British Sitcom Star Richard O’Sullivan Dies Aged 82

British actor Richard O’Sullivan, best known for his much-loved roles in the classic sitcoms Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, has died aged 82.

O’Sullivan died peacefully shortly after 6am local time at Brinsworth House in Twickenham, London, surrounded by close family. He had lived at the Royal Variety Charity’s care home for former entertainers for 23 years after suffering a stroke.

The Royal Variety Charity announced his death with sadness, describing him as a “legendary and much-loved British actor.”

O’Sullivan became one of the most familiar faces on British television during the 1970s. His role as Robin Tripp in Man About the House made him a household name and earned him a huge following.

The sitcom followed Robin, a young student chef who shares a flat with two single women, played by Paula Wilcox and Sally Thomsett. The show was considered daring at the time because of its unusual living arrangement and became a major hit with British audiences.

O’Sullivan later reprised the character in the spin-off series Robin’s Nest. The role also had an impact across the Atlantic: Robin Tripp inspired John Ritter’s character Jack Tripper in Three’s Company, the successful American remake of Man About the House.

A career that began as a child

O’Sullivan was born in Chiswick, west London, on May 7, 1944. His acting career began when he was just eight years old, appearing in the 1953 film The Yellow Balloon.

As a teenager, he continued working on stage and screen. In 1956, he appeared in Peter Hall’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.

During the 1960s, O’Sullivan took on a number of film roles. He appeared alongside pop star Cliff Richard in The Young Ones and Wonderful Life. He also had a role in the 1963 epic Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, playing Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII.

His television career later expanded beyond comedy. He took the title role in the period adventure series Dick Turpin, further establishing himself as a popular British television star.

Remembered for his warmth and comic timing

O’Sullivan spent his later years at Brinsworth House, where he remained connected to fellow entertainers.

One of his final public appearances came alongside his friend and fellow resident Mike Yarwood. The pair planted a tree on the Brinsworth House lawn to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

In 2018, O’Sullivan also received a visit from Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, at the care home.

Giles Cooper, Life-President of the Royal Variety Charity, paid tribute to the actor, calling him a performer with “effortless charm and impeccable comic timing.”

“Richard O’Sullivan was a master of effortless charm and impeccable comic timing, bringing pure warmth, effortless wit, and unforgettable joy into millions of living rooms as a true giant of British television,” Cooper said.

“He will be sorely missed by us all at the Royal Variety Charity.”

O’Sullivan is survived by his son, James.

For generations of British viewers, however, he will be remembered most fondly as the cheeky and charming Robin Tripp—a character who helped make Man About the House one of the defining sitcoms of its era.