Brian Murphy, ‘Man About the House’ and ‘George and Mildred’ Star, Dies at 92

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92-year-old Brian Murphy, famously known for playing the character George Roper in the British sitcoms “Man About the House” and “George and Mildred” during the 1970s, passed away recently. These shows were later remade as “Three’s Company” and “The Ropers” in the United States.

On Sunday, Murphy passed away at his home in Kent, England, due to cancer, as confirmed by his representative, Thomas Bowington.

Murphy made appearances on several short-lived comedies, including “The Incredible Mr. Tanner” in 1981, “L for Lester” in 1982, and “Lame Ducks” between 1984 and 1985. Afterward, he joined the extended run of the BBC sitcom “Last of the Summer Wine,” playing Alvin Smedley from 2003 to 2010 for a span of eight seasons.

In the popular ITV show “Man About the House,” produced by Thames Television, Richard O’Sullivan played the role of student cook Robin Tripp. He moved into a flat in London with two young women, Chrissy (Paula Wilcox) and Jo (Sally Thomsett), to share a non-romantic living arrangement. To avoid any complications, the landlords, George and his wife Mildred (Yootha Joyce), were led to believe that Robin was gay.

Originally developed by Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer, this widely admired show ran for six seasons from 1973 to 1976. It was subsequently succeeded by the spinoff titled “George and Mildred“, which chronicled the Ropers’ move to a more upscale residence. This series continued for five additional seasons, concluding in 1979.

For those well-versed in ABC’s sitcom “Three’s Company,” created by Don Nicholl, Michael Ross, and Bernie West, the plot will likely resonate. Norman Fell and Audra Lindley portrayed Stanley and Helen Roper from its inception in 1977 until their departure after three seasons, when they moved on to “The Ropers” (airing from 1979-80). Naturally, John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers were the initial roommates.

1. Murphy, born on the Isle of Wight on September 25, 1932, fulfilled his military duty with the Royal Air Force after which both of his brothers perished during World War II. Subsequently, he honed his acting skills at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. (Word count: 67)

2. Murphy, a native of the Isle of Wight (born on September 25, 1932), completed his mandatory military service with the Royal Air Force following the tragic loss of his brothers during World War II. Afterwards, he pursued acting education at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. (Word count: 74)

3. Murphy, who hails from the Isle of Wight and was born on September 25, 1932, served his military obligation with the Royal Air Force after his brothers had perished during World War II. He then went on to study acting at the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. (Word count: 76)

4. Murphy, a resident of the Isle of Wight born on September 25, 1932, fulfilled his military conscription with the Royal Air Force, following the demise of his brothers during World War II. Subsequently, he enrolled in acting classes at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. (Word count: 78)

5. Murphy, a native Islander of the Isle of Wight (born on September 25, 1932), completed his military service with the Royal Air Force after his brothers had perished during World War II. He then honed his acting skills at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. (Word count: 76)

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In the 1950s, he joined Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop. During this time, he performed alongside Joyce and later appeared on television shows like The Avengers and Z-Cars, as well as in the 1963 film Sparrows Can’t Sing, which was directed by Joan Littlewood.

In 1993, he starred onstage, again for Littlewood, in H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man.

In my past, I’ve lent my voice to a character in the animated series called “Pond Life,” starred in a couple of movies under the title “Booze Cruise” that aired on TV, and made appearances on episodes of shows like “Brookside,” “The Catherine Tate Show,” and “The Cafe.

In my personal gaming world, the ones who carry on after me are my beloved wife Linda Regan from the hilarious British sitcom “Hi-de-Hi!”, whom I met back in 1990 and tied the knot with in 1995, as well as my two sons, Trevor and Kevin.

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2025-02-04 19:25