Obituary of the esteemed actor, Brian Murphy, who served as a Trustee of Actors’ Trust (formerly known as the Actors’ Benevolent Fund) for over 30 years. This obituary was written by Amanda Holt, an actor and member of Actors’ Trust.
Brian Murphy the renowned and much loved actor passed away at home in Kent, on February 1st 2025 aged 92.
Brian was born on September 25th 1932, in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight, the youngest of three brothers. After completing National service at RAF Northwood, he trained at RADA. He joined Joan Littlewood’s Theatre workshop, where he appeared in many critically acclaimed productions including Oh What a Lovely War. After playing many roles on TV in the 1960’s and early 1970’s he became a household name in 1973 through his role as the hapless George Roper, opposite Yootha Joyce as Mildred in ‘Man about the House’. The Show’s success led to the hugely popular spin off George and Mildred.
Brian’s extensive career included roles in series such as Wizardora, One Foot in the Grave, Benidorm, The Bill, The Incredible Mr Tanner, The Booze Cruise, Lame Ducks, Brookside, Mrs Merton & Malcolm, The Catherine Tate Show and playing Alvin Smedley in Last of the Summer Wine. He received a BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of Arthur Lucan in On your way Riley. Film roles include Peter in Ken Russell’s The Boyfriend and Jack in Sparrows Can’t Sing.
On stage Brian played roles in everything from Shakespeare to Ray Cooney Farces including Al Lewis in The Sunshine Boys, Thomas Marvel in The Invisible Man, Ossip in The Government Inspector and he was an extremely funny and engaging pantomime Dame. Brian was also a very well regarded stage director.
Brian’s long diverse and hugely successful career was marked by his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring warmth, humour and relatability to every role he played.
He was a Trustee of the Actors’ Trust for over 30 years.
Brian has two sons Trevor and Kevin. He married the actor Linda Regan in 1995, having met while they were both appearing in Wife Begins at 40 at Eastbourne.
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