find comfort in the fact that this man was beloved by millions. Some who knew why they loved him, and others, fans of his work, who didn’t even know they loved his brilliant mind. This is a very sad day indeed. For all you gave us John, thank you sir. You will not be forgotten, but remembered, and revered.
R.I.P John I won’t forget you all them times you have cheered me up with Only Fools & Horses, and also that amazing prequel which won’t be continued now, which is so upsetting :(
I don’t think I will be able to watch Only Fools anymore without getting upset you were just the best writer I’ve ever seen and It’s such a tragic loss. :(
In loving and respectful memory of a brilliant and talented writer who made people laugh. The world today is a sadder place for his loss and I shall never see an inflatable doll again without thinking of him & smiling – which is I feel how he would want to be remembered – with a smile.
RIP John
The world will be a much sadder place without you. Your outstanding scriptwriting brought so much laughter, joy and pleasure to so many people. You were a GENIUS.
Sincere Condolences to your family and close friends from a deeply saddened OFAH fanatic in Northern Ireland.
RIP John
John if u happen to read this or someone, i have been an avid fan since the start of only fools, have all the dvds im nearly word perfect on some!
I would like the theme tune to take me into & out of church at my funeral, morbid i know, but what an entrance & exit!!,
& i cant think of any thing else i would want. so help me plz
RESPECT!!!!!
John Sullivan, bless him! All of humanity owe him so much. A long and happy life to him! Gotta get his autograph…