Richard O'Sullivan, Star of 'Man About the House', Dies at 82

Actor Richard O'Sullivan, who achieved widespread fame as Robin Tripp in the 1970s British sitcom "Man About the House," has died at the age of 82. O'Sullivan's career began unexpectedly when his parents enrolled him in the Corona Theatre School in London to soften a strong Irish accent he acquired during a family holiday. This humble origin story aligned with his public persona: approachable, down-to-earth, and charming, rather than a product of formal dramatic training.

O'Sullivan's early acting work was prolific. He made his debut in a feature film at the age of eight as an extra in "The Yellow Balloon." The following year, he secured his first leading role in "The Stranger's Hand." His childhood and adolescent roles included playing Audrey Hepburn's younger brother in "The Nun's Story" (1959) and Elizabeth Taylor's brother in "Cleopatra" (1963). Successfully transitioning from child star to adult actor is notoriously challenging, particularly with a high profile in youth roles. During this transitional period in the early 1960s, O'Sullivan appeared in two Cliff Richard films, "The Young Ones" and "Wonderful Life." His performance style in these films, characterized by a wholesome appeal, hinted at the comedic talent he would later showcase.

His first adult leading role was opposite Beryl Reid in "Alcock and Gander" in 1972. The following year, O'Sullivan starred as Robin Tripp, a trainee chef, in "Man About the House," created by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke. The premise of the show involved two women seeking a flatmate, with the comedic twist being that O'Sullivan's character, Robin, is introduced as a man. This unconventional setup, where he is found in their bath after a party, was described as an "ET archetype" – an alien presence arriving in a domestic setting. The show's premise, which required O'Sullivan to pretend to be a woman to secure the flat, was a significant departure from typical television narratives of the era and contributed to its immense popularity. The series ran for 39 episodes between 1973 and 1975, and O'Sullivan reprised his role in the spin-off "George and Mildred" and the sequel "Robin's Nest." His portrayal of Robin Tripp resonated with audiences, establishing him as a beloved television personality.