But the influence of the show went far beyond Britain.
Its premise was adapted for American television as Three’s Company, introducing the basic concept to a huge new audience.
So when people remember O’Sullivan as Robin Tripp, they are remembering more than one popular character.
They are remembering a role that became part of an international television legacy.
From Robin Tripp to Robin’s Nest
When Man About the House ended, O’Sullivan wasn’t finished with Robin Tripp.
The character returned in the spin-off Robin’s Nest.
This time, Robin’s adventures continued in a different setting as he pursued his relationship with Vicky and became involved in running a restaurant.
The show gave O’Sullivan another opportunity to develop the character audiences had already grown attached to.
It became another successful part of his television career.
For many viewers, O’Sullivan seemed almost impossible to avoid during the height of his popularity.
He was on television.
He was appearing in entertainment coverage.
He was associated with some of the most popular British programs of the period.
And his distinctive style made him instantly recognizable.
As one later tribute noted, his charm and comic timing brought warmth and humor into millions of living rooms.
He Was More Than a Sitcom Actor
It would be easy to remember O’Sullivan solely as Robin Tripp.
But his career was considerably broader.
He played the title character in Dick Turpin, the ITV period adventure series based on the famous 18th-century highwayman.
The role allowed him to demonstrate another side of his abilities.
Rather than relying entirely on the domestic comedy that had made him famous, O’Sullivan could carry an adventure series.
He also appeared in Doctor at Large, Doctor in Charge, and later Me and My Girl.
His career stretched across several decades, demonstrating that his success was not limited to one character or one sitcom.
That variety is an important part of his legacy.
He could play the lovable young man audiences laughed with one year and then take on a completely different role later.
He had the ability to make comedy look natural.
And that is often much harder than it appears.
