Richard O’Sullivan, the British actor best known for his role as the lothario chef Robin Tripp in the classic sitcoms Man About The House and Robin’s Nest, has died at the age of 82. He passed away peacefully at Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity’s care home in Twickenham, surrounded by his family.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Born in Chiswick in 1944, O’Sullivan began performing as a child, making his film debut in 1953’s The Yellow Balloon. Over the following decades, he built a diverse portfolio that included roles in Sherlock Holmes, The Adventures of Robin Hood, and a memorable turn as Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII in the epic film Cleopatra (1963), starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
His early years also saw him collaborate with theatrical giants – appearing in Sir Peter Hall’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1956. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he worked alongside icons such as John Mills, Belinda Lee, and Sir Cliff Richard, starring in films like It’s Great To Be Young, No Time For Tears, and Dangerous Exile.
The Rise of Robin Tripp
O’Sullivan’s breakthrough came in the 1970s when he joined the cast of Doctor At Large and its spin-off Doctor In Charge. However, it was his portrayal of the charming rogue Robin Tripp that made him a household name. Man About The House, which aired from 1973 to 1976, was groundbreaking for its time, tackling themes of cohabitation and gender dynamics with humour and heart.
The show’s success spawned Robin’s Nest in 1977, where O’ Sullivan’s character transitions from flatmate to restaurateur. Beyond acting, he contributed creatively – penning the theme song and authoring two recipe books inspired by the series. His culinary persona extended into real life, with memorable commercials for British Gas during the same period.
Later Work and Legacy
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, O’Sullivan took on the title role in Dick Turpin, a period adventure drama that ran from 1979 to 1982. He continued to appear in television and theatre productions, including Me and My Girl and Trouble in Mind, before his final screen role in the 1996 satire Holed.
After stepping back from regular acting, he made occasional appearances on shows like Light Lunch and This Is Your Life. Since 2003, he resided at Brinsworth House, supported by the entertainment community he had long been part of. His death marks the end of an era for British television comedy.
Why it Matters
Richard O’Sullivan’s passing signals the fading of a generation of actors who shaped the landscape of British television in the second half of the 20th century. His portrayal of Robin Tripp not only entertained millions but also helped redefine what sitcoms could explore – blending domestic comedy with progressive social commentary. As streaming platforms revisit classic content, his work remains a benchmark for character-driven storytelling and continues to influence new waves of British comedy.
