Actor Brian Murphy, best known for his roles in the 1970s British sitcoms Man About the House and George and Mildred, has died aged 92.
Murphy, who played the character of George Roper in both series, passed away at his home in Kent on Sunday morning.
In Man About the House, he starred in the groundbreaking ITV sitcom which explored the dynamics of one man and two women flat-sharing in the 1970s.
He went on to feature in the successful spin-off George and Mildred, where he portrayed the henpecked husband George opposite Yootha Joyce as his domineering wife.
He is survived by his wife, Hi-de-Hi! actress Linda Regan, and his two sons.
In a moving tribute, Ms Regan said: “I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate. Brian who I will love forever.”
Murphy starred in beloved sitcom George and Mildred
ITV
His friend and agent Thomas Bowington paid tribute to Murphy’s “talent and humanity”, describing him as a “joyful and profoundly good-hearted man”.
Born on the Isle of Wight in 1932, Murphy’s acting career began in the 1950s when he joined the pioneering Theatre Workshop.
The group, founded by Joan Littlewood and her partner Gerry Raffles, was dedicated to modernising theatre and reaching working-class audiences.
Murphy worked closely with Littlewood throughout his early career, performing in numerous Shakespeare productions under her direction.
Murphy was also famed for his role in Man About the House
ITV
He also appeared in Littlewood’s only feature film, the kitchen sink comedy Sparrows Can’t Sing, before finding success on television.
In his later years, Murphy continued to be a familiar face on British television.
He made appearances in several popular shows including BBC medical drama Holby City and the sketch programme The Catherine Tate Show.
His television work extended to roles in the ITV sitcom Benidorm and the long-running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine.
Other tributes have been paid to the beloved actor across social media.
“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,” filmmaker Simon Sheridan wrote on X.
“I can picture him now as George, sitting in bed scoffing pickled onions #RIPBrianMurphy #GeorgeandMildred,” Toni McDonald, BBC local radio DJ remembered fondly.
Another expressed: “Sad to hear, I loved George and Mildred when I was a kid, but he was so much more than just that of course. #RipBrianMurphy”
