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Richard O’Sullivan, Royal Variety Charity Life-President, Dies Aged 82

9/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Richard O'Sullivan died at age 82 at Brinsworth House in West London on Friday.
The Royal Variety Charity said he died peacefully, surrounded by family.
Life-President Giles Cooper praised O'Sullivan’s effortless charm and comic timing.
His son James described him as funny, kind-spirited and a wonderful dad.
He suffered a stroke in 2003, moved to Brinsworth House and lived there 23 years.

History

Historical Context

In 1908 the Royal Variety Charity was founded to aid variety and music-hall performers. Architect Frank Matcham added a free wing in 1912, and the charity opened Brinsworth House in West London in 1970, offering 36 bedrooms for retirees such as Sir Harry Secombe. Its lasting model fuels current talks on pension reform for aging entertainers.

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Story summary

Richard O'Sullivan died at age 82 at Brinsworth House in West London on Friday.
The Royal Variety Charity said he died peacefully, surrounded by family.
Life-President Giles Cooper praised O'Sullivan’s effortless charm and comic timing.
His son James described him as funny, kind-spirited and a wonderful dad.
He suffered a stroke in 2003, moved to Brinsworth House and lived there 23 years.

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