Legendary comedy actor Richard O’Sullivan has died at the age of 82, passing away surrounded by close family at Brinsworth House in west London.

The care home, which is operated by the Royal Variety Charity, had been O’Sullivan’s home for the past 23 years. He originally moved into the facility in 2003 after suffering a stroke.

To generations of television viewers, he was best known for playing Robin Tripp in the hit 1970s comedy Man About the House. The role made him a household name and led directly to the spin-off series Robin’s Nest, which continued into the early 1980s.

Robin’s Nest secured a notable place in broadcasting history during the 1970s, making television history as the very first UK sitcom to feature an unmarried couple living together.

Beyond those flagship roles, O’Sullivan led several other major television productions throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He starred in the historical adventure series Dick Turpin, as well as the comedies Me and My Girl and Trouble in Mind.

During the 1980s, he also turned his hand to writing, authoring two recipe books titled Man About the Kitchen and a sequel called Roastin' with Richard. His final acting role came in the 1990s, when he appeared alongside Tony Robinson in the satire show Holed.

O’Sullivan was also a familiar face on This Is Your Life. He was featured on the programme as the guest of honour in 1974, and later returned to television screens on the show in 1999 to honour his Doctor co-star George Layton.

Tributes have been paid by those who worked closely with him. Giles Cooper, Life-President of the Royal Variety, said in a statement: "Richard O’Sullivan was a master of effortless charm and impeccable comic timing, bringing pure warmth, wit, and unforgettable joy to millions of living rooms as a true giant of British television. He will be sorely missed by us all at the Royal Variety Charity."

His son, James O’Sullivan, released a statement through the charity paying tribute to his father: "My dad was as funny and charming in real life as he appeared on our TV screens over the years. Always kind spirited, good humoured, a doting grandfather and a wonderful dad – I will miss him dearly. Although much of his career happened before I was born, I was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy and witness his incredible talents on the countless re-runs of his shows that made him the respected and loved actor that he was."

James also expressed gratitude to the staff at the west London home, thanking the team for their love, kindness, and care over the last 23 years and adding that they will always hold a special place in his heart. Funeral arrangements and memorial details have not yet been announced. I'll be following this one.