Richard O’Sullivan: From Man About the House to Brinsworth House

There’s something about the faces of British sitcom from the 1970s that still brings a smile. Richard O’Sullivan, best known for playing the lovable lodger Robin Tripp in Man About the House, is one of those faces. But behind the laughter, his later years have been marked by a health battle that led him to a quiet retirement at Brinsworth House, a care home for entertainers. Here’s what we know about the actor’s life, career, and where he is today.

Born: 7 May 1944 ·
Age: 80 (as of 2024) ·
Known for: Robin Tripp in Man About the House ·
Occupation: Actor (retired)

Seven key facts about Richard O’Sullivan’s life, gathered from multiple sources:

The pattern: a career spanning child acting to sitcom stardom, then a private retirement.

What happened to Richard O’Sullivan?

When did Richard O’Sullivan have a stroke?

• According to Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia), he suffered a stroke in 2003 that ended his acting career.
• However, Express (UK tabloid) reported in April 2025 that he moved into Brinsworth House in 2023 after a stroke – suggesting a later date.
• IMDb (film database) trivia also states a severe stroke in 2003.

The implication: the stroke timeline is contested, with primary sources pointing to 2003 and a recent tabloid report suggesting 2023.

Is Richard O’Sullivan still alive?

Yes, Richard O’Sullivan is still alive as of 2025. Multiple sources confirm he is a resident at Brinsworth House, a retirement and nursing home for entertainment professionals in Twickenham (Express (UK tabloid); Wikipedia on Brinsworth House).

Where does Richard O’Sullivan live now?

Is Richard O’Sullivan in a nursing home?

Yes. He resides at Brinsworth House in Twickenham, a residential and nursing home run by the Royal Variety Charity for people who have served the entertainment industries (Express (UK tabloid)). The home offers residential rooms at £600 per week and nursing care at £750 per week.

Who currently lives in Brinsworth House?

Brinsworth House is home to several retired entertainers. Wikipedia on Brinsworth House lists Richard O’Sullivan among its current residents. Other residents are not publicly listed to protect privacy.

The pattern: Brinsworth House provides a supportive community for ageing performers, with O’Sullivan joining a tradition of artists spending their final years there.

Did Richard O’Sullivan ever marry?

How long was Richard O’Sullivan married to Diana Terry?

Richard O’Sullivan was married to Diana Terry from 1972 to 1979 – approximately seven years (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)). No further marriages are publicly recorded.

The trade-off: a short marriage that produced a son, after which O’Sullivan largely kept his personal life out of the spotlight.

Has Richard O’Sullivan got children?

Yes, he has a son from his marriage to Diana Terry (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)). The son’s name is not widely publicised, and O’Sullivan has maintained privacy regarding his family.

What is Richard O’Sullivan known for?

How old is Richard O’Sullivan?

Born on 7 May 1944, he turned 80 in 2024 (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)).

The implication: his career peak was in the 1970s, followed by a long retirement that ended with a stroke and care home residence.

His career highlights include:

• Child actor in Cleopatra (1963) – a small role in the epic film (IMDb credits (film database)).
• Starring role as Robin Tripp in the sitcom Man About the House (1973–1976) and its spin-off Robin’s Nest (Express (UK tabloid)).
• Also known for the series Dick Turpin (Express (UK tabloid)).

The pattern: O’Sullivan’s legacy is defined by a single iconic role, but his career spanned four decades.

Timeline

• 1944 – Born in Chiswick, London.
• 1963 – Appeared as a child actor in Cleopatra.
• 1973–1976 – Starred as Robin Tripp in Man About the House.
• 1990s – Retired from acting.
• 2003 (or 2023) – Suffered a stroke (conflicting reports).
• 2023 (or earlier) – Moved into Brinsworth House.

The pattern: his career peak was in the 1970s, followed by a long retirement that ended with a stroke and care home residence.

For fans of British comedy, the story of Richard O’Sullivan is a reminder of the fragility behind beloved screen personas. The implication for the industry: even iconic stars face private battles, and care homes like Brinsworth House provide a vital safety net. For those who grew up watching Robin Tripp, the choice is to remember the laughter, not the uncertain details.

A recent article on Richard OSullivans Brinsworth House life offers a detailed look at his retirement and daily life at Brinsworth House.

Frequently asked questions