Richard O’Sullivan, the British actor best known for playing Robin Tripp in the popular sitcoms Man About The House and Robin’s Nest, has died at the age of 82. The actor, who also took on the title role in the period drama Dick Turpin, died on September 4, 2026.
The Royal Variety Charity confirmed that O’Sullivan “passed away peacefully surrounded by his close family.” He had been living at Brinsworth House in Twickenham, the Royal Variety Charity’s residential care home, for the last 23 years.
Richard O’Sullivan Cause Of Death
A specific official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by his family or the Royal Variety Charity. The charity said that O’Sullivan died “peacefully” while surrounded by his close family. He had spent the final 23 years of his life at Brinsworth House.
O’Sullivan had experienced significant health problems later in life including a severe stroke in 2003. Following the stroke, he moved into Brinsworth House where he remained for more than two decades.
Who Was Richard O’Sullivan?
Richard O’Sullivan was a British actor whose career began when he was just eight years old. Born in London in 1944, he started appearing on screen during the 1950s before gradually establishing himself in television and film.
His early work included an appearance in The Yellow Balloon in 1953. He also appeared in Raiders of the River, the Children’s Film Foundation’s first serial production and later took part in Sir Peter Hall’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford in 1956.
What Was Richard O’Sullivan Famous For?
O’Sullivan became widely known for playing Robin Tripp in Man About The House which began airing in 1973.
The sitcom followed Robin, a man sharing a London flat with two single women, Chrissy and Jo. O’Sullivan starred alongside Paula Wilcox and Sally Thomsett with the show’s unusual living arrangement becoming central to its story.
The success of Man About The House led to Robin’s Nest which premiered in 1977. The spin-off followed Robin as he pursued his career as a chef while setting up a home and business with his girlfriend and her father.
Both sitcoms ran for six series and became major parts of O’Sullivan’s television career.
What Other Shows And Films Did Richard O’Sullivan Appear In?
O’Sullivan had already built an impressive list of credits before Man About The House made him a household name.
In the 1960s, he appeared alongside Cliff Richard in The Young Ones in 1961 and Wonderful Life in 1964. He also appeared in the 1963 historical epic Cleopatra which also starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, where he played Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII.
His earlier dramatic work included Spare the Rod in which he played a difficult student. He later appeared in productions such as The Ronnie Barker Playhouse and The Galton and Simpson Comedy.
After Robin’s Nest, O’Sullivan took on another well-known role as the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin in ITV’s series, which ran from 1979 to 1982.
He returned to sitcoms with Me and My Girl which aired from 1984 to 1988, followed by Trouble in Mind in 1991. His later credits included Noel’s House Party and the 1996 film Holed.
Richard O’Sullivan Age
O’Sullivan was 82 years old when he died on September 4, 2026. He was born in London in 1944.
Richard O’Sullivan Wife
O’Sullivan was not married at the time of his death. He had been married twice during his life. His first marriage was to Diana Terry. The pair married in March 1971, although the marriage ended later that same year.
O’Sullivan later married Christine Smart in 1987. Their marriage lasted until their divorce in 1994. He also had a long-term relationship with actress Tessa Wyatt, his Robin’s Nest co-star.
Richard O’Sullivan Children
O’Sullivan had one son, James O’Sullivan, who was born in May 1980 during his relationship with Tessa Wyatt. Following his father’s death, James paid tribute to the actor and remembered him not only for his television career but also for his role within the family.
“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,” he said as quoted by The Independent.
“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 reruns 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,” he added.
Richard O’Sullivan Grandchildren
Yes. O’Sullivan was a grandfather to two grandchildren, Nancy and Freddie O’Sullivan.
Richard O’Sullivan Net Worth
There is no officially confirmed figure for O’Sullivan’s net worth at the time of his death. The actor had a long career across television, film and theatre, with his most successful period including Man About The House, Robin’s Nest and Dick Turpin. But his personal finances and the value of his estate were not publicly disclosed.
