04/09/2026
Read the full statement regarding the passing of our much-loved actor, Richard O'Sullivan here:
Friday, 4th September 2026.
The Royal Variety Charity is deeply saddened to announce the passing of the legendary and much-loved British actor, Richard O’Sullivan.
Richard, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his close family at the Royal Variety Charity’s Care Home, Brinsworth House in Twickenham, on the morning of Friday, 4th September, where he had happily resided for the past 23 years.
Born in Chiswick on 7th May 1944, Richard will perhaps be best remembered by his legions of fans for his portrayal of ‘Robin Tripp’ in the iconic British 1970s sitcoms, ‘Man About the House’ and ‘Robin’s Nest’ and as the title character in the period adventure, ‘Dick Turpin’.
However, Richard had an extraordinarily varied and successful career which encompassed being a child actor, appearing in his first film (‘The Yellow Balloon’,1953) aged eight and later appearing in Sir Peter Hall’s production of ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford in 1956.
As the 1960s began, Richard became ever-more in demand for mainstream film roles, including appearing in two with Cliff Richard (‘The Young Ones’, 1961 and ‘Wonderful Life’, 1964).
It was in 1963 that Richard was given the much-coveted role as ‘Pharoah Ptolemy XIII’, in the iconic film, ‘Cleopatra’, also starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
One of Richard’s last public appearances was with his friend, and fellow Brinsworth House resident, Mike Yarwood, when they planted a tree together on the house lawn, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A living reminder, of a wonderful man, who will be much missed by residents and staff at Brinsworth.
Life-President of the Royal Variety, Giles Cooper OBE, paid tribute to Richard saying, “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.”
Richard is survived by his son, James, his daughter-in-law Kate who he loved dearly, and his beautiful grandchildren, Nancy and Freddie and his brother John.
They have asked that the family’s privacy be respected during this sad and difficult time.
They also wish to thank all the fans of Richard, whose support meant so much to him during his long and happy life.
Richard’s son, James O’Sullivan has paid tribute to his father:
“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.”
Richard O’Sullivan
7th May 1944 – 4th September 2026.
