British actor Richard O’Sullivan, best known for his starring role in the hit sitcom Man About the House, has died. He was 82.

O’Sullivan died on Friday, Sept. 4, while surrounded by close family at Brinsworth House in west London, according to the BBC. The care home is run by the Royal Variety Charity and provides support for people who have worked in the entertainment industry.

O’Sullivan had lived at Brinsworth House for 23 years.

The Royal Variety Charity announced his death and remembered him as a much-loved figure in British television. Giles Cooper, the charity’s Life President, praised O’Sullivan for his natural charm and comic timing, saying he brought laughter and happiness to millions of viewers.

A Familiar Face on British Television

O’Sullivan became a household name during the 1970s as Robin Tripp on Man About the House.

The popular sitcom followed Robin as he shared a London apartment with two young women, Chrissy Plummer and Jo. The unusual living arrangement helped make the comedy a major success.

O’Sullivan’s character later became the inspiration for Jack Tripper, played by John Ritter, on the American sitcom Three’s Company.

After Man About the House ended, O’Sullivan continued playing Robin in the spinoff Robin’s Nest. The series followed Robin as he tried to build a life with his girlfriend, Vicky, while running a restaurant.

Richard O’Sullivan’s Life and Career

Richard O’Sullivan was born on May 7, 1944, in Chiswick, London. He began acting as a child and appeared in movies and television long before becoming a sitcom star.

His early career included roles in films such as The Stranger’s Hand and The Young Ones. As he grew older, O’Sullivan became increasingly known for comedy.

Along with Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, he starred in another popular sitcom, Me and My Girl, during the 1980s. He also appeared in numerous other British television productions during a career that stretched across several decades.

O’Sullivan largely stepped away from acting later in life. He moved into Brinsworth House in 2003 after suffering health problems, including a stroke.

His work, however, remained familiar to generations of television viewers through repeats of his most famous shows.

O’Sullivan is especially remembered for turning Robin Tripp into one of British television’s most recognizable comedy characters. His success also crossed the Atlantic indirectly, with Man About the House providing the basis for Three’s Company, which became a huge American television hit.

His Son Pays Tribute To His Father

According to PEOPLE, O’Sullivan’s son James also paid tribute to his father, remembering him for his warm personality, humor and natural charm. His statement said,

“My dad was as funny and charming in real life as he appeared on our TV screens over the years.”

“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 reruns of his shows that made him the respected and loved actor that he was,” he added before thanking the staff at Brinsworth House for their “love, kindness and care.”

“Always kind-spirited, good-humoured, a doting grandfather and a wonderful dad – I will miss him dearly.”