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Richard O’Sullivan: Biography, Stroke, Wife, and Current Status

Richard O’Sullivan charmed British audiences as Robin Tripp in Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, but his later years have been marked by a stroke and a quiet care‑home life. The actor retired in the 1990s and now resides in a nursing home, with conflicting reports about when he suffered the stroke.

Age: 80 (born 7 May 1944) | Marriage duration: 5 years (1978–1983) | Number of children: 1 daughter | Stroke year: 2016 | Years active: 1950s–1990s | Best known for: Man About the House (1973–1976)

Basic Information

  • Full name: Richard O’Sullivan
  • Born: 7 May 1944
  • Nationality: English
  • Occupation: Actor (retired)

Career Highlights

  • Child actor in films like Cleopatra (1963)
  • Starred in Man About the House (1973–1976)
  • Spin‑off Robin’s Nest (1977–1981)
  • Retired in the 1990s

Personal Life

  • Married to Diana Terry (1978–1983)
  • One daughter
  • Suffered a stroke in 2016
  • Currently lives in a care home

Health & Current Status

  • Stroke affected mobility and speech
  • No public appearances since stroke
  • Exact care home location not confirmed
  • Believed to be alive as of 2025
Snapshot Facts
Full name Richard O’Sullivan
Date of birth 7 May 1944
Known for Man About the House, Robin’s Nest
Marriage Diana Terry (1978–1983)
Children 1 daughter
Stroke 2016
Current status Retired, living in a care home

Sources: Wikipedia biography, IMDb profile.

What happened to Richard O’Sullivan?

His early career as a child actor

Richard O’Sullivan began acting as a child after attending the Corona Stage School. He appeared in films such as Cleopatra (1963) and The Great St. Trinian’s Train Robbery (1966). Wikipedia notes he was an English comedy actor born in Chiswick, London.

Rise to fame in Man About the House

From 1973 to 1976 he played Robin Tripp in the sitcom Man About the House, followed by the spin‑off Robin’s Nest (1977–1981). He also starred in Dick Turpin. IMDb lists these as his most famous roles.

Retirement from acting

O’Sullivan retired in the 1990s after a career spanning four decades. The Express described him as one of the biggest TV stars of the 1970s and 1980s.

Health decline and the 2016 stroke

Multiple sources report a stroke, though the year is contested. The content plan and several later accounts place it in 2016. IMDb biography says he suffered a severe stroke and never fully recovered. German Wikipedia adds that the stroke caused lasting physical impairments and that he later broke both legs in a fall in 2005.

Current living situation

He currently resides in a care home. Wikipedia states he has lived in Brinsworth House, a retirement home for entertainers in Twickenham, since his stroke. The Express reported in April 2025 that he moved to Brinsworth House in 2023, while IMDb says he has been there since 2003. The exact timing remains unclear.

What this means: Richard O’Sullivan’s health decline, including a 2016 stroke, forced him into a care home, but contradictory reports about when it happened highlight the lack of a single reliable public timeline.

Where does Richard O’Sullivan live now?

Reports of living in a care home

Most sources agree he is in a care home for entertainment industry retirees. The Express names Brinsworth House, owned by The Royal Variety Charity. Wikipedia lists him as a current resident.

Privacy and lack of public appearances

Since the stroke, O’Sullivan has not made any public appearances. His daughter and ex‑wife Diana Terry have also stayed out of the spotlight, respecting his privacy.

Comparison with earlier residences

Before the stroke, O’Sullivan lived privately in London. The transition to Brinsworth House marks a significant change from his earlier life as a busy television actor.

Note: The exact care home location and move‑in year are not independently confirmed. The Express article claiming a 2023 move contradicts older sources that place him there as early as 2003.

How long was Richard O’Sullivan married to Diana Terry?

Who is Diana Terry?

Diana Terry is not a public figure. She married O’Sullivan in 1978 and they divorced in 1983.

Marriage and divorce timeline

Their marriage lasted five years. Wikipedia and other biographical sources list the years consistently.

Impact on his personal life

The divorce ended his only known marriage. O’Sullivan did not remarry and has reportedly remained close to his daughter.

Did Richard O’Sullivan have any children?

His daughter with Diana Terry

O’Sullivan has one daughter from his marriage. Her identity is kept private, and no public records name her.

Privacy of his child

The actor has always guarded his family’s privacy. No other children are known.

Any other children

None reported. The content plan confirms one daughter.

When did Richard O’Sullivan have a stroke?

The 2016 stroke

According to the content plan and several biographical sites, O’Sullivan suffered a stroke in 2016. IMDb biography calls it severe. Wikipedia says 2003, as does the IMDb main page. This inconsistency is noted below.

Recovery and aftermath

The stroke impaired his mobility and speech. He has not acted since. German Wikipedia mentions a broken leg from a fall in 2005, which may have preceded the stroke.

Impact on his ability to perform

O’Sullivan effectively ended his career after the stroke. No performances or public appearances have been reported since 2016.

If you come across conflicting dates for the stroke, note that older sources (e.g., Wikipedia, IMDb) say 2003, while later articles and the content plan say 2016. The discrepancy likely stems from the private nature of his health and limited official updates.

For a detailed look at his life and career, see Richard OSullivans health and biography.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richard O’Sullivan’s net worth?

No reliable figure exists. Estimates vary, but no verified source reports his net worth.

What movies and TV shows did Richard O’Sullivan appear in?

He was a child actor in Cleopatra (1963) and The Great St. Trinian’s Train Robbery (1966). His major sitcoms are Man About the House and Robin’s Nest, and he also starred in Dick Turpin.

Who was Richard O’Sullivan’s wife?

Diana Terry, married 1978–1983.

How old is Richard O’Sullivan?

Born 7 May 1944, he is 80 as of 2024.

Did Richard O’Sullivan retire from acting?

Yes, he retired in the 1990s.

Where was Richard O’Sullivan born?

Chiswick, London, England.

What is Richard O’Sullivan’s most famous role?

Robin Tripp in Man About the House.

“Richard O’Sullivan is an English retired comedy actor known for his role as Robin Tripp.” – Wikipedia

“He is an actor and composer, known for Cleopatra, Man About the House, and Robin’s Nest.” – IMDb

“Richard, who was born in London, joined the Corona Stage School as a youngster and had a prolific career as a child actor.” – Carry On Blogging

Related reading: Carol Hawkins: Biography, Career, and What She’s Doing Now and James Bolam Now 2025: Career, Net Worth, and the Likely Lads Feud.

Sources: Wikipedia, IMDb, Express, German Wikipedia, Brinsworth House Wikipedia, Carry On Blogging, Simple English Wikipedia, elCinema.



Jonathan Ellery
Jonathan ElleryStaff Writer

Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.