Brian Murphy

Acting

Brian Murphy

Born September 25, 1932 · Ventnor, Isle of Wight, England, UK

Died February 2, 2025 · aged 92

Brian Trevor John Murphy (25 September 1932 – 2 February 2025) was an English actor and comedian, best known as the henpecked husband George Roper in the popular sitcom Man About the House and its spin-off series George and Mildred, and Stan the shop owner in the children's series Wizadora.

Known For

The DevilsThe Devils · 1971
The Devils
7.41971
MovieDramaHistory
A charismatic 17th-century French priest becomes the target of a sexually obsessed nun’s witchcraft accusations, which corrupt church and state officials are all too happy to exploit.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The EstateThe Estate · 2011
The Estate
4.02011
MovieCrime
The story of a bad boy hoodie & his gang that dominate their zone on a notorious South London Estate, and five families struggle with every day crime. Police corruption is at a high & residents are pushed to the limit
Vacant PossessionVacant Possession · 1966
Vacant Possession
1966
MovieDramaComedy
An estate agent arranges to meet a couple for a viewing at a flat.
San Ferry AnnSan Ferry Ann · 1965
San Ferry Ann
6.41965
MovieComedy
A motley crew of British characters ride The San Ferry Ann to the shores of France where they embark on a weekend of calamity. The campervan family led by Dad and Mum (David Lodge and Joan Sims) create chaos from the moment they set their tires on the shore resulting in frequent run-ins with the Gendarme, while Lewd Grandad (Wilfred Brambell) finds his own misadventures with a newly acquainted friend, a mad German ex-soldier (Ron Moody). Also aboard for the ride is a saucy hitchhiker (Barbara Windsor) who causes a few heads to turn including that of a fellow traveller (Ronnie Stevens) who pursues her affection with comic results. By the end of this weekend the French may well be wishing to say 'au revoir' to these trouble-making tourists. San Ferry Ann is a humorous take on the tradition of the British get-away. A classic sound effect comedy that sits with the likes of similarly praised titles such as 'The Plank', 'Futtock's End' and 'Rhubarb Rhubarb'.
The Boy FriendThe Boy Friend · 1971
The Boy Friend
6.51971
MovieMusicComedy
When the leading lady of a low-budget musical revue sprains her ankle, the assistant stage manager is forced to understudy and perform in her place.
A Gentleman's GameA Gentleman's Game · 2002
A Gentleman's Game
5.22002
MovieDrama
A drama revolving around characters whose lives are transformed one summer at an exclusive East Coast country club.
Room 36Room 36 · 2005
Room 36
3.72005
MovieComedyHorror
Room 36 is a low-budget British thriller shot in black-and-white from director Jim Groom. Hit man Conner is supposed to meet MP Helen Woods in a hotel room to exchange money for microfilm. Things get really messed up when a call girl accidentally arrives in room 38 instead of room 36. Starring Paul Herzberg, Portia Booroff, and Brian Murphy. Room 36 premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
Run For Your WifeRun For Your Wife · 2012
Run For Your Wife
4.42012
MovieComedy
John Smith has been happily involved in a bigamous marriage for five years. He lives with Stephanie in Finsbury and Michelle in Stockwell. Fortunately, for John, he's a taxi driver which involves varying shift work! Simple? Well, when John unwittingly becomes a have-a-go hero and the Finsbury and Stockwell police forces discover something suspicious in their paperwork, John's happy bubble is about to be burst. The action of the movie takes place during the next hectic 24 hours as John, with the assistance of his gullible neighbor Gary, rush between North and South London attempting to thwart the police and prevent the two loving wives coming face to face!

