Sit-com legend Brian Murphy has died, aged 92. Brian Murphy was best known for his role as George Roper in the sitcoms Man About the House (1973–1976) and its spin-off George and Mildred (1976–1979). Born on September 25, 1932, he had a long and successful career in television, film, and theatre.
Murphy trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and worked extensively in theatre before gaining fame on television. He appeared in various British TV shows, including Last of the Summer Wine, The Catherine Tate Show, and Holby City. He also lent his voice to animated series and commercials.
He was married to actress Linda Regan. Murphy was widely respected for his comedic timing and warm screen presence. Linda said: “”I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate. Brian who I will love forever.”
Brian died at home in Kent on Sunday.
His friend and agent, Thomas Bowington described him as a “joyful and profoundly good-hearted man”.
Murphy came to the public’s attention with ITV’s Man About The House, a popular sitcom that began airing in 1973 and saw the actor play landlord George Roper. The show featured landlords George and Mildred Roper, played by the late Yootha Joyce, and was considered controversial for the time because it featured two single women living with a man.
When the show ended in 1976 Murphy and Joyce starred in the spin-off, George And Mildred, which ran for five series until 1979. He also starred as Alvin Smedley in Last Of The Summer Wine.
Born on the Isle of Wight, Murphy was a member of the Theatre Workshop, founded by Joan Littlewood, and he was a jobbing actor before appearing in TV shows including The Avengers and Z-Cars. In 1993, he starred in the first major stage version of The Invisible Man, based on the science fiction classic by HG Wells.
He appeared on a host of other TV shows including comedy series The Catherine Tate Show, Benidorm and This Is Jinsy. In later years he voiced the character Mr Lovelybuns for the animated series Claude, based on Alex T Smith’s best-selling books.