Richard O’Sullivan: Man About the House star dies aged 82

Actor Richard O’Sullivan, whose roles included Robin Tripp in 1970s TV sitcoms Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, has died aged 82.

He was also known for starring in Doctor at Large, Dick Turpin, and the 1980s sitcom Me and My Girl, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor, Joanne Ridley and Joan Sanderson.

O’Sullivan 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.

In a statement, Giles Cooper of the Royal Variety 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.”

Cooper added Sullivan would be “sorely missed by us all at the Royal Variety Charity”.

The actor’s son James O’Sullivan said in a statement issued via 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.”

He thanked the staff at Brinsworth House for their “love, kindness and care”.

Man About the House co-starred Paula Wilcox, Sally Thomsett, Yootha Joyce and Brian Murphy in six series on ITV.

It was about a man sharing a London flat with two single women – quite a daring storyline for that era.