Richard O'Sullivan, Star of Man About the House and Robin's Nest, Dies at 82
British actor Richard O'Sullivan, who became a household name playing Robin Tripp in the 1970s sitcom Man About the House, died on 4 September 2026 at age 82.
Passing at Brinsworth House
British actor Richard O'Sullivan died on 4 September 2026 at the age of 82. He passed away surrounded by close family members at Brinsworth House, a residential care facility in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. The home, located on Staines Road and operated by the Royal Variety Charity, provides accommodation and care for professionals from the theatre and entertainment industries. O'Sullivan had lived at the facility for the final 23 years of his life. Giles Cooper, honorary life president of the Royal Variety Charity, announced his death and described him as an actor with natural charm and flawless comic timing who brought warmth, wit, and joy to millions.
Breakthrough roles in British comedy
Born in Chiswick in 1944, O'Sullivan achieved widespread recognition across Britain and internationally during the 1970s. His central character was Robin Tripp, a trainee chef in the comedy series Man About the House, which ran for six series starting in 1973. Written by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, the sitcom featured O'Sullivan alongside Paula Wilcox as Chrissy and Sally Thomsett as Jo. The premise of an unmarried man sharing a London flat with two single women was considered daring for television at the time. The success of the comedy led to a spin-off series, Robin's Nest, which aired between 1977 and 1981 and followed the character opening a restaurant. Both productions gained large followings abroad and were widely broadcast in Spain.
- Makes his screen debut in the film The Yellow Balloon at age eight.
- Appears in Sir Peter Hall's production of Love's Labour's Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
- Plays Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII alongside Elizabeth Taylor in the film Cleopatra.
- Takes the lead role of Robin Tripp in the comedy series Man About the House.
- Stars in the spin-off sitcom Robin's Nest, which runs until 1981.
- Dies at age 82 at Brinsworth House in London.
Early career on stage and screen
O'Sullivan entered the entertainment industry as a child actor, landing his first film role at the age of eight in the 1953 feature film The Yellow Balloon. Throughout the 1950s, he appeared in films such as The Stranger's Hand with Trevor Howard, It's Great To Be Young, No Time For Tears, and Dangerous Exile alongside John Mills. In 1956, he performed in Sir Peter Hall's production of Love's Labour's Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. He also secured early television appearances in series such as Sherlock Holmes, The Adventures of Robin Hood, and Sword of Freedom. During the 1960s, O'Sullivan worked alongside Cliff Richard in the musical films The Young Ones in 1961 and Wonderful Life in 1964, and portrayed Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII in the 1963 film Cleopatra alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Later television work and family tributes
Before securing his leading sitcom roles, O'Sullivan appeared in Doctor at Large and Doctor in Charge. He later starred as the title highwayman in the television adventure series Dick Turpin and featured in the comedy series Me and My Girl. Although his screen appearances became less frequent in subsequent decades, his performances as Robin Tripp remained popular through television reruns. Following the announcement of his death, his son James O'Sullivan thanked the staff at Brinsworth House for their love and care over 23 years and paid tribute to his father's character.
My father was just as funny and charming in real life as he appeared on television screens over the years. He was always a good man with an extraordinary sense of humour, a loving grandfather and a wonderful father. I will miss him enormously.
