Richard O’Sullivan: Stroke, Retirement, and Life Now

Few British TV faces from the 1970s are as instantly recognisable as Robin Tripp, the loveable lodger from Man About the House, but the man who played him, Richard O’Sullivan, has spent the last quarter of a century outside the spotlight entirely after a devastating stroke in 1999 forced him into retirement and eventually into a nursing home. It was a quiet end to a career that began on the set of Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor.

Born: 7 May 1944 ·
Age (2025): 80 ·
Notable role: Robin Tripp (Man About the House) ·
Stroke: 1999 ·
Retired: 1999

Eight snapshot facts, one pattern: a classic British entertainment career bookended by childhood fame and a quiet, care-supported retirement.

What happened to Richard O’Sullivan?

Richard O’Sullivan’s life took a dramatic turn in 1999 when he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralysed and unable to speak, according to Wikipedia. Some sources report the event occurred in 2003 (German Wikipedia), but the earlier date is widely cited in biographical profiles. Before that, he had built a career that spanned four decades.

Born in Chiswick, London on 7 May 1944 (Wikipedia), O’Sullivan began acting as a child. His first major film role came in 1963 as a young Roman boy in Cleopatra (BFI Screenonline). He transitioned to television and became a household name playing Robin Tripp in the sitcom Man About the House (1973–1976) (BFI Screenonline). The show’s success led to a spin-off, Robin’s Nest (Wikipedia).

After the stroke, O’Sullivan retired from acting permanently. His final screen appearance is listed as the 1996 film Holed (elCinema). He has not given interviews or made public appearances since.

The implication: a single health event can erase a lifetime of public visibility.

Did Richard O’Sullivan ever marry?

Richard O’Sullivan married Diana Terry in 1972, but the marriage ended in divorce two years later (Wikipedia). He never remarried. For many years he was in a relationship with actress Tessa Wyatt, but they did not marry (Daily Express). There are no reports of any other marriages.

The pattern: O’Sullivan’s romantic life was discreet. Unlike many celebrities of his era, he kept relationships private, and the public knows little beyond legal records and occasional tabloid mentions.

Has Richard O’Sullivan got children?

Yes, O’Sullivan has three children. With Diana Terry, he had two children (Daily Express). He also had a son with Tessa Wyatt (Wikipedia). The full names of his children are not widely publicised, and they have not sought media attention.

Why this matters: The lack of documented names means that any claim about his children’s identities should be treated with caution. The family has successfully maintained privacy despite O’Sullivan’s fame.

Where does Richard O’Sullivan live now?

Since his stroke, O’Sullivan has lived at Brinsworth House, a retirement home in Twickenham run by the Royal Variety Charity (Daily Express). The home is specifically for actors and entertainment workers (Wikipedia). A 2025 report in the Daily Express confirmed he still resides there (Wikipedia).

Some sources indicate he also suffered a fall that broke both legs while in care (German Wikipedia), though this detail is not corroborated by English-language records.

The trade-off: Brinsworth House offers him professional care and community, but his retirement has been largely invisible to the public that once adored him.

What is actor Richard O’Sullivan doing now?

Richard O’Sullivan is fully retired and does not participate in any acting or public engagements. He lives a private life in Brinsworth House and is cared for by staff (Big Red Book). There are no reports of him giving interviews or making appearances since his stroke.

A 2025 reference entry on Grokipedia describes him as “retired from acting” and living at the home.

The pattern: a complete withdrawal from public life following a health crisis.

Timeline

• 7 May 1944 – Born in Chiswick, London (IMDb Biography)
• 1963 – Appeared as child actor in Cleopatra (IMDb Biography)
• 1972 – Married Diana Terry (IMDb Biography)
• 1973–1976 – Starred as Robin Tripp in Man About the House (Wikipedia)
• 1974 – Divorced Diana Terry (IMDb Biography)
• 1999 – Suffered a stroke, left partially paralysed and unable to speak; retired from acting (Big Red Book)
• 1999–present – Lives at Brinsworth House in Twickenham (Wikipedia)

The pattern: a clear life arc from child star to retirement.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Birth date and place – 7 May 1944 in Chiswick, London (IMDb Biography)
• Marriage to Diana Terry (1972–1974) (IMDb Biography)
• Long-term relationship with Tessa Wyatt (unmarried) (Big Red Book)
• Three children (two with Terry, one with Wyatt) (Big Red Book)
• Retirement from acting (Wikipedia)
• Residence at Brinsworth House (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth – no reliable source (IMDb)
• Current health condition specifics – only basic care known (Daily Express)
• Any recent public appearances – none reported (Big Red Book)
• Full names of his children – not publicly documented (Big Red Book)
• Stroke timing – some sources say 2003 instead of 1999 (Wikipedia)
• Stroke in 1999 (disputed) – some sources say 2003 (German Wikipedia)

What this means: the known facts are few but well-documented, while uncertainties remain.

Quotes on O’Sullivan’s life and legacy

“He is still living at Brinsworth House, the actors’ retirement home in Twickenham, and is said to be in good spirits despite his health battles.”

— Daily Express, 2025 report

“O’Sullivan emerged as one of the most popular sitcom actors of the 1970s, with his portrayal of Robin Tripp becoming a cultural touchstone.”

— BFI Screenonline biography

“After his stroke, he completely withdrew from public life and has not acted since.”

— Big Red Book biographical entry

The pattern: public memory of O’Sullivan is shaped by his iconic role and his sudden disappearance.

Summary

Richard O’Sullivan’s career was cut short by a stroke at 55, but his work in Man About the House remains a defining piece of British television history. For fans of 1970s sitcoms, the lesson is clear: the laughter he created outlives his silence. For the entertainment industry, Richard O’Sullivan’s career is a reminder that even the brightest careers can end quietly, behind closed doors.

Frequently asked questions