Robin Askwith shares heartbreaking tribute to Richard O’Sullivan as he mourns ‘dear friend’ of 50 years
Robin Askwith has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime friend Richard O’Sullivan following the beloved sitcom star’s death aged 82.
The pair shared a friendship spanning more than five decades after becoming part of the same generation of British comedy stars who rose to prominence during the 1970s.
Following news of Mr O’Sullivan’s death on Friday, Mr Askwith, 75, took to social media to share his heartbreak alongside a photograph of the late actor laughing.
He wrote: “Anyone who knows anything about me knows this hurts.
The Royal Variety Charity confirmed Richard O’Sullivan’s death on Friday
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“He was the greatest actor of his generation, making comedy look simple and solid drama even more effortless.
“He was a rascal, and I loved him… Richard O’Sullivan RIP.”
Mr Askwith ended his message with a reference likely to hold special meaning for the pair, adding: “I’ll just say…sausage rolls…!” (sic)
The tribute comes shortly after Mr Askwith had celebrated his friend’s 82nd birthday, sharing another warm moment with Mr O’Sullivan during a FaceTime call.
Robin Askwith said Richard O’Sullivan was a ‘rascal’ as he shared an emotional tribute to the late actor
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ROBIN ASKWITH/X
Their friendship stretched back more than half a century, with both actors becoming familiar faces during the golden age of British television comedy.
Mr O’Sullivan became a household name through his roles in classic sitcoms including Man About the House and its spin-off Robin’s Nest, while Mr Askwith found fame playing Timmy Lea in the Confessions film series.
Their careers also shared a remarkable connection, with Mr O’Sullivan allegedly having been offered the lead role in Confessions of a Window Cleaner before turning it down.
The role ultimately went to Mr Askwith and helped propel him to stardom.
Mr Askwith declared ‘this hurts’ as he mourned his friend of more than 50 years
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Away from the cameras, the pair maintained a close friendship throughout the decades, with Mr Askwith previously sharing photographs and memories from their younger years, including holidays together in Malta during the 1970s.
Mr O’Sullivan largely stepped away from public life after suffering a stroke in 2003 and subsequently lived at Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity’s care home for members of the entertainment industry.
Mr Askwith remained a close friend, regularly keeping in touch and sharing affectionate updates about the sitcom star with fans.
The Royal Variety Charity confirmed Mr O’Sullivan’s death on Friday, revealing he had been surrounded by close family at Brinsworth House.
Anyone who knows anything about me knows this hurts
He was the greatest actor of his generation,making comedy look simple and solid drama even more effortless
He was a rascal and I loved him…
Richard O’ Sullivan
RIP
I’ll just say….sausage rolls…….! pic.twitter.com/281n50nCFv— Robin Askwith (@Robin_Askwith) September 4, 2026
Its Life-President, Giles Cooper, described the actor as “a master of effortless charm and impeccable comic timing”.
He added that Mr O’Sullivan brought “pure warmth, wit, and unforgettable joy to millions of living rooms as a true giant of British television”.
Mr O’Sullivan’s son James also paid a moving tribute, describing his father as “as funny and charming in real life as he appeared on our TV screens over the years”.
Tessa Wyatt and Richard O’Sullivan in Robin’s Nest
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He remembered him as “always kind spirited, good humoured, a doting grandfather and a wonderful dad”, adding: “I will miss him dearly.”
James also thanked staff at Brinsworth House for the “love, kindness and care” they had shown his father during his 23 years at the home.
Tributes quickly poured in from viewers who had grown up watching the beloved actor on screen, with fans remembering performances spanning comedy and drama.
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