Beloved Man About the House actor Richard O'Sullivan dies at 82

Richard O’Sullivan, the actor remembered by millions as Robin Tripp in Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, has died at the age of 82.

O’Sullivan became one of British television’s best-loved comedy performers over a career spanning several decades. He also played the lead in Dick Turpin and appeared in Doctor at Large and Me and My Girl, according to the BBC. The Royal Variety Charity announced his death.

“

A natural charm and impeccable comic timing that brought warmth, intelligence and unforgettable joy into the homes of millions of viewers.

Giles Cooper, the charity’s honorary president, remembered O’Sullivan for “a natural charm and impeccable comic timing” that brought warmth, intelligence and lasting joy into viewers’ homes.

His son, James O’Sullivan, said his father was just as funny and charming in private life as he appeared on television. “He was always a kind man, with an extraordinary sense of humor, a loving grandfather and a wonderful father. I will miss him enormously,” he said. James also thanked the staff at Brinsworth House for the love and care they gave the actor during the 23 years he lived there.

“

My father was just as funny and charming in real life as he appeared on television screens over the years.

Born in London in 1944, O’Sullivan began acting as a child. His first film appearance came in The Yellow Balloon, filmed when he was eight and released in 1953. He later appeared in 1960s films including Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and two films with Cliff Richard, The Young Ones and Wonderful Life.

His defining role came in 1973, when he played Robin Tripp in Man About the House. The sitcom followed a young man sharing a London flat with two single women, an arrangement considered daring at the time because it could carry sexual overtones. The series became a success and ran for six seasons on ITV. O’Sullivan later returned as Robin in the spinoff Robin’s Nest, in which the character opened his own restaurant.

“

He was always a kind man, with an extraordinary sense of humor, a loving grandfather and a wonderful father. I will miss him enormously.