Brian Murphy, the actor and comedian famous for his roles in the 1970s British sitcoms Man About the House and George and Mildred, has passed away at the age of 92.
Murphy died at his home in Kent on Sunday morning. Early in his career, he worked closely with theater director Joan Littlewood, contributing to his growth as an actor.
In more recent years, he made appearances in the medical drama Holby City, the sketch comedy show The Catherine Tate Show, the ITV sitcom Benidorm, and the classic comedy Last of the Summer Wine.
Murphy’s friend and agent, Thomas Bowington, paid tribute to him, describing him as a “joyful and profoundly good-hearted man” and honoring his “talent and humanity.”
Brian Murphy, born in 1932 on the Isle of Wight, began his acting career in the 1950s as a member of the pioneering Theatre Workshop. Founded by Joan Littlewood and Gerry Raffles, the Theatre Workshop aimed to modernize theater and appeal to working-class audiences.
Murphy performed in several Shakespeare productions directed by Littlewood and appeared in her only feature film, the kitchen-sink comedy Sparrows Can’t Sing. However, he was most widely recognized for his role in the ITV sitcom Man About the House, which explored the quirky dynamics of a man living with two women flatmates in the 1970s.
Murphy also starred in the spin-off sitcom George and Mildred, where he portrayed the henpecked George Roper alongside Yootha Joyce as his wife.
He is survived by his wife, Hi-de-Hi! actress Linda Regan, and their 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.”