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John Inman, a star of the British television sitcom Are You Being Served?, died early this morning.
The actor, 71, died in St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, at 4am after being ill for some time, his manager, Phil Dale said.
“John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world," Mr 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."
The actor suffered from hepatitis A and had been taken into hospital for tests after problems with his liver. It was revealed that he had the disease after illness forced him to cancel the opening of a pantomime in London on December 9, 2004. Mr Dale said at the time that it was “not a serious illness” and that Inman was expected to be “fine”.
Inman played camp salesman Mr Humphries in the comedy series Are You Being Served? for a decade from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. He starred alongside Wendy Richard, who went on to play Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, as well as Molly Sugden, Frank Thornton and Trevor Bannister.
Are You Being Served? ran on the BBC from 1972 to 1985 and depicted the antics of the staff of Grace Brothers, an old-fashioned department store. Inman’s character, the senior sales assistant in the menswear department, was known for his catchphrase “I’m free” and for his overt campness. The actor’s portrayal of the character brought him praise and criticism. In 1976 he was awarded BBC TV’s Personality Of The Year but he was also attacked by gay groups offended by his stereotypical portrayal of a theatrical homosexual, although Inman argued that Mr Humphries's sexual orientation was never stated.
Inman's manager said he hoped the actor would be remembered as a “genuine British comedian”. He said: “It’s a talent for that slightly camp comedy that can’t come from any other country in the world.” He added that Ron Lynch, Inman's partner of 35 years with whom he entered into a civil partnership in December 2005, "is absolutely devastated and, at the moment, inconsolable".

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I just wanted to say that John Inman will be missed. I have watched Have you been served since my kid's were small. They are all grown now, I never miss watdhing it everytime it is on. I look forward to the weekend so that I can watch all the british comedies. He was my favorite.My grandkid's have grown up watching them with me. I went to Dallas several year's ago when he was at the mall sighning book's and meeting people. I didn't make it in time. He had left before I could get there. I was so disappointed. I bought one of his signed book's about have you been served. We all loved him.
patsybain, point east tawokoni, united states/texas
John Inman and the rest of the "Are You Being Served" cast have entertained me through many difficult times with wit and wonderful talent. Thanks to all of them, but especially to John. I had hoped to see him live in pantomime one day.
Kate, Madison, WI, USA
rest in peace. my mom got me hooked on your show, and she left us 8 yrs to the day you died. i hope you both met up in glory that first day in heaven. thank you for making us all laugh and love u. eric
eric troxell, ashville, pa united states
I just stumbled across this site and am saddened to learn of the passing of one of my favorite actors. I have enjoyed Are You Being Served over and over. The American title Are you Being Served Again was also one to watch again and again. What a joy of life did Mr. Inman portray.
Sheryl Hart, Williamsburg, USA, Pennsylvania
John Inman was a wonderful, uniquely talented, delightful comedy actor.
How terrible he is no longer with us.
Tom MacKinnon, London, England
I know this is late (3 OCT 07), but I have only begun to be a fan of the show. I've now going through all the DVDs of the series, which are available at my public library. It hits hard that just when I start researching the show and its cast that one of my favorite actors on it died this year. On one of the DVDs (DVD #7, I think), there is a tribute of sorts to him with him being interviewed. While he looked a lot older than on the show, it was still him. I was actually hoping to hear that they were going to do a reunion show. Put them all back in the store. Maybe their retirement pension went bust and they had to work again as many senior citizens do these days. I know it was just wishful thinking. Now with Mr. Inman's death, that will never happen. Without him, AYBS? wouldn't be the same. You will not be forgotten, Mr. Inman.
