TV legend d!ed at 71 after grim health battle leaving huge sum – as tributes paid
A beloved sitcom star passed away aged 71 following a prolonged illness – but they are still fondly remembered by fans all over the world for their comic work
View 4 Images
The cast of Are You Being Served?, pictured in 1975(Image: BBC)
A huge TV star d!ed after a prolonged illness, shocking fans worldwide. Are You Being Served? icon John Inman passed away on this day back in 2007 (8 March) yet they are still fondly remember and fresh tributes have now been paid to the beloved actor. The 71 year old d!ed after suffering from hepatitis A and undergoing tests due to liver complications.
At the time, his manager Phil Dale paid tribute, saying: “John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world.” He added: “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 reportedly “devastated” by his passing.
View 4 Images
He famously portrayed the flamboyant salesman Mr Humphries in the comedy series Are You Being Served?(Image: PA)
Inman famously portrayed the flamboyant salesman Mr Humphries in the comedy series Are You Being Served? from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. He starred alongside Wendy Richard, who later became known for her role as Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, as well as Molly Sugden, Frank Thornton and Trevor Bannister.
After his de@th, it was revealed he left a large estate, worth around £2.8m to his partner. Although nearly two decades have passed, fans have been fondly remembering the actor on Facebook. One fan simply wrote, “Loved him, so funny,” with another adding, alongside a photo of Inman and EastEnders’ Richard: “Two of my favourites.” Another commented: “Aw….loved this show….and he was wonderful.”
High-end menswear shops played a recurring role throughout Inman’s life. the life of Are You Being Served? Making the phrase ‘I’m free’ legendary as Mr Humphreys, the flamboyantly camp shop assistant in the menswear section of Grace Brothers’ department store in the beloved BBC sitcom, the part mirrored the actor’s own experiences.
View 4 Images
John in Mother Goose alongside Christopher Biggins
After finishing school, he worked as a trainee window dresser at Fox’s Departmental Store in Blackpool town centre, stationed in the gents’ outfitters section. At 18, he secured a position at the renowned Austin Reed flagship store on London’s Regent Street. Living in a £3-a-week bedsit, he quickly began making costumes for the numerous nearby theatres to supplement his meagre wages.
His Austin Reed manager Ron Dyer remembered: ‘It was impossible to lose my temper with John – he was so funny – but he was also very good at his job. But I knew he wouldn’t stay with us long because he told us constantly of his real ambition, which was to go on the stage. At 21, in 1956, he resigned to pursue stardom.
After befriending BBC newsreader Kenneth Kendall during his time at Austin Reed, Kendall offered Inman a part at a repertory company in Crewe, allowing him to obtain his Equity card. Years of vibrant performances followed across the nation in plays, pantomimes and musical theatre.
View 4 Images
Promoting the BBC’s Christmas line-up in 1981 with Kenny Everett(Image: Mirrorpix)
His breakthrough arrived when TV producer David Croft recognised his exceptional talent. In a 1996 radio chat, Inman reminisced about Croft – who had previously cast him in “silly little piddly parts” – writing to him following his first major role in a West End musical.
He shared: “He wrote me a letter afterwards which said ‘Dear John, thank you for your work in Ann Veronica, you’ve been very good and one day I am going to cast you in a role you can really get your teeth into, love David. PS – this letter does not constitute a contract!'”
Staying true to his promise, when Croft and Jeremy Lloyd penned a standalone episode for the BBC’s Comedy Playhouse set in Grace Brothers, a fictional department store, they selected Inman for the role of Mr Humphries. From that point on, he never looked back.
News
Shockwaves across America: Donald Trump UNVEILS controversial election decision — Senate and House CLASH as deep divisions grip the nation
Donald Trump calls for sweeping election overhaul: paper ballots, voter ID, and proof of citizenship at the center of national debate In a move that has quickly ignited intense discussion across the United States, Donald Trump has called on governors…
FBI moves against judges accused of helping immigrants evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement — “no one is above the law” moment sparks national firestorm
FBI crackdown on judges accused of aiding ICE evasion sparks fierce national debate over law, power, and accountability A wave of decisive action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is sending shockwaves through America’s legal and political landscape, as reports…
In yet another fiery moment on the p0litical stage, Ilhan Omar has sparked backlash after launching a blunt personal attack on Pete Hegseth, labeling him “pretty pathetic” and an “embarrassment.” But instead of weakening her target, critics argue the remark has only exposed a deeper problem: a reliance on rhetoric over substance.
Ilhan Omar lashes out at Pete Hegseth — but critics say the attack reveals more about her than him In yet another fiery moment on the p0litical stage, Representative Ilhan Omar has sparked backlash after launching a blunt personal attack…
Marco Rubio drops a blunt warning on extremism — no more political correctness, no more hesitation, as his words ignite a fierce global debate over truth, security, and the future of freedom
Marco Rubio calls for clarity on extremism: confronting threats without fear or confusion In an era defined by complex global threats and rapidly shifting alliances, clarity in leadership has never been more important. Recent remarks from U.S. Secretary of State…
Karoline Leavitt SPARKS ‘LIVE CHAOS’ after reading Ilhan Omar record on-air — CNN panel FREEZES in “stunning silence”… or carefully edited viral moment? viewers DIVIDED as 11-second pause ignites firestorm over what REALLY happened
KAROLINE LEAVITT READS ILHAN OMAR’S RECORD ALOUD — AND CNN FALLS INTO STUNNING SILENCE… On live television, Karoline Leavitt methodically recited Rep. Ilhan Omar’s public record, line by line. No raised voice. No personal attacks. No theatrics. Just a steady…
“What On Earth Just Happened In That Hearing!” Senator John Kennedy GRILLS Chelsea Clinton Over 82 Million Dollar Financial Questions As Jaw Dropping Hearing Clips Go Viral And America Demands Transparency Like Never Before.v
Explosive Hearing Uncovers Alleged $82 Million Scandal, Rocking Washington and Igniting Nationwide Demands for Transparency and Accountability.. Iп a momeпt that electrified Capitol Hill aпd ricocheted across digital platforms withiп miпυtes, Seпator Johп Neely Keппedy υsed his allotted qυestioпiпg time dυriпg a…
End of content
No more pages to load
