Brian Murphy (actor) facts for kids

Brian Trevor John Murphy (born September 25, 1932 – died February 2, 2025) was a well-known English actor and comedian. He was famous for playing George Roper, a husband who was often bossed around by his wife, in the popular TV shows Man About the House and its spin-off George and Mildred. Brian Murphy also played Alvin Smedley in the long-running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine. Many kids might remember him as Stan the shopkeeper from the 1990s children's show Wizadora.

Early Life and Beginnings

Brian Murphy was born on September 25, 1932, in Ventnor, a town on the Isle of Wight in England. His parents, Gerald and Mabel Murphy, worked as grocers and later owned restaurants.

When he was younger, Brian completed his national service (a period of required military training) at RAF Northwood. There, he met another future actor, Richard Briers, who would later star in The Good Life. After their time in the Royal Air Force, both Brian and Richard pursued their acting dreams. They performed together in plays at the Dramatic Society at the Borough Polytechnic Institute, which is now known as London South Bank University.

Acting Career Highlights

Starting Out in Acting

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Brian Murphy was a member of the Theatre Workshop, a famous acting group. He also worked as an actor, taking on many different roles. He made guest appearances in popular TV shows like The Avengers, Z-Cars, Callan, and Dixon of Dock Green. These roles helped him gain experience before he landed the part that would make him a household name.

Becoming Famous: Man About the House and George and Mildred

Brian Murphy became very well known for his role as George Roper in the ITV sitcom Man About the House. In the show, George's wife, Mildred, played by Yootha Joyce, was a strong and ambitious woman. George, on the other hand, was a bit lazy and just wanted a simple, quiet life. This funny contrast between their characters made the show a huge hit. Brian and Yootha had been friends for many years, even working together in the Theatre Workshop and a film called Sparrows Can't Sing (1963). Their friendship helped them have great chemistry on screen.

After Man About the House finished in 1976, Brian and Yootha got their own spin-off show called George and Mildred. This series was also very popular and ran for five seasons until 1979. In 1978, Brian even released a song called "Jogging" as his character George. He later said he had a good singing voice but lacked confidence. Brian also played George Roper in movies based on both sitcoms. Sadly, Yootha Joyce passed away in 1980, and the final season of George and Mildred was canceled.

After His Big Sitcoms

After George and Mildred, Brian Murphy continued acting. In 1981, a new TV sitcom called The Incredible Mr. Tanner was made just for him. It also featured his co-star from Man About the House, Roy Kinnear. However, this show didn't become as popular. In 1982, he moved to the BBC for another sitcom called L for Lester, but it also didn't do well and was canceled after only six episodes.

Brian Murphy was honored on the TV show This Is Your Life in 1998, which celebrates famous people's lives.

Later Roles: Last of the Summer Wine and More

Brian Murphy kept appearing regularly on television. One of his most notable later roles was Alvin Smedley in Last of the Summer Wine, where he starred from 2003 to 2010. He also had roles in many other shows, including:

• On Your Way, Riley (1985), where he played Arthur Lucan.
• Lame Ducks, playing a private investigator.
• The Bill, as a funny drunken tramp dressed as an elf.
• Pond Life, an animated series where he voiced Len Pond, the father.
• One Foot in the Grave, starring Richard Wilson, where Brian played Mr. Foskett.
• Brookside.
• Wizadora, as Stan the shopkeeper, a role many younger viewers remember.

In 2010, Brian Murphy appeared in an episode of Hustle. He also made appearances in comedy shows like The Catherine Tate Show, This Is Jinsy, and Benidorm. From 2011 to 2013, he played Frank Dobson in The Cafe. In 2013, he was in the Channel 4 comedy Man Down as a music teacher named Frank Field-Williams in the Christmas special.

In 2023, Brian Murphy wrote the introduction for the autobiography of Larry Dann, his co-star from the play Oh, What a Lovely War!. He continued to work until the end of his life and was even planning to appear in a film with his wife in 2025.

Personal Life and Passing

Brian Murphy was married to Linda Regan, an actress known for Hi-de-Hi!. Linda was his second wife, and they married in 1995, living in Kent. Brian had two adult sons, Trevor and Kevin, from his first marriage to Carol Gibson.

His grandson, Martin Murphy, is a playwright whose play Manor was performed in London in 2010.

Brian Murphy passed away at his home in Kent on February 2, 2025, at the age of 92, after a short illness.

Film Roles

Television Roles

Theatre and Radio Work

Brian Murphy also performed in many plays and radio shows:

• Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1973) at Theatre Royal Stratford East, where he played the main character, Sweeney Todd.
• On Your Way, Riley (1983) at The Queen's Theatre, playing Arthur Lucan (Old Mother Riley).
• When We Are Married (1986) at Whitehall Theatre, playing Herbert Soppitt.
• Roll on Friday (1989) at Watford Palace Theatre, playing Jim.

From 1987 to 1991, Brian played Ernest Bond in the BBC Radio 4 drama series Citizens. He also appeared in an episode of the Doctor Who audio series by Big Finish Productions in 2019, called "The Home Guard."

Brian and his wife, Linda Regan, also appeared in two episodes of the podcast sitcom Barmy Dale, where he played Mayor, Lord Palmer.

See also

In Spanish: Brian Murphy para niños