Beloved actor and comedian Brian Murphy has passed away at the age of 92. The late star was renowned for his roles in the 1970s British sitcoms Man About the House and George and Mildred and multiple ITV dramas and comedies in his later years. Murphy died at his home in Kent on Sunday morning. His friend and agent, Thomas Bowington, remembered him as a "joyful and profoundly good-hearted man", praising his "talent and humanity".
He leaves behind his wife, actress Linda Regan from Hi-de-Hi!, and their two sons. Remembering her late husband, Regan said: "I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate. Brian who I will love forever.". Murphy had a close working relationship with theatre director Joan Littlewood early in his career. More recently, he graced our screens in episodes of BBC's medical drama Holby City, The Catherine Tate Show and ITV's Benidorm, as well as the comedy show Last of the Summer Wine.
Born on the Isle of Wight in 1932, Murphy's acting journey began in the 1950s when he joined the groundbreaking Theatre Workshop. Founded by Joan Littlewood and her partner Gerry Raffles, it was committed to modernising theatre and reaching out to working-class audiences. Murphy showcased his talent in many Shakespeare productions directed by Littlewood, and also starred in her only feature film, the kitchen sink comedy Sparrows Can't Sing. He is best remembered for his role in Man About the House, an ITV sitcom that explored the dynamics of one man and two women sharing a flat in the 1970s.
He later starred in the spin-off George and Mildred, where Murphy portrayed the henpecked George Roper alongside fellow Theatre Workshop actress Yootha Joyce as his wife. Paying tribute to Murphy on Twitter (X) this morning, one fan penned: "Saddened to hear of the dearh of Brian Murphy this morning. Such a skilled actor. His portrayal of George Roper was a fine comedy performance that brought laughter to so many of us. May he Rest in Peace.".
Filmmaker Simon Sherdian added: "I first met #BrianMurphy some 20 years ago, through my friend, the filmmaker Stanley Long. #ManAboutTheHouse was always my fave sitcom, so meeting him was a thrill. Brian was so gracious, eloquent, and incredibly friendly. Everything you heard about him is true. #RIPBrianMurphy.". Another fan wrote: "I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Brian Murphy. Such a skilled actor. His portrayal of George Roper was a fine comedy performance that brought laughter to so many of us." The Bill actor Ben Peyton added; "Ah, man. Very sad news about Brian Murphy. Met him a few years ago and he was patient, kind and (surprise surprise) funny. What a terrific actor. Made it look easy.".
