Rest in peace John!
Posted on 03/08/2007 8:54:27 AM PST by rpage3
LONDON (Reuters) - Actor John Inman, best known for his role as camp shop assistant Mr Humphries in the long-running BBC comedy "Are You Being Served?" died aged 71 on Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Inman, who later became a pantomime regular, was one of the sitcom's most memorable cast members and his catchphrase "I'm free" became part of popular culture.
In 1976, he was voted "Funniest Man On Television" by readers of TV Times magazine and was also named BBC TV's "Personality Of The Year."
He died at St Mary's Hospital in London after having been ill for some time, his manager Phil Dale said in a statement.
"John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world," Dale said.
"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."
Inman's long-term partner Ron Lynch was "devastated" at the news, the BBC said.
Actress Wendy Richard, who played Miss Brahms in "Are You Being Served?," said she had been regularly visiting Inman who had been seriously ill with Hepatitis A.
"You just have to regard it as being an end to his suffering," a tearful Richard told BBC radio.
"I think John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I have ever worked with. He was a brilliant, brilliant pantomime dame. He was a very good all round actor really."
Inman's character Mr Humphries attracted criticism at the height of the department store-based sitcom's success from some gay rights groups who were upset by what they saw as his portrayal of an over-the-top homosexual.
"He never ever said Mr Humphries was gay," Richard said. "He was just a young man who was very, very good to his mother."
Rest in peace John!
*deep voice* Menswear.
I liked that Show. Wasn't he the gay guy ?
That was a funny show. RIP.
Yes he was. It's a shame he died of Hepatitis A - I wonder what he ate that did that?
I always liked him! Bless you John for all the joy you gave people.
RIP.
The greatest Britcom of all time (imho) -- Yes, (Prime) Minister !
Watch that show, no study that show, and you will understand liberals better.
He was gay? :0)
I liked that show alot. I used to watch it with my grandma all the time. That and Keeping Up Appearances, both those shows are classics.
A very funny man, on a VERY silly show. :)
That is too bad. I wonder how many of the rest of the cast are doing? They looked so old in those remakes and movies later. We own several of the series; I guess watch a few and hoist a pint tonight.
I used to love this show. Is Mrs. Slocum still alive?
The show was supposed to be a vehicle for wise guy Mr. Lucas (Trevor Bannister). Mr.'Umphries stole the show.
lol... funny (and good) point.. the gay right's community that was up in arms about his portrayal were assuming he was gay.. which means they were the ones who were stereotyping actions...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.