Richard Osman's childhood heartbreak as he admits 'It was the worst thing that ever happened to me'
Richard Osman has been championing the film adaptation of one of his bestselling novels - The Thursday Murder Club, which has a full trailer. At 54 years of age, Osman has built a thriving career not only as a television presenter but also as an acclaimed author and comic.
Osman's celebrated Thursday Murder Club book series has captured Netflix's interest, with major stars linked to its cinematic adaptation. Furthermore, Richard is renowned for creating and formerly hosting the beloved quiz show Pointless.
Born and brought up in Billericay, Essex, he has been open about his challenging childhood experiences, including the moment when at merely nine years old, his father abandoned their family. He revealed the devastating impact it had, creating lasting difficulties for him and his mother.
READ MORE: Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club sees Harry Potter star in huge role
Recounting the harrowing incident, he said: "It was the worst thing that ever happened to me," looking back on the two-decade absence of his father. "He just left and I didn't see him again for 20 years that's hard."
He continued to express how such an experience can throw you off balance: "It derails you and it takes a long time to get back on track. It takes you a lot longer to mature and find yourself."
Despite eventually reconnecting with his father after 20 years, Richard admitted the absence of emotional bond between them.
Regarding whether he felt devastated, he confirmed: "Of course. But the heart doesn't lie. It would be lovely to have that father-son relationship, but there isn't a connection."
Delving into the complexities of their distant relationship, he continued: "If you haven't seen your dad for 20 years you expect something and I would have loved it if we could have been best buddies.
"I'm thankful I have the relationship I now have with my dad. He's a perfectly nice fella I think he's just one of those people who married the wrong person but I don't feel it in my heart. Which is sad," he confessed to The Mirror.
He consistently maintained an incredibly tight bond with his mum Brenda, even purchasing her a stunning property for her retirement in the South Downs of West Sussex.
Richard also has an older brother, Mat, who plays bass for the acclaimed indie group Suede.
He initially met future Suede lead singer Brett Anderson in Haywards Heath, where they performed together in early garage bands including The Pigs and Suave And Elegant.
Mat, who is also an author, saw his first novel, The Ruins, released in February 2020 and has subsequently written two additional books.
Richard is dad to two youngsters from his previous marriage which concluded in divorce.
In December 2022, he married British actress Ingrid Oliver, whom he encountered during her appearance on Richard Osman's House Of Games.
As of 2021, he lived in Chiswick, West London.
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