British comedy actor Richard O’Sullivan, familiar to Danish viewers from the series “Dick Turpin”, has died at the age of 82.
The Danish broadcaster DR reported the death on September 4, 2026, citing the news agency Ritzau. O’Sullivan was known for roles in “Dick Turpin” and “Doctor at Large”. His family confirmed the death to the BBC.
His son, James O’Sullivan, said in a statement that his father was as funny and charming in real life as he appeared on television. As reported by DR, the son described him as kind, good humored, a loving grandfather and a wonderful father.
James O’Sullivan added that much of the career took place before he was born. He said he saw his father’s talent in the many repeats of his programs, which made him a respected and loved actor.
Richard O’Sullivan was born in London in 1944. He began his career as a child actor in the 1950s and 1960s, playing small parts in dramas, according to DR. He was 82 years old at the time of his death.
In “Dick Turpin” he played the title role as a highwayman. The series was broadcast on Danish television by DR during the 1980s.
Died at a home for former entertainers
O’Sullivan died at a care home in west London, where he had lived for 23 years, DR reported. Deadline identifies the home as Brinsworth House in Twickenham. The facility is run by the Royal Variety Charity for former entertainers.
According to Deadline, he moved there after suffering a stroke in 2003. The outlet reports that he remained at the home for the rest of his life.
The BBC reported the death on September 4, 2026, after the family made the announcement. British outlets also listed “Man About the House” among his best known television roles.
An obituary published by The Guardian gives his date of birth as May 7, 1944. The same obituary states that he died on September 4, 2026.
O’Sullivan’s screen work spanned several decades of British comedy and drama. His series were widely repeated, including on Danish screens, keeping his performances in circulation long after they were first made.
