Peter Heppelthwaite, who starred in EastEnders and the Only Fools and Horses spin-off, The Green Green Grass, has died at the age of 59Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor and James Holt Senior Live and Breaking News Reporter
18:38, 14 Jun 2026
Peter Heppelthwaite starred as Jed in the Green Green Grass(Image: BBC)
An EastEnders and Only Fools and Horses star has died aged 59, with tributes now paid to the actor. London-born Peter Heppelthwaite was best known for appearing on the BBC One soap opera, as well as The Green Green Grass and Coupling.
Peter’s agents at Apollo Artist Management announced his heartbreaking death on social media. No cause of death has been confirmed.
In a statement, they said: “We are heartbroken to share the sad news that our wonderful client and friend, Peter Heppelthwaite, passed away yesterday. Peter was a hugely gifted actor, director, teacher and mentor, with a warmth and generosity that reached far beyond the work itself.
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“He brought humour, heart and complete commitment to everything he did, and he had that rare ability to make people feel seen, supported and better for having known him.
“His career took him across television, theatre and film, but his impact was much bigger than a list of credits. Peter gave so much to other performers, especially young actors finding their confidence and their voice.
Peter Heppelthwaite(Image: Academy)
“He cared deeply, worked tirelessly, and left a mark on everyone lucky enough to cross his path. We feel incredibly proud to have represented him. Our thoughts and love are with Peter’s family, friends, students, colleagues and all who loved him. Rest peacefully, Pete. You will be very deeply missed.”
His daughter, Georgia Hewer-Heppelthwaite, has also shared a moving tribute, the Mirror reports. In it, she wrote: “After the most incredible fight, our epic dad, Peter Heppelthwaite, passed away peacefully yesterday holding our hands. Everyone who knows dad will know that this is a man who never gave up, loved deeply, and was just unafraid of doing absolutely everything to the fullest.
“His life was shortened but immensely full of love, passion and determination that we will carry with us always. We’re still in shock so please understand if we feel too overwhelmed to respond to anything right now but please don’t feel sorry for our loss.
“We are beyond lucky to have had Peter Heppelthwaite as our dad – please just share a story about him, something you will remember him for, something we can smile about.”
Peter landed his first TV role in Two Point Four Children after graduating from Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in 1999. From then, he secured several television roles, including that of Linal in the BBC’s EastEnders back in the Nineties.
However, it was his role as Jedd in The Green Green Grass which turned him into a household name. He starred alongside Sue Holderness and John Challis in the spin-off of Only Fools and Horses for 30 episodes.
Only Fools fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute, with one writing: “It comes with great shock and sadness that we have to report the death of actor Peter Heppelthwaite, Jed from the Only Fools spin-off The Green Green Grass. Our heartfelt condolences and warm wishes go out to his family and close friends.”