The world of British television has lost a true legend.
Actor and comedian Brian Murphy, best known for his roles in classic 1970s sitcoms Man About the House and George and Mildred, has passed away at the age of 92.
Murphy died peacefully at his home in Kent on Sunday morning, leaving behind a legacy that has entertained generations.
A Life Filled with Love and Laughter
Murphy is survived by his wife, actress Linda Regan, famous for her role in Hi-de-Hi!, as well as his two sons, Trevor and Kevin, from his first marriage.
Regan shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, “I was lucky to have found my soulmate.
Brian, who I will love forever.”
Throughout his career, Murphy was known not just for his impeccable comedic timing but also for his warm and kind-hearted nature.
His agent, Thomas Bowington, described him as a “joyful and profoundly good-hearted man” who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
From Theatre Roots to Television Stardom
Born on the Isle of Wight in 1932, Murphy’s journey into acting began in the 1950s when he joined the Theatre Workshop, a pioneering group founded by Joan Littlewood and Gerry Raffles.
The workshop was dedicated to making theatre more accessible to working-class audiences, and Murphy thrived under Littlewood’s direction, performing in Shakespearean plays and even starring in her only feature film, Sparrows Can’t Sing.
However, it was his role as George Roper in Man About the House that made him a household name.
The sitcom, which tackled the unconventional setup of a man sharing a flat with two women, was considered groundbreaking in the 1970s.
Murphy’s on-screen chemistry with Yootha Joyce, who played his overbearing wife Mildred, was so popular that the duo was given their own spin-off, George and Mildred, which became just as successful.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Even in his later years, Murphy remained active in the entertainment industry.
He made guest appearances in popular TV shows such as Holby City, The Catherine Tate Show, and Benidorm.
In 2023, he and his wife joined the cast of the award-nominated podcast sitcom Barmy Dale, playing a fictional mayor and her husband.
In a 2016 interview, Murphy reflected on his long career, revealing that he still kept in touch with his former Man About the House co-stars.
“I still see Sally Thomsett and Paula Wilcox, who played Jo and Chrissy.
Together, we’ve visited Richard O’Sullivan, who’s in a retirement home after suffering a stroke,” he shared.
A Life Well Lived
Though he had slowed down his acting work in recent years, Murphy found joy in spending time with his wife and indulging in his love for classic films.
He had a passion for promoting Talking Pictures TV, a channel dedicated to showing old movies, calling it a subject “close to his heart.”
Reflecting on his life, Murphy once said, “It’s nice not working so much now because I can spend time at home with Linda.
We met while performing in Wife Begins at 40 and hit it off straight away.
I’ve had a wonderful career, raised a family, and worked consistently for 60 years. It’s been a lot of fun.”
His passing marks the end of an era, but his work will continue to bring joy to fans old and new.
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