Forty-five years after "Only Fools and Horses" first graced television screens, the lives of its main cast members reveal a tapestry of enduring careers, personal tragedies, and surprising personal developments.

The sitcom, which followed the comedic misadventures of the Trotter brothers and their schemes to get rich, has remained a cherished part of British television history. To commemorate its 45th anniversary, previously unseen footage from a 1989 Christmas special was released, with a two-part series, "Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive," set to feature more unreleased clips and cast interviews.

Sir David Jason (Del Boy Trotter)

Sir David Jason, 86, continues to be synonymous with the enterprising Del Boy. His acting career began in 1964, with notable roles in "Crossroads" and "Do Not Adjust Your Set." Despite nearly missing out on iconic parts, including Lance Corporal Jones in "Dad's Army" and Frank Spencer in "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em," Jason found significant success.

He starred alongside Ronnie Barker in "Open All Hours" and "Porridge," reprised his role as Granville in "Still Open All Hours" until 2019, and played Pop Larkin in "The Darling Buds of May." His longest-running role outside of Del Boy was Detective Inspector Jack Frost in "A Touch of Frost," which concluded in 2010. Knighted in 2005 for his contributions to acting and comedy, Jason has maintained a public profile through various documentaries.

In his personal life, Jason experienced profound grief with the death of his partner of 18 years, Myfanwy Talog, from breast cancer in 1995. He married Gill Hinchcliffe in 2005, with whom he has a daughter, Sophie Mae. A significant personal revelation occurred in 2023 when Jason discovered he had another daughter, Abi Harris, 54, from a brief relationship in 1970.

Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney Trotter)

Nicholas Lyndhurst, now 65, became a household name as the earnest Rodney Trotter. His career after "Only Fools and Horses" included roles in "The Two of Us," "The Piglet Files," and the critically acclaimed time-travel sitcom "Goodnight Sweetheart," for which he won two National Television Awards. He also appeared in the "Only Fools and Horses" prequel "Rock & Chips" as Rodney's biological father.

Lyndhurst turned down a role in the hit film "The Full Monty" in 1997, which starred fellow "Only Fools" actor Paul Barber. More recently, he appeared in the 2023 reboot of "Frasier" as a friend of the titular character.

Tragedy struck Lyndhurst and his wife Lucy in September 2020 when their 19-year-old son, Archie, a children's television actor, died from a brain hemorrhage caused by leukemia.

Patrick Murray (Mickey Pearce)

Patrick Murray, who portrayed the endearingly unreliable Mickey Pearce, transitioned from acting to other pursuits. He had a career as a professional poker player, worked as a bricklayer, and a chauffeur. Murray faced significant personal challenges, including a nearly two-year separation from his wife, Anong, from Thailand, due to visa restrictions. He spoke about being a "Skype dad" to their daughter before their reunion.

In January 2021, Murray announced a cancer diagnosis and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. While he later received an all-clear, the cancer returned in 2023. Murray died in September 2023 at the age of 68.

Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel Turner)

Tessa Peake-Jones joined "Only Fools and Horses" in 1988 as Raquel Turner and became a central character. She married co-star Douglas Hodge, who later played her on-screen son Damien, and they were together for 27 years. Peake-Jones continued to act, notably playing Mrs. Sylvia Maguire in the ITV series "Grantchester."

She has expressed reservations about a reunion episode, suggesting that without the original writer, John Sullivan, it would not be the same.

Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra Trotter)

Gwyneth Strong played Rodney's wife, Cassandra. She has continued her acting career with roles in "A Touch of Frost," "EastEnders," and currently stars as Ceri Mayland in "Casualty."

Strong is a vocal advocate for ovarian cancer awareness, a cause close to her heart after losing her mother to the disease. She is a patron of the charity Ovarian Cancer Action.

Benjamin Smith (Damien Trotter)

Benjamin Smith took over the role of Del Boy's son Damien in 2001. He has since appeared in numerous television shows, including "Holby City," "Doctor Who," "EastEnders," and "Skins." His recent credits include the Netflix mini-series "Resistance."

John Challis (Boycie)

John Challis is remembered for his portrayal of Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce. He reprised the role in the spin-off "Green Green Grass" and also appeared in the ITV sitcom "Benidorm." Challis published two autobiographies and toured with a one-man show.

He was recognized as an honorary citizen of Serbia, where "Only Fools and Horses" maintains a significant cult following. Challis died of cancer in September 2021 at the age of 79. The writer of "Only Fools and Horses," John Sullivan, died in 2011.

Sue Holderness (Marlene Boyce)

Sue Holderness played Boycie's wife, Marlene, in both "Only Fools and Horses" and its spin-off "The Green Green Grass." She has also appeared in "Doctors," "Still Open All Hours," and "EastEnders." Holderness recently launched a campaign warning the public about online scams after being targeted by fraudsters.

Paul Barber (Denzil Tulser)

Paul Barber played Denzil. His most notable role outside of "Only Fools and Horses" was Barrington "Horse" Mitchell in the 1997 film "The Full Monty" and its 2023 miniseries.

Barber has spoken about a difficult childhood in foster care and overcoming adversity to build a successful acting career. He lives in Clacton, Essex.

Roger Lloyd-Pack (Trigger)

Roger Lloyd-Pack starred as the memorable Colin "Trigger" Ball. He also played Owen Newitt in "The Vicar of Dibley" and Barty Crouch Sr. in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

Lloyd-Pack died in 2014 at the age of 69 after battling pancreatic cancer. His estate was distributed among his widow and four children.

Kenneth MacDonald (Mike Fisher)

Kenneth MacDonald was known for his role as pub landlord Mike Fisher. He also appeared in "It Ain't Half Hot Mum."

MacDonald died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 50 in 2001 while on holiday in Hawaii. His death occurred before his scenes in "The Last Detective" could air.

Lennard Pearce (Grandad)

Lennard Pearce originated the role of Grandad. He starred in the series from 1981 until his death in 1984 at the age of 69, following two heart attacks.

Buster Merryfield took over the role of Uncle Albert following Pearce's death.

Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert)

Buster Merryfield joined the cast as Uncle Albert in 1985, taking over from Lennard Pearce. His character was known for his catchphrase, "During the war." Merryfield, who had been a bank manager before acting, died in 1999 at the age of 78 after being admitted to hospital with a brain tumor.