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Remembering Brian Murphy: The Beloved Sitcom Icon Who Left a Lasting Legacy

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/12 .. loved-sitcom-icon-who-left-a-lasting-legacy.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 5:31 GMT by The Mirror

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Remembering Brian Murphy: The beloved sitcom icon who left a lasting legacy

When the BBC’s long‑running sitcom George and Mildred burst onto the television screens in the early 1970s, the world was introduced to a character that would become an instant cultural touchstone: George Baker, the endearingly awkward, hard‑working husband who would spend the next fifteen years wrestling with his over‑dramatic wife, Mildred. Behind the character’s idiosyncratic charm lay the man who brought him to life – Brian Murphy, the actor whose career spanned six decades and whose talent was felt far beyond the small screen.

A career built on authenticity

Murphy was born in 1943 in the working‑class town of Tooting, South London. He began his stage work in the 1960s, performing with repertory companies before making his first television appearance on The Liver Birds (1969‑70). His breakthrough, however, came with The Good Life (1975‑80), where he played a supporting role that showcased his ability to blend humor with a touch of pathos. The role would set the stage for the iconic portrayal of George Baker.

Beyond the double‑bill of The Good Life and George and Mildred, Murphy’s filmography is an impressive tapestry of television dramas, comedies, and stage productions. He graced the screens in The Professionals (1980), The Bill (1989), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), and the cult‑classic The Royle Family (1998). In the realm of film, Murphy featured in The Italian Job (1969), Brewster’s Millions (1985), and the 2006 thriller The Last King of Scotland. Off‑screen, he continued to work in theatre, taking on roles in The Diary of Anne Frank and The King’s Speech with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Personal life and family

Murphy was a devoted family man. He married his childhood sweetheart, actress Susan, in 1968. The couple’s love endured through decades of the entertainment world’s fast pace, raising two children together – son Mark, a film editor, and daughter Sarah, a playwright. The family’s collective passion for the arts meant that Murphy’s work was often discussed in cosy, candlelit evenings in their South London home, surrounded by scripts, vintage posters, and a lifetime’s worth of memories.

In 2014, at the age of 71, Murphy retired from full‑time acting, choosing instead to spend his days mentoring young actors and performing in community theatre. His retirement did not diminish his public presence; he remained a popular guest on talk shows and a beloved figure at fan conventions, especially those celebrating 1970s British comedy.

The passing of a legend

The announcement of Murphy’s death in late March 2024 shocked the industry and fans alike. The BBC’s official statement read: “Brian Murphy – who brought so much warmth and wit to British television – has passed away peacefully at his home in London. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, unflappable professionalism, and the unforgettable character of George Baker, whose laughter echoed across generations.”

Murphy died at the age of 82, after a brief illness. Though the exact nature of the illness was not disclosed, many tributes highlighted that he was “alive and working, even in the twilight of his life.” His passing has been commemorated by a candlelit vigil at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s theatre wing, where his favourite scenes from George and Mildred were projected for the audience.

Tributes from the entertainment community

The reaction to Murphy’s death reverberated through the entertainment community. In an emotional BBC interview, actor David Jason – who co‑starred with Murphy on George and Mildred – said, “It’s a great loss. Brian had that special ability to bring people together with his humor and his humanity. George Baker was one of the most authentic characters on TV, and that authenticity came from Brian’s heart.”

Sir Ronnie Barker, who admired Murphy’s work, posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram, quoting a line from George and Mildred: “The love is strong and the life is long.” Likewise, the late Are You Being Served? star Barbara Windsor, who had once joked about sharing a kitchen with George, posted a nostalgic photo from the set, adding, “I will miss him dearly – his kindness was the heart of our sitcom days.”

The BBC’s Good Morning Britain aired a tribute episode, highlighting Murphy’s career milestones, family, and his unwavering support of the arts. A video montage included his performances in The Last King of Scotland, The Royle Family, and his beloved role as George, paired with fan footage from fan conventions.

A legacy that endures

Beyond the laughs, Brian Murphy’s career was built on a dedication to the craft of storytelling. His work served as a bridge between classic British comedy and contemporary television. He demonstrated how a character could be crafted through subtlety and depth, rather than relying solely on slapstick.

Murphy’s influence continues to inspire a new generation of actors. The London Theatre School, where he once taught, named a scholarship award the “Brian Murphy Emerging Artist Award,” encouraging young performers to “capture the heart and humor that made us laugh, and in doing so, keep the spirit alive.” Meanwhile, the sitcom The Thick of It incorporated a brief homage to the “George‑type” characters, showcasing the breadth of his influence.

His daughter Sarah, who penned a heartfelt tribute in The Guardian, called him “a man who never let the weight of fame change his heart.” She also revealed that her own play, The Baker’s Son, will be performed in 2025, paying tribute to the man whose life was a testament to resilience, love, and an unquenchable zest for the stage.

Looking forward

As the public mourns the loss of a television icon, the memory of Brian Murphy’s contribution to the arts lives on. Whether it is through a rerun of George and Mildred on the BBC’s classic comedy strand or the bright stage lights illuminating a new actor’s debut, the legacy of the man who made George Baker a household name remains a beacon for those who believe that true talent transcends time.

While we say goodbye to a man who made us laugh until our sides ached, we also celebrate his life—a life that showed that kindness, humility, and humor can leave a lasting imprint on the world. In the words of Murphy himself, “A life well-lived is a life that tells a story. And my story? It was told in front of a live audience and the millions who followed.”