Richard Osman: ‘Dad’s Departure and My Food Addiction’

Reflections on Work, Love, Family, and Life

Richard Osman, born in Billericay in 1970, studied Politics and Sociology at Trinity College, Cambridge, before embarking on a career in television production. He became the creative director of Endemol UK and later gained recognition as a presenter on shows like Pointless with Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman’s House of Games, where he met his wife, actress Ingrid Oliver. His first novel, The Thursday Murder Club, became an international bestseller in 2020 and was adapted for Netflix. His latest book, The Impossible Fortune, is set to be published this September. He also co-hosts a weekly podcast, The Rest is Entertainment, with Marina Hyde.

Osman has two adult children from a previous relationship and lives with his wife, Ingrid, in West London. He reflects on key moments that shaped his views on work, love, family, money, and health.

A Different Path

Osman’s mother quickly realized that neither he nor his brother would follow the traditional path expected of them. His brother, Matt, left his job to join the band Suede, while Osman began as a TV researcher. Their mother had hoped they would become doctors or lawyers, but it took her around thirty years to accept their choices. She eventually came to believe they were right in wanting to be part of the conversation rather than adhering to societal expectations.

The Desire to Create

Fame never interested Osman. His goal was to create, write, and entertain. He did not want to be in front of the camera, even though he was proud of his brother’s success. There was no envy; he could not imagine being on stage and having everyone’s attention. However, this experience made him realize there are alternative ways to make a living creatively.

Embracing Anonymity

Being six foot seven meant that Osman spent much of his life drawing attention. Losing anonymity was not a big deal, as people were already staring at him for different reasons. He does not have a plan B and is content with simple pleasures like watching snooker and playing with his cats. While he loves writing, he also enjoys not writing, though he jokes about never releasing a grime album.

Living with Nystagmus

Osman was born with nystagmus, a condition that affects his ability to focus. He sees the world as if through dense fog, with blurred images and halos around lights. This has influenced how he interacts with the world. He learned to maximize what he can do, such as being reactive rather than relying on cues. During a presentation on Have I Got News for You, he struggled with the autocue, leading to misunderstandings online, but it was simply due to his eyes not focusing properly.

Perception and Understanding

Osman does not describe people in his books because he does not see them clearly. He focuses more on how people talk and their attitudes. This perspective has made him empathetic and non-judgmental, especially regarding issues like food addiction. He attributes his early struggles with food to a need for control, which he understands as a way to cope with emotional pain.

Food Addiction and Self-Acceptance

Food addiction is challenging because it is ever-present. Unlike other addictions, you cannot simply stop eating. Osman emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance, noting that without it, one cannot truly love others. He believes that love is about complete acceptance and understanding, allowing each person to grow and thrive together.

Dealing with Trauma

Trauma is an inevitable part of life, but how one deals with it matters. Osman’s parents divorced during the late 1970s, and the experience left a lasting impact. He witnessed his mother’s grief and buried his own pain. Later, when he met his father, he gained a new understanding of his actions, which helped him move forward. He recognizes that his parents were human beings, just like him, and this realization brought him comfort.

Blended Family and Connection

Osman values his blended family, which includes his children, Ingrid’s relatives, and both sets of parents. He finds joy in bringing everyone together, something he and Ingrid always wanted to do. This connection gives him a warm feeling, reinforcing the importance of love and unity.

The Value of Money

Osman appreciates the freedom that money brings, especially the ability to treat others and do good. He respects the values instilled by his grandfather: working hard and earning a fair wage. He plans to keep working until he is 90, finding boredom in retirement. He believes that sharing wealth with others increases happiness and that one must give back to those who supported them along the way.

Final Thoughts

As The Impossible Fortune is set to be published on September 25th, Osman continues to reflect on life’s lessons and the importance of balance, love, and personal growth. His journey highlights the power of resilience, empathy, and the pursuit of purpose.