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Richard O’Sullivan Dies: British Sitcom Star Known For ‘Man About House’ & ‘Robin’s Nest’ Was 82
Confirmed
In Short: Richard O’Sullivan, a British sitcom star best known for his roles in 'Man About The House' and 'Robin’s Nest,' has died at the age of 82. Born in London in 1944, O’Sullivan began his acting career as a child,
Richard O’Sullivan, a British sitcom star best known for his roles in 'Man About The House' and 'Robin’s Nest,' has died at the age of 82. Born in London in 1944, O’Sullivan began his acting career as a child, performing in uncredited roles in dramas before gaining recognition for his comedic performances in the 1960s and 1970s.
His career took off in the 1970s when he played the character Robin Tripp in 'Man About The House' and 'Robin’s Nest,' roles that made him a household name. After this, his career became quieter, with occasional appearances in films and television shows, including a role in 'Holed' in 1996.
O’Sullivan’s career spanned decades, starting when he was just eight years old. He moved from dramatic roles, such as playing Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII in 'Cleopatra' in 1963, to comedy, including appearances in 'The Ronnie Barker Playhouse' and 'The Galton and Simpson Comedy.
In his later years, O’Sullivan was a resident at Brinsworth House and made a public appearance with his friend Mike Yarwood to plant a tree on the house lawn in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking one of his last public engagements.
What's confirmed
- In 2018, he was visited by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, at Brinsworth House “Richard O’Sullivan was a master of effortless charm and impeccable comic timing, bringing pure warmth, effortless wit, and unforgettable joy into millions of living rooms as a true giant of British television,” said Giles Cooper, Life-President of the Royal Variety.
What's still developing
- After this his career became much quieter, with an appearance in Noel's House Party and a starring role in a 1996 film called Holed, about a golfing match.
- O’Sullivan died Friday surrounded by close family at Brinsworth House, a care home in west London, according to BBC News.
- The spinoff of Man About the House, a series called Robin’s Nest in which O’Sullivan reprised his role as Tripp, would also serve as the basis for Three’s Company sequel Three’s a Crowd, which ran on ABC in 1984.
- Born in 1944 in Chiswick, O’Sullivan started his career with an appearance in 1953 drama film The Yellow Balloon, which led to many roles across film, TV and theatre in the 1950s.
- O’Sullivan wrote two recipe books to accompany the show, which was a ratings success, and also wrote the theme song for Robin’s Nest.