The entertainment world continues to mourn the loss of beloved sitcom icon Brian Murphy, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 92. It has now been revealed that the actor, best known for his roles in Man About the House and Last of the Summer Wine, left behind a substantial fortune.
A Lasting Legacy: The Contents of the Will
Details from Murphy's will show that he left an estate valued at a staggering £617,000. This significant sum has been placed into a trust for the benefit of his wife, actress Linda Regan, famous for her role in Hi-de-Hi!, and his two sons, Trevor and Kevin, from his first marriage to Carol Gibson.
Following his death at his home in Kent, Linda Regan paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband, stating, "I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate. Brian who I will love forever." His friend and agent, Thomas Bowington, honoured Murphy as a "joyful and profoundly good-hearted man", praising both his talent and humanity.
From George Roper to National Treasure
Brian Murphy's career spanned over six decades, making him a familiar and cherished face on British television. He first found fame in the 1960s, but it was his portrayal of the grumpy George Roper in the hit ITV sitcom Man About the House that turned him into a household name. He appeared in all 39 episodes of the original series.
His performance was so convincing that he reportedly received letters from men seeking advice on their sex lives, hoping to emulate his on-screen persona. The character's popularity led to the successful spin-off, George and Mildred, where he starred alongside Yootha Joyce from 1976 to 1979.
Later in his career, he became a staple of the long-running BBC series Last of the Summer Wine, playing Alvin Smedley, the neighbour of the formidable Nora Batty, between 2003 and 2010. His final on-screen credit was for the 2025 release Mr. Bigstuff, where he played Sweet Old Man; the project aired after his passing.
A Life Well-Lived in the Arts
Reflecting on his life and career in 2016, Murphy expressed deep contentment: "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."
Born on September 25, 1932, on the Isle of Wight, he trained at The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art after completing his National Service with the RAF. His career began in the 1950s with the renowned Theatre Workshop, founded by Joan Littlewood.
Murphy's versatility shone through in a wide range of roles. His early television appearances included shows like The Avengers and Z-Cars. He continued to work steadily in theatre, film, and television throughout his life, with notable later roles in The Booze Cruise and the voice of Mr Lovelybuns in the animated series Claude.
According to his agent, Thomas Bowington, the actor's death followed a sudden attack that caused pain in his back. He was subsequently diagnosed with cancer in his spine and shoulders just three weeks before he died.