Movies

The DevilsThe Devils · 1971
The Devils
7.41971
MovieDramaHistory
A charismatic 17th-century French priest becomes the target of a sexually obsessed nun’s witchcraft accusations, which corrupt church and state officials are all too happy to exploit.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The EstateThe Estate · 2011
The Estate
4.02011
MovieCrime
The story of a bad boy hoodie & his gang that dominate their zone on a notorious South London Estate, and five families struggle with every day crime. Police corruption is at a high & residents are pushed to the limit
Vacant PossessionVacant Possession · 1966
Vacant Possession
1966
MovieDramaComedy
An estate agent arranges to meet a couple for a viewing at a flat.
San Ferry AnnSan Ferry Ann · 1965
San Ferry Ann
6.41965
MovieComedy
A motley crew of British characters ride The San Ferry Ann to the shores of France where they embark on a weekend of calamity. The campervan family led by Dad and Mum (David Lodge and Joan Sims) create chaos from the moment they set their tires on the shore resulting in frequent run-ins with the Gendarme, while Lewd Grandad (Wilfred Brambell) finds his own misadventures with a newly acquainted friend, a mad German ex-soldier (Ron Moody). Also aboard for the ride is a saucy hitchhiker (Barbara Windsor) who causes a few heads to turn including that of a fellow traveller (Ronnie Stevens) who pursues her affection with comic results. By the end of this weekend the French may well be wishing to say 'au revoir' to these trouble-making tourists. San Ferry Ann is a humorous take on the tradition of the British get-away. A classic sound effect comedy that sits with the likes of similarly praised titles such as 'The Plank', 'Futtock's End' and 'Rhubarb Rhubarb'.
The Boy FriendThe Boy Friend · 1971
The Boy Friend
6.51971
MovieMusicComedy
When the leading lady of a low-budget musical revue sprains her ankle, the assistant stage manager is forced to understudy and perform in her place.
A Gentleman's GameA Gentleman's Game · 2002
A Gentleman's Game
5.22002
MovieDrama
A drama revolving around characters whose lives are transformed one summer at an exclusive East Coast country club.
Room 36Room 36 · 2005
Room 36
3.72005
MovieComedyHorror
Room 36 is a low-budget British thriller shot in black-and-white from director Jim Groom. Hit man Conner is supposed to meet MP Helen Woods in a hotel room to exchange money for microfilm. Things get really messed up when a call girl accidentally arrives in room 38 instead of room 36. Starring Paul Herzberg, Portia Booroff, and Brian Murphy. Room 36 premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
Run For Your WifeRun For Your Wife · 2012
Run For Your Wife
4.42012
MovieComedy
John Smith has been happily involved in a bigamous marriage for five years. He lives with Stephanie in Finsbury and Michelle in Stockwell. Fortunately, for John, he's a taxi driver which involves varying shift work! Simple? Well, when John unwittingly becomes a have-a-go hero and the Finsbury and Stockwell police forces discover something suspicious in their paperwork, John's happy bubble is about to be burst. The action of the movie takes place during the next hectic 24 hours as John, with the assistance of his gullible neighbor Gary, rush between North and South London attempting to thwart the police and prevent the two loving wives coming face to face!
George & MildredGeorge & Mildred · 1980
George & Mildred
8.01980
MovieComedy
Big screen spin-off of the Seventies sitcom. Mildred Roper is determined to make husband George celebrate their wedding anniversary in style, at a posh hotel in London. However, upon arrival George is mistaken by a gangland criminal for a rival hitman, and soon the Ropers find themselves up to their necks in trouble on the wrong side of the law!
I'm Not Feeling Myself TonightI'm Not Feeling Myself Tonight · 1976
I'm Not Feeling Myself Tonight
3.61976
MovieComedy
Virginal nerd Jon Pigeon, manages to secure a job in a sex research institute where the patients run about the corridors naked, nude aerobics are encouraged and no man is safe from the crotch-grabbing tea lady. In his attempts to seduce pretty office secretary Cheryl, Pigeon invents a machine called Agnes that emits a 'sonic aphrodisiac' guaranteed to turn any man or woman into an slathering sex maniac. Although his attempts to zap Cheryl are singularly unsuccessful, Pigeon gets some interesting results when he accidentally turns the 'sex ray' on his bullying boss Nutbrown and the prudish Mary Watchtower.
Man About the HouseMan About the House · 1974
Man About the House
4.91974
MovieComedy
An unscrupulous property developer wants to flatten the street to make way for new buildings. Householder George Roper is happy to take the offered money and run but his wife Mildred and their lodgers join with other residents to take a stand and keep things as they are.
