Brian Murphy Dies Aged 92: Tributes Pour in for the Iconic Actor and Husband of Actress Linda Regan
Brian Murphy Dies Aged 92: Actress Linda Regan Wife Pays Tribute
The death of Brian Murphy, British actor and comedian best known for Man About the House and George and Mildred sitcoms in the 1970s, has passed with 92 years. He passed away Sunday morning at his Kent home, leaving behind a great legacy in TV and theater history. Emotionally charged tributes have been shared by his wife, actress Linda Regan, and his two sons for the man who brought warmth, humor, and talent to millions of viewers across several decades.
Brian Murphy’s Career: A Lengthy Act in Entertainment
Brian was born on September 25, 1932, on the Isle of Wight, and started acting at a very young age. Completing his national service with the RAF, he went on to train at RADA before joining the Theatre Workshop, a pioneering theatrical group under the direction of Joan Littlewood.
In the early stage of his career, he performed in Shakespearean plays and starred in Littlewood’s only feature film, Sparrows Can’t Sing (1962), which saw Barbara Windsor and James Booth lead an ensemble cast in a working-class drama. This early crash course in theater set up a career that was to last over six decades.
His Chance Encounter with ‘Man About the House’ and ‘George and Mildred’
By 1970, Brian Murphy was a household name, thanks to his Hitleresque character George Roper in the hit ITV sitcom Man About the House (1973-1976). The show was considered trailblazing at the time by showing the round-the-clock life of three millennials sharing an apartment. It was something that raised eyebrows in a time when traditional values were still embraced by the British.
Following the success of his character role, Murphy starred in a continuation of the series called George and Mildred (1976-1979), featuring Yootha Joyce. It detailed the hilarious dynamics between George, a man with a strong wife and denied husband, and his ambitious wife Mildred. The series a comedy with, among other traits, Murphy as a foil to his wife’s dominant personality was a massive hit and cemented Murphy’s status among sitcom stars.
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Later Television and Work
After George and Mildred ended, Murphy went on to appear on television serials such as:
- The Avengers
- Z-Cars
- The Incredible Mr. Tanner (1981)
- L for Lester (1982)
- The Catherine Tate Show
- Benidorm
- Holby City
- Last of the Summer Wine (Alvin Smedley)
In the 2000s, he got to appear in The Booze Cruise (with Martin Clunes and Neil Pearson) and the comedy-drama The Café. Most recently, he lent his voice to Mr. Lovelybuns in the animated kids’ show Claude.
He stayed busy acting even in his later years. He had recently completed a comedy film before Christmas and was about to start shooting a road movie, The Last Goodbye, with his actress wife Linda Regan in June 2024.
Brian Murphy’s Final Days and Cause of Death
The news of Murphy’s death came like a thunderbolt. According to his agent, Thomas Bowington, the actor had been suffering from back pain for about several weeks. Having recently sought medical assistance, he underwent examinations. He was found to be suffering from cancer of the spine and shoulder. Despite all of this, Murphy remained positive and listened longingly in anticipation for his next film project.
Sadly, health conditions were against him: by Sunday morning, he lay dead at home, with family and friends by his side.
Actress Linda Regan pays her tribute to her late husband
He was married to actress Linda Regan, who is known especially from her role in the BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi!. The couple met in 1990 while acting in a play together and got married in 1995.
After Murphy died, Linda Regan paid an emotional tribute with a tender caption under their kiss:
“I love you forever. RIP, sweetheart.”
In another statement, she mourned:
“I was lucky to have in my lifetime the one and only soulmate, Brian, who I will love for eternity.”
Murphy is also survived by two sons, Trevor and Kevin, of his first marriage.
Industry Tributes: “The Happy Soulful Man”
Since the news broke of the death of Brian Murphy, the entertainment industry has paid its respects with a steady outpouring from colleagues, fans, and friends.
His agent, Thomas Bowington, summed up the man as
“A happy and tremendously kind man who brought laughter and kindness into the world.”
Fans also took to social media in remembrance of Murphy, who they listed for his comedic genius, warm presence, and resplendent charm of nostalgia that graced British television.
Brian Murphy’s Legacy in British Television
It cannot be denied that Brian Murphy has graced British comedy and television. Celebrities have seen George Roper becoming the most iconic, and for ages, his elf-like figure with absolute devotion to entertainment will remain from an immeasurable wealth of experiences.
He portrayed an endearing, lovable character within the confines of British theatre, bringing humor, warmth, and, of course, an intangible relatability to his characters, making him a household face in Britain. The clock has struck, but his medicines remain relevant forever, forever soothing generations after him.
As tributes pour in, one thing is certain: Brian Murphy’s legacy will endure, articulated best by his sweeping body of work, but probably more so in love.
Rest in peace, Brian Murphy (1932-2024)
References:
https://news.sky.com/story/actor-and-comedian-brian-murphy-dies-aged-92-13302770
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxeg4q0rddo
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/feb/04/brian-murphy-actor-george-and-mildred-dies
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