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Richard O'Sullivan, Star of Man About the House, Dies at 82
Confirmed
In Short: Richard O'Sullivan, known for his role as Robin Tripp in the popular 1970s sitcom Man About the House, has passed away at the age of 82.
Richard O'Sullivan, who starred as Robin Tripp in the beloved 1970s sitcom Man About the House, has died at the age of 82. Born in London in 1944, O'Sullivan began his acting career as a child, appearing in uncredited roles in dramas before gaining steady work in dramatic and comedic roles, including a notable part in Cleopatra alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1963.
His career took a turn towards comedy in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with appearances in shows like The Ronnie Barker Playhouse and The Galton and Simpson Comedy. He became a household name during the 1970s, playing the character of Robin Tripp in Man About the House and its spin-off, Robin’s Nest. Despite a quieter period in his later career, O'Sullivan remained active, making a public appearance with his friend Mike Yarwood to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
O'Sullivan's career spanned decades, starting when he was just eight years old. His final public appearance was a touching moment, as he and Yarwood planted a tree together at the Royal Variety Charity's Brinsworth House to mark the occasion.
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.
- O’Sullivan died Friday surrounded by close family at Brinsworth House, a care home in west London, according to BBC News.
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.
- 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.
- O'Sullivan had started out as a child actor in British films but rose to prominence as the male star of ITV's flatsharing sitcom Man About the House alongside Sally Thomsett and Pauls Wilcox.
- O'Sullivan continued to star on TV shows fronting the comedy Me and my Girl.
- In a statement issued via the charity, the actor's son James O'Sullivan said: \"My dad was as funny and charming in real life as he appeared on our TV screens over the years. Always kind-spirited, good humoured, a doting grandfather and a wonderful dad, I will miss him dearly.\" He added: \"Although much of his career happened before I was born, I was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy and witness his incredible talents on the countless re-runs of his shows that made him the respected and loved actor that he was.\" James O'Sullivan thanked the staff at Brinsworth House for their \"love, kindness and care\".
- Buy DVD at Amazon Add to Wishlist Full details & buying options Richard O'Sullivan: That Man About The House By Gary Wharton · Paperback · Published 26th May 2023 Richard O'Sullivan is instantly remembered as that cheeky fella with the crooked grin and sparkle in his eye, sharing a flat with 2 girls in the classic 1970s sitcom Man About The House.