Richard O’Sullivan, best known for playing Robin Tripp in the 70s sitcoms Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, has died aged 82.
The late actor died surrounded by his family at the Royal Variety Charity’s care home, Brinsworth House, where he had been living for 23 years after suffering a stroke in 2003.
In a statement, his son James O’Sullivan shared how much he’s going to miss his father, and expressed his gratitude to the care home for looking after him for more than two decades.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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.’
Giles Cooper, the life-president for the Royal Variety, honoured O’Sullivan’s memory by writing: ‘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.’
O’Sullivan began his career as a child actor, appearing in 50s productions including The Yellow Balloon, The Stranger’s Hand and The Green Scarf.
After starring in the Cliff Richard films The Young Ones and Wonderful Life in the 60s, he starred in several TV shows before landing the role of trainee chef Robin Tripp in Man About the House.
He played the character in the sitcom from 1973 until 1976, and reprised the character in the spin-off Robin’s Nest from 1977 to 1981.
Around the same time, he also played the lead in the ITV drama Dick Turpin, based on the real 18th-century highwayman who Noel Fielding recently portrayed in his Apple TV show.
Actor Robin Askwith paid tribute to O’Sullivan on X, writing: ‘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…….!’
X user DocSputnik added: ‘Another legend from my childhood has passed. He was the King of the sitcom in the 70s and 80s as I’m sure many of you will remember.