Scott Jensen, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
I met Mr. Inman while he was visiting Detroit Public Television for a fundraiser. He was a gracious gentleman and I am so very sad to hear of his passing. I will not soon forget him. As I am writing this I hear the Are you Being served theme on my tele. I hear Johns voice, and laughter and I'm going to go watch with a heavy heart and a big smile. Thank you John.
scott booth, ferndale , michigan
im only 11 and i dont really know much about him but i miss him:(n
Frances, melbourne,
i just found out today by accident and it broke my heart. he was so very funny and camp and it probably sounds silly but if i were feeling blue or a bit depressed i would watch re runs of are you being served and are you being served again and it would always cheer me up. i surely miss you sir. bless you and your partner
dan symonds, tampa , florida U S A
I am so sad to hear of our "Mr Humphries" john Inman passing away today, God Bless him
Audrey Dunton, Stapleton, Alabama USA
I have just enjoyed another episode of "Are you being served" not knowing of Mr.Inman's recent passing..........his presence in the field of comedy will be missed but will continue to be enjoyed with the reruns.............condolances to all of his loved ones...............my deceased mother will enjoy his presence in the hereafter to which he is now deservidely residing.
Barry Collrin, Vancouver, Canada
Its such a shame, one of the best actors and pantomime dames I have ever seen. He brought so much laughter through Are You Being Served, not just to my life, but to everyones elses as well.We love and miss you John Inman.
Michelle, Adelaide, Australia
I am in shock and filled with great sadness. I just found out that John Inman has passed. He has been a part of my life since I discovered Britcoms on GPB. He has brought great joy to me and I will dearly miss him.
Angelia , Hephzibah, Georgia
Fear John yu have brought laughter to someome who is termial, the kaughs have keeeped me through the dard times, amd I hope to see you light up the Heavens, and I will be there to to ask the age old question.Are You Free". and know in my heart that we are both free.
Deborah Paxton, Orange Park, Florida
I feel as though I have lost a dear friend.
Kerman Raines, Waco, Texas/USA
John Inmans has been a huge part of my life." Are You Being Served" has always been one of my favorite British T.V.programs. I still watch the repeats and Mr. inman along with the rest of the cast never fail to make me laugh and remember a simpler and less complicated form of entertainment lacking today. I am sorry to here of his passing,I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.A great talent has been lost!
JO ANN THOMPSON, JACKSONVILLE, USA FLORIDA
I was so sorry to learn of John Inman's passing. I continue to watch "Are You Being Served" over and over again, never tiring of the wonderful actors and Actresses. My husband and I saw John live on stage at the Hilton, in Bahrain, Arabian Gulf, back in the mid 80's. That was the first time we experienced his wonderful acting. May he rest in peace.
Barbara Gravesen
Lady Lake, Florida
Barbara, Lady Lake, Florida/USA
Mr. Ron, John Inman ranked with my personal favorites in TV, of which there are not many. I was shocked to hear of his passing. He will always be remembered in this household. I wish you God' s comfort during your sorrow and grief. I am glad that John had the personal courage to go into theater so that many viewers could enjoy his performances.
Barb, Glennville, GA/US
I am deeply saddened to hear of John Inman's passing. He was my favorite character on 'Are You Being Served?', a program I continue to watch over and over again. My condolences to his family and partner.
A Anderson, Irvine,
I came into Are You Being Served just recently - but I was immediately touched by John Inman - his talent, his kind eyes and sweet nature. To lose that combination is indeed a tragedy. His place on this Earth will be missed - one tiny light has gone out and we all are the sufferers. I'am sure that John is bringing that same sparkle to the multitude of souls that preceded him to Heaven - their fortune.
John you will be remembered with joy, happiness and the delight that for 1/2 an hour we could all call you friend.
May your journey be all light and love.
Judith Thomas, Whittier, USA/ California
Dear Ron (and John),
It is truly a great loss to be left here without you, John. You will be my forever light. When things get tough I watch your videos and smile like I own the world. Thank you for the countless ways your talent touched so many people. I am so saddened that you were called so early.
Ron, I lost my husband 10 years ago. It doesn't get any easier...just different. I offer you strength to carry on and hope that your closeness with John will be carried with you forever. God bless and go on as John would want you to.
