Brian Murphy, the beloved actor and comedian best known for his roles in 1970s British sitcoms Man About the House and its spin-off George and Mildred, has passed away at the age of 92. He died at his home in Kent on Sunday morning.
Murphy’s career began in the 1950s, where he worked closely with theater director Joan Littlewood, becoming a key member of her pioneering Theatre Workshop. The group was known for modernizing theater and making it more accessible to working-class audiences. Murphy starred in several productions, including many Shakespeare plays, and appeared in Littlewood’s only feature film, Sparrows Can’t Sing.
In the 1970s, Murphy became a household name with his role as George Roper in the hit sitcom Man About the House, which centered around a flat-share situation with one man and two women. He later reprised his role in the spinoff George and Mildred, playing a henpecked husband to his wife, Mildred, portrayed by Yootha Joyce.
Throughout his career, Murphy also appeared in shows like Holby City, The Catherine Tate Show, Benidorm, and Last of the Summer Wine. His friend and agent, Thomas Bowington, remembered him as a “joyful and profoundly good-hearted man,” celebrating both his talent and humanity.
Born in 1932 on the Isle of Wight, Murphy leaves behind his wife, actress Linda Regan (best known for Hi-de-Hi!), and two sons. Regan shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, “I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate, Brian, who I will love forever.”