Brian Murphy, an English actor and comedian best known for his roles in the ’70s sitcoms “Man About the House” and “George and Mildred,” died on Sunday. He was 92.
Murphy’s agent confirmed the news to the BBC, calling him a “joyful and profoundly good-hearted man.” His wife, “Hi-de-Hi” star Linda Regan, posted a photo of them embracing on X with the caption: “My love for you will never die. RIP sweetheart.”
Born on the Isle of Wight on Sept. 25, 1932, Murphy completed military service at RAF Northwood before pursuing acting and becoming a member of Joan Littlewood’s legendary Theatre Workshop. After nabbing several guest appearances on spy series like “The Avengers” and “Callan” as well as police procedurals “Z-Cars” and “Dixon of Dock Green,” Murphy was cast in “Man About the House.”
The sitcom ran from 1973 to 1976 and starred Murphy as George Roper, a lazy landlord who allows a man to move into an apartment with two single women. The show was remade in the U.S. as the highly successful “Three’s Company,” which aired from 1977 to 1984. When “Man About the House” ended in 1976, the spinoff “George and Mildred” was created, focusing on the lives of Murphy’s character and his wife, played by Yootha Joyce. “George and Mildred” aired for five seasons through 1979. It was renewed for a sixth, but filming was halted when Joyce died of liver failure in 1980.
After “George and Mildred,” Murphy continued to be a regular on television, including sitcoms “The Incredible Mr. Tanner” (1981) and “L for Lester,” (1982), children’s series “Wizadora” (1993-1997) and the Yorkshire-set “Last of the Summer Wine” (2003-2010). In his later years, he also appeared on the BBC medical drama “Holby City.”
Murphy is survived by Regan, who he was married to for 30 years, and two sons from a previous marriage.
