Sitcom legend Brian Murphy passes away at 92: His wife shares sweet tribute

CELEBS WHO LOST THE LOVE OF THEIR LIFE

Brian Murphy was one of Britain’s most beloved sitcom actors, best known for his memorable roles in Man About the House and George and Mildred. Born on September 25, 1932, on the Isle of Wight, Murphy's career spanned decades, with appearances in both television and theatre. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and honed his craft in theatre before making a name for himself on British television.

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Throughout his long career, Murphy worked alongside some of the industry's greatest talents and remained active in acting well into his later years.

Brian Murphy’s death at 92

Unfortunately, the British entertainment industry lost a massive star as Brian Murphy passed away at the age of 92 on 2 February 2025. The sitcom legend known for some of the most iconic British TV shows died at his home in Kent on Sunday morning. As per The Guardian, his wife, actress Linda Regan, was by his side during his final moments.

His agent, Thomas Bowington described the actor as a ‘sprinkler of joy on stage, screen and in life.’ It was also Bowington who revealed that three weeks before his death, Murphy developed back pain. After a medical check-up, he was diagnosed with cancer in his spine and shoulders—a disease that has affected many British stars.

His passing was described as ‘a sudden attack and cut down.’ Bowington added:

It is almost impossible to describe the depth of his talent and humanity.

A truly joyful and profoundly good-hearted man.

Many other of his friends from the TV industry poured in tributes for him. Filmmaker Simon Sheridan said:

I first met #BrianMurphy some 20 years ago, through my friend, the filmmaker Stanley Long…Brian was so gracious, eloquent, and incredibly friendly. Everything you heard about him is true. #RIPBrianMurphy

DrMatthewSweet said:

Some actors capture an aspect of their historical moment. The combover, the knitwear, the wheedling and fussing – Brian Murphy was the absolute exemplar of a certain kind of postwar masculinity – the salaryman born slightly too early for the Permissive Society. RIP.

Murphy had been active in his career until late 2024 and, according to The Guardian, he was set to start filming a road movie in June 2025 alongside Regan.

Brian Murphy’s remarkable TV and theatre career

Murphy’s journey into acting began with national service in the RAF before he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His career started taking off in the 1950s when he joined Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop.

Murphy made his early mark in productions such as Sparrows Can’t Sing and Oh! What a Lovely War, as noted in The Guardian. His television career gained momentum with guest roles in The Avengers and Z-Cars before his breakthrough in the 1970s. As he approached 40, getting parts became more challenging for him and right before getting his life-altering role in Man About the House, he considered giving up acting to become an insurance salesman.

However, life had other plans for him. He became a household name with Man About the House, where he played George Roper, a landlord constantly outwitted by his wife, Mildred, played by Yootha Joyce. The show, which aired from 1973 to 1976, was controversial as it showcased two single women living with a man. At its peak, the show attracted up to 20 million viewers in the UK. Murphy once said about the show:

At its peak, George & Mildred was seen by 22 million people. A sixth series was being planned when Yootha died. She was a lovely woman and we got on well. I was married to my first wife, Carol, back then and when Yootha rang the house Carol would say, ‘It’s your other wife!’ We were all great mates.

After George and Mildred, Murphy continued his television career, starring in The Incredible Mr Tanner, L for Lester, and appearing in popular shows like The Catherine Tate Show, Benidorm, and Last of the Summer Wine, where he played Alvin Smedley from 2003 to 2010. His later career also included voice work, notably as Mr. Lovelybuns in the animated series Claude.

Despite being known for comedic roles, Murphy also shone in theatre, with acclaimed performances in On Your Way, Riley, Sweeney Todd, and When We Are Married.

Apart from having a stellar career, Brian also had a fulfilling personal life. He got married twice and is a father of two children.

Brian Murphy’s marriages and children

Murphy was first married to Carol Gibson, in 1957, with whom he had two sons, Trevor and Kevin. It was while raising this young family that Murphy briefly considered leaving acting to become an insurance salesman due to financial struggles. However, he persevered and later found lasting success in sitcoms. Brian did eventually find success in his career, but his first marriage did not survive and the couple ended up getting a divorce.

In 1995, Murphy married actress Linda Regan, known for her role in Hi-de-Hi!. The couple shared a deep connection, both personally and professionally, appearing together in productions such as the podcast sitcom Barmy Dale. They remained devoted to each other for three decades.

Murphy and Linda: A look into their romance

Murphy and Regan’s love story began in 1990 when they starred together in the play Wife Begins at 40 in Eastbourne, reports Mirror. Murphy later told The Express:

We met while appearing in Wife Begins At 40 at Eastbourne. She played my wife and we hit it off straight away.

We married in 1995. I can’t grumble about my lot because I’m very happy. I’ve brought up a family and been working relatively solidly for 60 years. It has been a lot of fun.

In the last few years of his life, Murphy revealed he was happy to have a lighter workload so he could spend time with his wife, but still had no plans to retire. He said: