Brian Murphy (actor) Brian Murphy (actor) Brian Trevor John Murphy (born 25 September 1932) is 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 as Alvin Smedley in "Last of the Summer Wine". Murphy was born in Ventnor, Isle of Wight, the son of Gerald, a grocer's assistant and Mabel Murphy, both of whom later became restaurateurs. His two brothers Ken and Eric were killed during active service in the Second World War. He was called up to do his national service at
The River (UK TV series) The River (UK TV series) The River is a British TV series from 1988 starring David Essex, Katy Murphy, and David Ryall. "The River" follows the tranquil life of lovable, Cockney, ex-convict Davey Jackson (Essex) who is lock keeper on the canal near the village of Chumley-on-the-Water. His peaceful life is turned upside down by the arrival of the neurotic, sharp-tongued Sarah MacDonald (Murphy). Over the six episodes of the series the love-hate relationship between Davey and Sarah blossoms into a shaky romance, their potential happiness often spoiled by the machinations of Davey's cunning Aunty Betty (Vilma Hollingbery) and the