Story perspectives

Richard O’Sullivan, Robin Tripp Star, Dies Aged 82

9/7/2026

Summary

Richard O’Sullivan Dies

British actor Richard O’Sullivan died at age 82 at Brinsworth House in west London.
He had lived at the Royal Variety Charity care home for 23 years after a 2003 stroke.
He was best known for playing Robin Tripp in Man About the House (1973-76) and its spin-off Robin’s Nest (1977-81).
His son James called him ‘funny and charming’ and thanked Brinsworth House staff for their care.

Summary

O’Sullivan Normalizes Cohab

Richard O’Sullivan’s Robin Tripp normalized a man sharing a flat with two women.
The series secured Independent Broadcasting Commission permission to show an unmarried couple cohabiting.
Man About the House inspired hit Three’s Company, with John Ritter adapting the role.
In 2018, Duchess of Sussex visited Brinsworth House and asked O’Sullivan if he missed acting.
O’Sullivan and Mike Yarwood planted a Jubilee tree at Brinsworth, highlighting Variety Charity’s support for entertainers.

History

Historical Context

The Divorce Reform Act 1969, effective 1 January 1971, let couples divorce after two years’ separation without fault, extending earlier Matrimonial Causes reforms. This opened the door for the ITV sitcom *Man About the House* (1973), which attracted 23 % of viewers and starred Richard O’Sullivan. He now resides at Brinsworth House, a Royal Variety Charity home reflecting the Act’s legacy for entertainers.

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Richard O’Sullivan Dies

British actor Richard O’Sullivan died at age 82 at Brinsworth House in west London.
He had lived at the Royal Variety Charity care home for 23 years after a 2003 stroke.
He was best known for playing Robin Tripp in Man About the House (1973-76) and its spin-off Robin’s Nest (1977-81).
His son James called him ‘funny and charming’ and thanked Brinsworth House staff for their care.

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