I'm sure most of us would agree that the importance of a solo comedian or double act is always a careful blending of comic delivery/timing and writing. On the same note - without a good script, you don't have a show. When it comes to a sitcom - a hand crafted plot is essential to making the program not only entertaining on different levels, but also believable. John Sullivan did just that. Today he is perhaps best remembered for writing "Only Fools And Horses" and the spin-off's from the series - "The Green Green Grass" and his final work "Rock & Chips".
John was from a South London, working class background and worked for 15 years in a variety of low paid jobs before getting his first big break writing the TV Sitcom "Citizen Smith" starring Robert Lindsay, which ran for 4 series.
His first association with the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) came when he gained a job working behind the scenes as a "prop man" - this brought with it the perfect opportunity to network with the right people within the industry and make his creative voice heard.
"Only Fools And Horses" first hit UK screens in 1982 and the main series ran until 1991, along with yearly Christmas specials running to 1996 (concluding with the famous Christmas "Trilogy") and a series of 3 comeback specials between 2001 and 2003. The secret to the longevity and endurance of "Only Fools And Horses" is perhaps most importantly because of it's multi-generational appeal and the fact that the storylines have been inspired by real life stories in "real world" settings.
I am very grateful that my family, friends and I have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) many happy hours together watching "Only Fools And Horses" and "The Green Green Grass". We've been quite litterally in tears of laughter... which is perhaps the greatest compliment a comedian/comedy writer could ever hope for. I also think it's fair to say that I've not seen any work by John Sullivan that I didn't thoroughly enjoy - he maintained an excellent standard of writing throughout the years and the authenticity of each program to it's "situation" subject has always been a joy to both see and hear.
John passed away this past weekend on Saturday - April 23, 2011... he will be greatly missed by family, friends and all who appreciate comedy writing of the highest order. Although the man may be passed, the legacy is just beginning and will live on as long as there are people who enjoy truly great situation comedy.
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