Actor John Inman, 71, dies

8/3/07

John Inman, popular for his camp role of Mr Humpries in Are You Being Served?, died on Thursday

Actor John Inman, popular for his memorably camp role of Mr Humpries in 70s sitcom Are You Being Served?, died today in London, aged 71.

He died this morning in St Mary's Hospital in Paddington after suffering a Hepatitis A infection.

His character’s catchphrase “I’m free” and suggestive sexual humour made Inman a star, and since then he starred in more than 40 pantos.

Named BBC personality of the year and 'Funniest Man On Television' by TVTimes in 1976, Inman remained popular long after the show ended in 1985. He went on to star in an Australian version of the show in the early 1980s, and has also appeared on BBC's 2004 show Revolver.

The show also reached the United States in the late 1980s, where it become a cult hit.

When publicly questioned about his sexuality, Inman remained coy for many years, but admitted that he could be bisexual.

However, in late 2005, Inman made his sexuality public when he entered into a civil partnership with partner of 33 years, Ron Lynch. Lynch is said to be “devastated” by his death.



Although the Mr Humpries was widely criticised as a gay stereotype, Actress Rula Lenska, who worked with Inman, defended the gay undertones of the character.

"It was suggestive but never in your face or aggressive. It had an innocent quality that you rarely find today," she told the BBC.

"[Inman] was a joy to work with and even after an exhausting day in pantomime he would have time for the fans who crowded round the stage door."

Wendy Richard, who played shop assistant Miss Brahms in the series told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I've ever worked with.”

"He was a brilliant, brilliant pantomime dame and he was a very good all-round actor, really. He was a true professional."

Inman’s manager Phil Dale said: "John was known and loved throughout the world. He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain."

"John was known for his comedy plays and farces which were enjoyed from London's West End throughout the country and as far as Australia, Canada and the USA."

George Broadhead, secretary of Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association, told Gay.com that at the time of the show, "Inman became a bit of a bete noir for the gay community for promoting stereotypes of gay men as effeminate."

However, he said, " the gay community has grown up since then and has come to appreciate its trailblazers. Inman fits into the same mould as Larry Grayson and Frankie Howard. We can actually see re-runs of Are you Being Served and appreciate their zaniness now, rather than cringing at stereotypes."

For video clips from Are You Being Served?, click here.