Brian Murphy, star of Man About the House, dies aged 92

4 February 2025, 10:33 | Updated: 4 February 2025, 10:35

Brian Murphy
Brian Murphy. Picture: Getty Images/Alamy

By Mayer Nissim

Brian Murphy played George Roper in the hit sitcom and its spinoff George and Mildred.

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Actor Brian Murphy has died at the age of 92.

Murphy, whose career spanned seven decades, was perhaps best known for paying George Roper in ITV's Man About The House and its spinoff George and Mildred.

Among his many other roles over the years were Stan the shopkeeper in Wizadora, Alvin Smedley in Last of the Summer Wine and Maurice in The Booze Cruise.

Murphy died at his home in Kent on Sunday Morning (February 2).

He is survived by his wife Linda Regan and his two sons.

Yootha Joyce and Brian Murphy in Man About The House
Yootha Joyce and Brian Murphy in Man About The House. Picture: Getty Images

"I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate. Brian who I will love forever," said Regan, an author and actor herself who played Yellowcoat April in Hi-de-Hi!

Murphy was born on the Isle of Wight in 1932. His two older brothers died in active service during WWII, and Brian did his own national service at RAF Northwood after the war.

He was a member of the Theatre Workshop, which had been founded by Joan Littlewood and Gerry Raffles.

Kathy Staff and Brian Murphy in Last of the Summer Wine
Kathy Staff and Brian Murphy in Last of the Summer Wine. Picture: Alamy

While he became renowned for his work on TV sitcoms, Murphy appeared in a number of Shakespeare productions directed by Littlewood.

Murphy appeared in Littlewood's only movie, 1963 comedy Sparrows Can't Sing. He appeared opposite Yootha Joyce, his future Man About the House and George and Mildred co-star.

He continued to work well into the 21st century, with his career including parts in everything from The Bill and Pond Life to The Catherine Tate Show and Benidorm.