J Price, Sanford, FL
So very sad that we have lost this spark from Great Britain! His comedic timing, his humorous dance routines with the other cast members from "Are You Being Served?"...in particular, the routine done at his Greek wedding...and a rubber face that could convey so much mischief...he was the ultimate entertainer.
He wasn't an actor you forgot easily after the show was over...
Linda Kelley, Bountiful, Utah
I am not sure if our "cousins across the pond" realise how much we Americans love British programs presented on our TV. I have been a big fan of so many of these shows for years, but John Inman and the "Are You Being Served?" actors will always be my favorites! They have brought so much enjoyment to so many lives, and I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Inman's death. My deepest sympathies go out to all fans, to his partner, and to his family and friends. Thank you so much, Mr. Humphries, fo so many wonderful hours of joy. And thank you, England, for providing us with excellent dramas, comedies, and series. Yes, John, you are now really free!
Marilyn Blessing, Port Orange, Florida
Being from britain but now living in the us, Are you being served is always a lovely treat for me (even in my 70's) The entire cast are wonderful & I love them all ____ but little Mr Humphreys will alway hold a very special place in my heart,I feel sure he was as dear in person as he was on tv, Many thanks for all the laughs & smiles you gave me John, with all my aches & pains & ill health watching you was like a giant rainbow full of happy smiles, I shall alway feel like I have lost a dear friend now each time I watch the show God Bless You. June Fahnestock formally from Littlehampton sx & Now Orlando Florida USA
June R Fahnestock, Orlando , Florida USA
Je was briljant, John. Gewoonweg briljant.
van Rooij, Haacht, Belgium
Well its a sad day for blackpool I know we all loved you here, least your free of pain now. Let god be wilh you and thankyou so much for making me laugh. You might have gone but you will never be forgotten love
Julie, Blackpool, UK
I am stunned and saddened by the passing of a true comedy legend. John, I loved you for years as Mr. Humphries. What joy and laughter you brought into my life. My sympathies go out to your partner Ron Lynch, and your family as well. Your catch phrase, 'I'm Free' takes on a whole new meaning now. You are free of pain and sorrow, Mr. Inman. God bless you.
Steven, Cincinnati, Ohio
I had the pleasure of working with John Inman 4 or 5 times on Public Television when he made his American tours for Are You Being Served.
On one occasion while on the air at WETA in Washington, D.C. he took issue with my ill fitting suit which he sought to rectify by unfurling his trusty tape measure. He blew on the metal end to warm it and then dove down and measured my inside leg, much to my surprise. One other time he was interviewed by a young reporter in the Green Room between our on-air appearances. Toward the end of the interview the young man sheepishly asked him if he was gay. John said, "If you kiss me I'll tell you."
He and the gang at Grace Brothers were a constant joy to work with and watch. And like "I Love Lucy," I get great enjoyment from those shows no matter how many times I see them.
God be with you John.
Paul Anthony, Washington, DC
I am so saddened by your death. You brought life and laughter into my family on evenings that were quietly solemn. You made our hearts sing with every ounce of your genuine care for the public audience. I am so thankful I was one of many able to shake your hand in Pennsylvania a few years ago on your tour. Thank you for coming to America. We love you here too!
GOD BLESS YOU JOHN. GOD BLESS!
Suzann Mohacsi, Titusville, New Jersey
We have truly lost a legend. You couldn't help but love Mr. Inman's character of Mr. Humphries. Selfishly, I feel sad for the loss of his talent..all the laughs that will go unlaughed, so to speak. But I am so very thankful for the talent he shared with us. He seemed to enjoy playing Mr. Humphries as much as I enjoyed watching him bring Mr. Humphries to life. Even though modern technology has preserved his wonderful performances for us, the void his passing has left cannot be filled. My deepest condolences to his partner, his family and his friends.
Jacquelyn Romagnano, Scarsdale, New York USA
You will be greatly missed John. You gave us great laughter and happy thoughts. Our sympathies go out to John's family and to Ron. The World has lost a shining Star.
Marcia, Newport, Virginia, USA
You brought into our home, years of laughter and you are the reason my family started watching British comedy. Thank You from all of us. R. I. P.
