Man About the House and Robin's Nest legend Richard O'Sullivan dead at 82
Man About the House and Robin's Nest icon Richard O'Sullivan has died at the age of 82.
Man About the House and Robin's Nest legend Richard O'Sullivan has died at the age of 82.
The comedy star passed away at Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity's care home in Twickenham, where he moved to in 2003 after he suffered a stroke.
On Friday (04.09.26), his son James O'Sullivan - also known as Jamie - said in a statement: "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."
Royal Variety's Life President, Giles Cooper, released a statement which read: "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."
Tributes have poured in for Richard, as actor Robin Askwith, 75, declared him "the greatest actor of his generation".
He penned on X: "Anyone who knows anything about me knows this hurts.
"He was the greatest actor of his generation, making comedy look simple and solid drama even more effortless. He was a rascal and I loved him…
"Richard O’ Sullivan. RIP. I’ll just say….sausage rolls…….! (sic)"
Taking to Facebook, a second fan typed: "Liked Richard in every way he was funny and will be missed always. RIP (sic)."
And another Facebook user wrote: "Oh this sad! Loved watching Man About the House! (sic)"
Born in Chiswick in May 1944, Richard returned from a family holiday in Ireland with a strong Irish accent, and he was sent to the Corona Theatre School in Hammersmith to soften it.
Aged eight, he made his first film appearance in The Yellow Balloon, which was filmed in 1952 and released the following year.
In 1953, he played the main character in thriller The Stranger's Hand.
Twenty years later, Richard starred as trainee chef Robin Tripp in the ITV sitcom Man About the House.
The series, which ran from 1973 until 1976, was about two women, Chrissy Plummer (Paula Wilcox) and Jo (Sally Thomsett), sharing a flat with Robin, despite their landlords George (Brian Murphy) and Mildred Roper's (Yootha Joyce's) disapproval.
After Man About the House ended, Richard played Robin in the spin-off sitcom, Robin's Nest, which ran on ITV from 1977 until 1981.
It saw the character open a bistro, funded by his girlfriend and later wife Vicky's (Tessa Wyatt's), dad. James Nicholls (Tony Britton).
While playing Robin, Richard had relationships with Sally, now 76, and Tessa, now 78, the latter of whom he had son James.
He was in a relationship with Sally from 1973 until 1976, and Tessa from 1978 until 1985.
The entertainer's other acting credits included Carry On Teacher (Robin Stevens), Cleopatra (Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII), and Sherlock Holmes - The Case of the Unlucky Gambler (Andy Fenwick).
Richard married Diana Terry in 1971, but they divorced that year.
He then tied the knot with Christine Smart in 1987, but they divorced seven years later.
Richard retired from public life in 1996, with his final TV appearance coming three years later as a guest on the BBC biographical series This Is Your Life, to honour his Doctor... co-star George Layton.