One Foot in the Grave: The Man Who Blew AwayOne Foot in the Grave: The Man Who Blew Away · 1994
One Foot in the Grave: The Man Who Blew Away
1.01994
MovieComedy
The Meldrews get a surprise visit from Mr. Foskett, whom they know only because they stayed in the same guest house 17 years ago.
Just Like a WomanJust Like a Woman · 1967
Just Like a Woman
5.71967
MovieComedy
Lewis and Scilla's rocky marriage finally breaks apart – a situation made worse by the fact that Scilla is a key part of the television show that Lewis produces. But while Lewis copes by picking up a passing starlet, Scilla indulges her passion for bathrooms by getting one custom-designed by an ex-Nazi architect!
The Mumbo JumboThe Mumbo Jumbo · 2000
The Mumbo Jumbo
7.02000
MovieScience FictionFantasy
A cynical young American, Thomas Doubting, stumbles upon a magical amulet which takes him on a mysterious journey to the island of Sinmouth. The eccentric locals believe he is the lost legend of "Mumbo Jumbo" - an entity who will restore their fortunes and rescue the beautiful Princess Vanilla. On his journey, the Mumbo Jumbo discovers Sinmouth's dark secret and saves the inhabitants from their greatest enemy and his villainous slave.
The Booze CruiseThe Booze Cruise · 2003
The Booze Cruise
8.02003
MovieDramaComedy
A group of men from Kent; Clive (Martin Clunes), Rob (Neil Pearson), Dave (Mark Benton), Maurice (Brian Murphy) and Daniel (Ben Whishaw) - go on a booze cruise to France, with mixed success and many mishaps along the way. Events involving their wives and families back home also form a large part of the plot.
Sparrows Can't SingSparrows Can't Sing · 1963
Sparrows Can't Sing
5.31963
MovieComedyDrama
Charlie returns to the East End after two years at sea to find his house demolished and wife Maggie gone. Everyone else knows she is now shacked up with married bus driver Bert and a toddler, and they all watch with more than a little interest at the trail of mayhem Charlie leaves as he goes about sorting things out.
Black JackBlack Jack · 1981
Black Jack
10.01981
MovieCrimeDrama
Sir Thomas Bedford orchestrates the heist of a Spanish casino, with the aid of a singer performing there. The police are aware of their activities, and a hostage situation arises.
The Diary of a NobodyThe Diary of a Nobody · 1964
The Diary of a Nobody
6.01964
MovieComedyTV Movie
Ken Russell's silent film treatment of the 19th century comic novel by the Brothers Grossmith - George and Weedon. Starring Bryan Pringle, Avril Elgar and Murray Melvin. Adapted by Ken Russell and John McGrath. First shown on BBC2 at 10.10pm on Saturday 12th December 1964 - as part of the 'Six' strand.
The PlankThe Plank · 1979
The Plank
7.41979
MovieComedy
Classic short British comedy, full of stars, about two workmen delivering planks to a building site. This is done with music and a sort of "wordless dialogue" which consists of a few mumbled sounds to convey the appropriate emotion. TV remake of the 1967 short.
The Ragman's DaughterThe Ragman's Daughter · 1972
The Ragman's Daughter
4.21972
MovieCrimeDrama
Based on the Alan Sillitoe short story. The film tells the story of the ill-fated love between Tony, a petty thief from a working-class family, and Doris, the daughter of an upwardly mobile scrap dealer.
It's Your MoveIt's Your Move · 1982
It's Your Move
7.91982
MovieComedy
A silent slapstick comedy depicting the travails of young couple moving into a new home, who hire an accident-prone firm of house removers, headed by Sykes. It features an all-star cast including Tommy Cooper, Bernard Cribbins, Jimmy Edwards, Irene Handl, Bob Todd and Andrew Sachs.
Last Of The Summer Wine: 30 Years Of LaughsLast Of The Summer Wine: 30 Years Of Laughs · 2022
Last Of The Summer Wine: 30 Years Of Laughs
2022
MovieDocumentary
This new special reveals the secrets of the long-running sitcom's extraordinary success. Helped by former cast and crew members, families of the stars no longer with us, and celebrity fans, we learn the secrets of this comedy classic and get to see previously unseen interviews and rare behind-the-scenes archive footage.
On Your Way, Riley!On Your Way, Riley! · 1985
On Your Way, Riley!
8.01985
MovieDramaTV Movie
Biopic of Arthur Lucan, who portrayed Old Mother Riley for over twenty years on stage and screen.
Misty MountainMisty Mountain · 2006
Misty Mountain
2006
Movie
While based in a remote NATO radar station in Iceland in late 1960's, Warren occasionally time traveled into the future - to the year 2006 - and now as his former destination in time becomes his present, he returns to prevent the death of a woman he fell in love with during his travels.