Storer Family, Cincinnati, Ohio
We will miss you, John. We are fortunate to have access to two PBS stations. We are able to watch AYBS many times. My family has had many great laughs and were exposed to the finest in British comedy. The punch lines are funny, no matter how many times we have seen the episodes. I am sure when John reached the pearly gates, he could truly say, "I'm free!"
Mary, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
I have watched every progam and will continue to watch every rerun,i know all the dialog by heart please keep on showing Are You Being Served for ever so his memory will lie on and on may God rest your soul we love you John.
barbara, cleveland, ohio
What a loss to the world...I was so saddened to hear of his death, feeling as though I had lost a personal friend as I so enjoyed re-runs of AYBS. I know that if someone asked him now "Are you free, Mr. Humphries?" he would reply yet again, "Yes, I'm free!" My deepest regards to his family and friends and especially to his fellow cast members on Served who have no idea how much they are admired still today.
Jane, Akron, Ohio
Our sincere appreciation for this fine actor who so vividly showed the enjoyment good comedy can bring. He will be fondly remebered!
Our sympathies go to all who will sadly miss him...
Dick van Mourik, Zaltbommel, Netherlands
I can not even begin to say how much I enjoyed John Inman
on "Are you being served" I will miss him and will watch the re-runs for ever.
Mr. Inman Rest In Peace
JANE MAIA, WEST WARWICK, US
I never miss "Are You Being Served?" if I can help it. This show and the actors on it are in the same class as "I Love Lucy". Mr. Inman was truly a great actor. I am so sorry to his of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ron Lynch and to his family. "Are You Being Served?" is so funny and we love it over here. Thank you Mr. Humphries for all the laughter you gave us.
Gina Rowe, Mathews, Virginia, USA
During a very trying decade of my life Mr Humphries made me laugh till I couldn't breathe. What a joy. This is a better world for having him with us. Thanks, John.
Clinton Burchfield, Biloxi, Mississippi, US
The loss of John Inman will be felt by everyone who was ever a fan of Are you Being Served, both in the UK and here in the US where public television brought us the comedy previously only enjoyed by Her Majesty's subjects each and every week. His wit, delivery and dedication to his craft has been and will continue to be inspirational source of entertainment. I hope that his partner, Mr. Lynch, will be able to find comfort in the knowledge of the joy and laughter Mr. Inman shared with his fans throughout his life. He will be missed and mourned and, as stated earlier, never forgotten.
Joseph J. Ferreira, Jr., North Attleborough, Massachusetts, USA
One of the finest charactor actors ever. I have enjoyed watching John on "Are you Being Served" and "Are you Being Served, Again" for several years on OETA - Oklahoma Public Television. I never missed the show on Sunday nights. This is very sad indeed.
Wayne Jones, Durant , USA / Oklahoma
I've been watchin PBS reruns of "Are You Being Served" since I was a little girl, when most of the jokes went right over my head. As I grew older (& could understand more), the show grew even funnier , and I loved it even more. The main reason for that was John Inman. (It was in fact, due to my love of the show and him, that I began to appreciate other witty "britcoms") That man was a gift to fans everywhere and there was never a dull moment with Mr. Wilberforce Claybourne Humphries on screen. He will be truly missed! I hope that he is not truly "free!"
K. H., St. John's, Canada
My husband and I were so saddened to hear of John's passing. We have watched "Are You Being Served" for many years...re-runs after re-runs, and we are still laughing. "Are You Being Served" introduced us to British comedy, which we think is the funniest in the world!
Good-by John. We will miss you. Our sincerest condolences to your family and friends.
Joan, Newtown, PA, USA
I'm proud as an Englishman living in Australia, when I'm told I have a very "English" sense of humor...a sense of humor brought up on John Inmans style of comedy.
Though I now sometimes cringe at what I thought hilarious as a kid growing up in Manchester, I will always have a place in my sole for the likes of John Inman and others like him who made us laugh without reserve.
