BBC and ITV sitcom legend Brian Murphy dies aged 92 as fans devastated

An image of Brian Murphy next to his wife, Linda Regan
-Credit:Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror


Sitcom legend Brian Murphy has died, aged 92. Murphy was best known for his role as George Roper in the sitcom Man About the House (1973–1976) and its spin-off George and Mildred (1976–1979).

Born on September 25th, 1932, he enjoyed a long and successful career in television, film, and theatre. Before starting out in the arts, after his two brothers died in active service in WWII, he was called up for national service in the RAF, where he would meet future actor Richard Briers.

Upon leaving the RAF, Murphy began his career as an actor, making guest appearances in shows such as The Avengers and Dixon of Dock Green.

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His big break came when he was 41, and cast in the popular sitcom, Man About the House. He starred as George Roper for all 6 series frim 1973 to 1976, and would reprise the role on George and Mildred. The spin off would run for 5 series, until Yootha Joyce who played Mildred, died suddenly before a sixth and final series could be filmed.

Most recently, he featured on episodes of BBC medical drama Holby City, The Catherine Tate Show and ITV's Benidorm, as well as Last of the Summer Wine.

In 1995 he would marry Hi-de-Hi! actress Linda Regan. He is survived by her and two sons from a previous marriage.

Regan released a statement on her social channel, stating "My love for you will never die. RIP sweetheart." with a photograph of the pair kissing. Linda had previously said in a statement: "I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate. Brian who I will love forever."

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There's been an outpouring of tributes to Brian from many across the British television community this week following the news of his death.

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One of Brian's grandsons, Martin Murphy, said that it was "Very sad that my lovely granddad Brian Murphy passed away this weekend. He was a real inspiration to me as a kid growing up. It was a privilege to have one of Britain’s finest ever actors as a grandfather and it’s truly touching to see how many people loved his work. Miss u x"

Writer Derren Litten wrote on X: "Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Murphy. A genuine legend of comedy acting. Man About the House + George & Mildred were a childhood favourites then I had the immense honour of writing for him in The Catherine Tate Show & Benidorm. Much love to Linda & family."

Another writer, Matthew Sweet, wrote: "Some actors capture an aspect of their historical moment. The combover, the knitwear, the wheedling and fussing - Brian Murphy was the absolute exemplar of a certain kind of postwar masculinity - the salaryman born slightly too early for the Permissive Society. RIP."