70s comedy 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. A familiar face on Britain’s most beloved sitcoms throughout the 1970s and 1980s he died surrounded by close family at Brinsworth House. Richard O’Sullivan in Man About the House as Robin Tripp Credit: Fremantle Media Richard O’Sullivan as Simon Harrap in Me and My Girl Credit: ITV Following a stroke in 2003 the actor stepped away from the spotlight and has spent the last 23 years at the Royal Variety Charity’s care home, in west London. The charity confirmed his death today with a tribute from Life-President of the Royal Variety, Giles Cooper. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! He said: “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 will be sorely missed by us all at the Royal Variety Charity.” Richard O’Sullivan as Dick Turpin Credit: ITV Richard O’Sullivan died at a care home in West London Credit: ITV Richard O’Sullivan as Dick Turpin in the swashbuckling ITV show Credit: ITV Sally Thomsett, Richard O’Sullivan, Paula Wilcox in Man About The House Credit: Fremantle Media The actor’s 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.” Most read in TV Born in Chiswick in 1944 to John and Ellen O’Sullivan, Richard was sent to theatre school after he returned from a family holiday in Ireland with a strong accent. By age eight he had landed his first onscreen role and appeared in several films throughout the 1950s including one small role in Carry On Teacher. His career took off once he started starring in television comedy in the early 1970s. Following success in Doctor at Large and medical show’s spin-off Doctor in Charge landed the role of Robin Tripp which would make him a household name. The hugely successful sitcom followed two women, Sally Thomsett and Paula Wilcox, sharing a flat with a man. After his character Robin proved popular he was handed his own spin-off show Robin’s Nest in which the character opened a bistro. He also took on the role of legendary highwayman for Dick Turpin at the time. After the swashbuckling series ended his presence on television continued in the 1980s with Me and My Girl. Comment now