1970s sitcom legend Richard O’Sullivan dies aged 82 as tributes paid to Man About the House star

Richard O’Sullivan, known for his role as Robin Tripp in the 1970s TV sitcoms Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, has died aged 82.The star died surrounded by close family at Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity’s care home, in west London where he had lived for 23 years.Life-President of the Royal Variety, Giles Cooper, said in a statement: “Richard O’Sullivan was a master of effortless charm and impeccable comic timing, bringing pure warmth, wit, and unforgettable joy to millions of living rooms as a true giant of British television.He also played the lead in the ITV drama Dick Turpin, based on the real 18th-century highwaymanPopperfoto via Getty Images“He will be sorely missed by us all at the Royal Variety Charity.”His son James O’Sullivan said in a statement issued by the charity: “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.“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.“I would like to thank the incredible team at Brinsworth for their love, kindness and care over the last 23 years. They have been truly amazing and will always hold a special place in my heart.”His big break, and perhaps most well-known role, came in Man About the HouseTV Times/Future Publishing via GBorn in Chiswick, west London, O'Sullivan began his career as a child actor, featuring in 1952’s The Yellow Balloon, which he filmed at the age of eight.He then went on to play the main character in The Stranger's Hand the following year.In the 1960s, now an adult, he appeared in two Cliff Richard films. The Young Ones and Wonderful Life.He then went on to play numerous roles in various television series including Redcap, Danger Man, No Hiding Place and Strange Report. O’Sullivan as Robin Tripp on the set of sitcom Robin's Nest, circa 1979TV Times via Getty ImagesHis big break, and perhaps most well-known role, came in Man About the House, where he played to role of Robin Tripp from 1973 to 1976.Following the series’ conclusion, he continued to star in the spin-off - Robin's Nest - in which the character, a trainee chef, founded a bistro.He also played the lead in the ITV drama Dick Turpin, based on the real 18th-century highwayman.His final acting role was in 1996 TV movie Holed, a golfing satire with Tony Robinson.After suffering a stroke in 2003, he was moved to the Royal Variety Charity's retirement home in west London, where he lived up until his death.