TV Shows

CasualtyCasualty · 1986
Casualty
6.21986
SeriesDrama
Drama series about the staff and patients at Holby City Hospital's emergency department, charting the ups and downs in their personal and professional lives.
Z-CarsZ-Cars · 1962
Z-Cars
7.31962
SeriesDrama
Z-Cars or Z Cars is a British television drama series centred on the work of mobile uniformed police in the fictional town of Newtown, based on Kirkby, Merseyside. Produced by the BBC, it debuted in January 1962 and ran until September 1978.
The AvengersThe Avengers · 1961
The Avengers
7.81961
SeriesCrime
A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners. Jonathan Steed - an urbane, proper gentleman spy - teams with various assistants throughout the series' run, including Dr. David Keel, Cathy Gale, Emma Peel and Tara King, to repeatedly save the world from diabolical schemes plotted by equally diabolical evil-doers (among them robots and man-eating monsters).
Last of the Summer WineLast of the Summer Wine · 1973
Last of the Summer Wine
7.11973
SeriesComedy
Unencumbered by wives, jobs or any other responsibilities, three senior citizens who've never really grown up explore their world in the Yorkshire Dales. They spend their days speculating about their fellow townsfolk and thinking up adventures not usually favored by the elderly. Last of the Summer Wine premiered as an episode of Comedy Playhouse in 1973. The show ran for 295 episodes until 2010. It is the longest running comedy Britain has produced and the longest running sitcom in the world.
HustleHustle · 2004
Hustle
7.72004
SeriesComedyCrime
A motley group of London con artists pull of a series of daring and intricate stings.
Jonathan CreekJonathan Creek · 1997
Jonathan Creek
7.61997
SeriesMysteryComedy
Working from his home in a converted windmill, Jonathan Creek is a magician with a natural ability for solving puzzles. He soon puts this ability to the use of solving impossible crimes and mysterious murders.
Dixon of Dock GreenDixon of Dock Green · 1955
Dixon of Dock Green
6.01955
SeriesDrama
Dixon of Dock Green was a BBC television series following the activities of police officers at a fictional Metropolitan Police station in the East End of London from 1955 to 1976. Some episodes were later remade as a BBC radio series in 2005 and 2006.
PlebsPlebs · 2013
Plebs
7.32013
SeriesComedy
Sitcom about three desperate young men from the suburbs who try to get laid, hold down jobs and climb the social ladder in the big city - which just happens to be ancient Rome.
Sooty & Co.Sooty & Co. · 1993
Sooty & Co.
7.21993
SeriesComedy
Second incarnation of the childrens puppet show, picking up almost directly where "The Sooty show" left off Sooty, Sweep, Soo and little cousin Scampi continue their adventures with Matthew.
CallanCallan · 1967
Callan
7.01967
SeriesDrama
Callan is the title of a British television series set in the murky world of espionage. Originally produced by ABC Weekend Television and later Thames Television, it was aired on the ITV network over four seasons spread out between 1967 and 1972. The series starred Edward Woodward as David Callan, a reluctant professional killer for a shadowy branch of the British Government's intelligence services known as 'the Section'.
Man About the HouseMan About the House · 1973
Man About the House
7.11973
SeriesComedy
Man About the House is a British sitcom created and written by Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer, and starring Paula Wilcox, Sally Thomsett, Richard O'Sullivan, Brian Murphy, and Yootha Joyce. Six series were broadcast on ITV from 15 August 1973 to 7 April 1976. It was considered daring at the time because it featured a man sharing a London flat with two single women. Single roommates Chrissy and Jo search for a third tenant to help pay the rent, they intend on finding another female. But then they encounter Robin Tripp... who's looking for a place to stay. Two spin-offs were produced: George and Mildred (1976–79) and Robin's Nest (1977–81). A film adaptation was released in 1974 and, in 1977, the series was remade for American audiences as Three's Company.
The Catherine Tate ShowThe Catherine Tate Show · 2004
The Catherine Tate Show
6.92004
SeriesComedy
Comedy legend Catherine Tate plays all her best-loved characters in this riotous sketch show. Expect sulky teens, offensive nans and the most tactless women in the world.
ButterfliesButterflies · 1978
Butterflies
7.21978
SeriesComedy
Ria Parkinson is a bored housewife and mother. She spends her time daydreaming, and meets regularly with wealthy businessman Leonard to relieve the monotony. Husband Ben, a dentist and avid butterfly collector is oblivious to it all, and her unemployed grown up sons, who both live at home also have other things on their minds, especially girlfriends.
