Brian Murphy (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Murphy
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Murphy in the 1970s
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Brian Trevor John Murphy
25 September 1932 Ventnor, Isle of Wight, England
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| Died | 1 February 2025 (aged 92) Kent, England
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| Occupation | Comic actor |
| Years active | 1960–2025 |
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| Children | 2 |
Brian Trevor John Murphy (25 September 1932 – 1 February 2025) was a funny English actor. He was most famous for playing George Roper, a husband who often let his wife, Mildred, make all the decisions. This was in the popular TV shows Man About the House and George and Mildred. He also played Alvin Smedley in another well-loved show, Last of the Summer Wine.
Contents
Discovering Brian Murphy's Early Life
Brian Murphy was born in Ventnor, a town on the Isle of Wight, on 25 September 1932. His parents, Gerald and Mabel, first worked as a grocer's assistant and later ran restaurants. Brian had two brothers, Ken and Eric, who sadly died while serving in the Second World War.
Starting His Acting Journey
Brian did his national service (a period of required military training) at RAF Northwood. There, he met Richard Briers, who later became a famous actor in The Good Life. After leaving the RAF, both Brian and Richard joined the Dramatic Society at the Borough Polytechnic Institute (now London South Bank University). This is where they started their acting careers.
Exploring Brian Murphy's Acting Career
Brian Murphy was part of the Theatre Workshop, a famous acting group. He worked as an actor in the 1960s and early 1970s. He made guest appearances in many TV shows like The Avengers, Z-Cars, and Dixon of Dock Green.
Early Film Roles
Brian also appeared in films. These included Sparrows Can't Sing (1963) with his Theatre Workshop friends like Yootha Joyce and Barbara Windsor. Other films he was in were San Ferry Ann (1965), The Activist (1969), ... (1971), and The Boy Friend (1971).
Becoming a Household Name
In the early 1970s, Brian thought about quitting acting to sell insurance. But then, he got a part in a TV show called Alcock and Gander (1972). The writers, Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, were very impressed with him. They offered him a role in their new show, Man About the House. This show made him very famous.
Man About the House and George and Mildred Success
Brian Murphy became widely known for his role as George Roper in Man About the House. His character, George, was a bit lazy and just wanted a quiet life. His TV wife, Mildred, played by Yootha Joyce, was much more bossy and wanted to climb the social ladder. Brian and Yootha had been friends for many years, which helped them have great chemistry on screen.
Spin-off Show and Music
When Man About the House finished in 1976, Brian and Yootha got their own spin-off show called George and Mildred. This show was also a huge hit and ran for five series until 1979. In 1978, Brian even released a song called "Jogging" as his character, George. He later said he regretted not having more confidence in his singing. Brian also played George in movies based on both TV shows. Sadly, Yootha Joyce passed away in 1980, and the last planned series of George and Mildred was cancelled.
Life After George and Mildred
After George and Mildred, Brian Murphy continued acting. In 1981, a new TV show called The Incredible Mr. Tanner was made just for him. He also appeared in films like The Plank (1979) and It's Your Move (1982).
More TV Roles
Brian moved to the BBC in 1982 for the show L for Lester. He then had a main role in Lame Ducks (1984–1985) as a private investigator. He also gave a great performance as Arthur Lucan in the TV play On Your Way, Riley (1985). In the 1990s, he played Stan the shopkeeper in the children's TV series Wizadora. He also appeared in popular shows like One Foot in the Grave, Brookside, and The Bill. In 1998, Brian Murphy was featured on the show This Is Your Life, which celebrates famous people.
Last of the Summer Wine and Other Appearances
Brian Murphy continued to be a regular face on television. He was especially known for playing Alvin Smedley in Last of the Summer Wine from 2003 until the show ended in 2010. Alvin became one of the main characters in the show.
Later TV and Film Work
Brian also appeared as Neville in The Catherine Tate Show between 2005 and 2006. In 2010, Brian was in an episode of Hustle and the Christmas episode of Benidorm. He continued to make guest appearances in comedy shows like White Van Man and Plebs. He also played Jack Dobson in The Cafe from 2011 to 2013. In 2013, he was in the Man Down Christmas special.
Brian Murphy continued to work until the end of his life. In 2023, he wrote the introduction for the autobiography of his co-star Larry Dann.
Brian Murphy's Personal Life
Brian Murphy married Carol Gibson in 1957. They had two children, Trevor and Kevin, and later divorced in the 1980s. In 1995, Brian married Linda Regan, an actress from Hi-de-Hi!. They lived in a very old house in Shortlands, Bromley, Kent, which dated back to at least the 1600s. They sold this house in 2018.
His Passing
Brian Murphy passed away on 1 February 2025. He was 92 years old. He had been diagnosed with cancer in his spine and shoulders just three weeks before.
Images for kids
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Murphy in the 1970s
See also
In Spanish: Brian Murphy para niños
