John Inman, may Light Perpetual shine upon you! Amen
Actor John Inman, popular for his memorably camp role of Mr. Humphries in the '70s sitcom "Are You Being Served?", died Thursday, March 8, 2007 in London. He was 71.
Inman died in St Mary's Hospital in Paddington after suffering a hepatitis A infection.
His character's catchphrase, "I'm free," and suggestive sexual humor made Inman a star, and he starred in more than 40 pantos -- traditional Yuletide family entertainments that include double entendres and male and female drag as well as lots of jokes for the kiddies.
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 also appeared on BBC's 2004 show "Revolver."
The show, about a stuffy department store staffed by lovable eccentrics, reached the United States in the late 1980s, where it became 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 his partner of 33 years, Ron Lynch. Lynch is said to be "devastated" by his death.
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