The CaféThe Café · 2011
The Café
6.82011
SeriesComedyDocumentary
A family-owned seaside café in Weston-super-Mare hosts some colorful customers in this warm comedy series.
Pond LifePond Life · 1996
Pond Life
7.21996
SeriesAnimationComedy
Pond Life is a British animated television series that was written and directed by Candy Guard and follows the misadventures of its neurotic and self-obsessed protagonist, Dolly Pond. Two series were broadcast on Channel 4 in 1996 and 2000. A series of 13x15minute episodes was screened from 3 to 18 December 1996, mainly at 5.45pm, but two episodes exploring more adult themes were reserved for a double screening at 11.25pm. This series was repeated between March and June 1998. A second series of 7x30minute episodes followed between 19–30 September 2000 to tie-in with Channel 4's Animation Week of 23–29 September 2000. The series began life in 1992 with a pilot episode entitled I Want a Boyfriend ... Or Do I?, co-commissioned by Channel 4 and S4C. Pond Life was Guard's second breakthrough and was commissioned by Channel 4 in 1996. Scheduling problems marred the series' reception; it was originally intended for broadcast at 9.45pm, but was shown four hours earlier, which required edits to remove adult language. It was shown at the same time as Australian soap Neighbours, and was aimed at the same core audience as the soap. Despite these problems, Pond Life won several awards and received a Writer's Guild nomination for Best Sitcom. Guard was pleased because it was up against several live-action comedy series, including Only Fools and Horses. A second series was broadcast in 2000.
The MisfitThe Misfit · 1970
The Misfit
9.01970
SeriesComedy
The Misfit is an ATV sitcom created by Roy Clarke, broadcast from 1970 to 1971 on ITV. Basil Allenby-Johnson returns from Colonial Malaya to an England just emerging from the swinging sixties, a home he no longer recognises.
SunburnSunburn · 1999
Sunburn
4.81999
SeriesComedyDrama
Sunburn is a British television series that followed the lives of a group of British holiday reps. It was broadcast on BBC One between 16 January 1999 and 1 May 2000, running for two series of six and eight episodes respectively. The first was set and filmed in Cyprus and the second in Algarve. The cast included Michelle Collins, Rebecca Callard, Sharon Small, George Layton and Sean Maguire, with Paul Nicholas joining later. The series was created by Mike Bullen, who was interested in the behind-the-scenes lives of holiday reps after watching the docusoap Holiday Reps. Bullen wrote most of the first series but scaled back his involvement in the second; most of that series' episodes were written by Lizzie Mickery and Sally Wainwright.
George and MildredGeorge and Mildred · 1976
George and Mildred
6.91976
SeriesComedy
A middle-aged housewife feels frustrated with her mean and miserable husband, the married couple adapting to life in an up-market housing estate.
Lame DucksLame Ducks · 1984
Lame Ducks
6.31984
SeriesComedy
Lame Ducks is a British television sitcom made by the BBC in 1984 and written by Peter J. Hammond. In one of the more dark and surreal plotlines, it starred John Duttine as Brian Drake, a man who, when suffering a serious injury after being hit by a truck, can no longer work and decides to head off to live as a hermit. As he goes along, he is joined by various other outcasts, including a woman called Angie. Later, a private detective called Ansell, hired by Drake's wife, locates the group, but as an outcast himself, decides to join them. The show ran for two series.
The MoonstoneThe Moonstone · 1972
The Moonstone
8.01972
SeriesDramaMystery
A priceless jewel, originally plundered from a Hindu shrine, is presented to Rachel Verinder on her 18th birthday. The jewel goes missing and suspicion falls over the household, threatening to destroy someone close to Rachel's heart.
The Booze CruiseThe Booze Cruise · 2003
The Booze Cruise
7.42003
SeriesDramaComedy
The Booze Cruise is a series of three feature length comedy dramas written for British television by Paul Minett and Brian Leveson. The first episode in the series was first shown on ITV in 2003. The three episodes have received mixed reviews, with the Radio Times describing it as "like comedy in 1973" and also "you can see each joke a mile off", but generally liking the show.
Mrs Merton and MalcolmMrs Merton and Malcolm · 1999
Mrs Merton and Malcolm
7.31999
SeriesComedy
Mrs Merton and Malcolm was a six-episode BBC One sitcom produced by Granada Television, and transmitted by BBC One in 1999. The series was written by Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash and Henry Normal. Network DVD published the series on DVD in 2008.