Legendary British comic actor John Inman broke down many boundaries by playing the camp Mr Humphries in BBC's long-running sitcom Are You Being Served? The show ran for 13 years, had a spin-off movie and regularly attracted 22 million viewers in the UK. Inman's character, whose innuendos were adored by viewers, invariably got the biggest laughs ? and this at a time when being homosexual was largely frowned upon. At one point, there was a protest from the Campaign for Homosexual Equality that Inman's effeminate portrayal of the character was not helping their cause ? but Inman disagreed, feeling it was more beneficial to make the nation laugh and break down barriers his way. In 1976, he was voted the BBC Personality of the Year and TV Times' Funniest Man on TV. Away from television, he soon became one of the most in-demand pantomime actors, making a small fortune over several decades. Though he yearned for a career in the theatre, he initially took jobs at a gentleman's outfitters and specialised in window dressing for a London department store. He eventually joined an acting group in Crewe to earn his Equity Card, and soon began working in theatre as he followed his true vocation. After a few television roles, he was offered the part of Mr Humphries in the 1972 pilot of Are You Being Served? It was inspired casting, and Inman's impeccable comic timing and delivery would make him a household name. He was the only cast member to retain his part in the Australian version of the series and he became a cult gay icon in the USA, where he was considered the biggest UK export since Benny Hill. He returned to the role in the spin-off Grace & Favour, which ran for two series in 1992 and 1993. Though he would regularly appear on television and the stage after the series ended, it was as Mr Humphries that he was best loved and why he was regarded as a national treasure. Inman was secretive about his sexuality until he married his long-term partner Ron Lynch in a civil ceremony in London in 2005. He died two years later following a long battle with hepatitis. Are You Being Served? is regularly repeated, and Inman's catchphrase 'I'm free!' is perhaps one of the most famous on British television. Author David Clayton reveals the full story of a man who was adored by millions and who broke down barriers by just being himself. AUTHOR: David Clayton is an acclaimed biographer, whose titles include The Richard Beckinsale Story and The Curse of Sherlock Holmes: The Basil Rathbone Story (both published by THP). 20 b/w illustrations