All our best wishes to his surviving partner, no one could ever say that now he certainly "is free....."
Scott, Brisbane, Australia
We had the pleasure of meeting John Inman at a reception at WGBH in Boston and had our picture taken with him. He was as gracious and funny in real life as he was on the television.
Gene, Cortland,
I remember when "Are You Being Served?" played three times a day on local TV here in the states back in the 90's. No how bad my day, a quick half hour with Mr. Humphries always put me in a good mood. You will be missed. My thoughts are with you, Ron Lynch.
Deanna, Camas, WA
I will truly miss you, John Inman! You helped me laugh when I didn't think I could anymore. I still look forward to hearing "I'm Free!" on Sundays! God Bless you!!
Doug Fowler, Lewisville, Texas
It is so sad to see that he died. He will be missed. Like Allan and most of the rest of the commentors. He was the reason I watched and loved "Are you being served?". Also he and the show got me hooked onto british comedy.
He will be sorely missed by one and all.
rose, hollywood, sc
It deeping saddness of the lost of john Inman a great actor
thank you for makeing us laugh .
when i get to heaven someone mr. humpries are you free
he say iam free...
he well never be forgotten
mike sacramento calif
mike allen, sacrmentoc, calif usa
I was very sad to hear of John's death. He was such a funny and entertaining actor, and I've heard nothing but good things from his former castmates. My sympathies go out to his family, and especially his partner Ron.
Daryl, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
My father and brother were responsible for getting me hooked on 'Are you being served' and we loved watching the reruns all these years. John Inman's character, Mr. Humphries, could not have been played by anyone better. John Inman will be sorely missed. Thanks for the laughs John . . . "You are free!"
Vicki Spidle, Ripley, TN, 38063
John you have made my husband and myself laugh for so very many years, Brillant comedian many sympathies to his partner Ron and of course his family... If John Inman was not Knighted.. We are wondering why since his contribution to British Comedy was as unique as he himself. Bless you John with love from two Brit ex-pat fans thanks for the memories. you will be sorely missed
Mckeown, Montreal, Canada
John was a great showbusiness character and will be sadly missed. My condolences to his partner Ron.
Sandra, Chesterfield, UK
John Inman was among the best comedy actors. In 'Are you being served' he was just fantastic and having worked in a store myself some of the progam's stories were really accurate in real shop life. Good bye John, your legacy of comedy will live for ever. A good man has gone to heaven, said Joy Routledge, I am sure that the first words he said to God when he arrived was 'I'm free!
David Rumsby, Croydon, United Kingdom
I am Saddened by the news that Mr. Inman passed away, I have enjoyed watching "Are you being Served" over the years and still laugh. Mr. Humphries was one of the main reasons that I started watching it and that lead me to loving British comedy.
I guess the good Lord desided that there was a opening at the Men's Dept. that needed filling and could think of Noone better suited for that position than Mr. Humphries :(
He will be missed but Never forgotten
Allan, Rocky Comfort, MO
i was very sorry to hear of the passing of john inman,he was a very comedien and great in panto. he was the reason i watched are you being served. i hope he will be remembered by a fitting tribute bt the television companies
pearl hastie, falkirk ,stirlingshire, scotland ,uk
Thank you John Inman for giving of yourself, and Mr. Humpries to the world, for these many years. Let us hope when all of our times come, the first words we hear when we approach the gates of Heaven will be, "Arre you Being Served".
David Turn ey, Silver Lake, Ohio
Good Bye John, you will be missed. My wife and I have watched re-runs of "Are you being served?" for years and have laughed our selves sick over and over again. Chillicothe, Missouri, usA is a long way from London but true funny is funny anywhere.
Will
Will Harvey, Chillicothe, Missouri, usA
John and his partner lived next door to my mother in Ladbroke Gardens London W11 in the 70s he was a very kind and helpful neighbour. My thoughts and prayers are with his partner, A good man has gone to heaven.
Joy Routledge, Berwick upon Tweed, England