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Are You Being Served? actor dies Are You Being Served? actor dies
(40 minutes later)
Actor John Inman, most famous for the comedy Are You Being Served?, has died aged 71, his spokesman said. Actor John Inman, most famous for the comedy Are You Being Served?, has died in London aged 71, his spokesman said.
Inman made his name in the 1970s show as Mr Humphries, whose catchphrase "I'm Free" entered popular culture. Inman made his name in the 1970s show as Mr Humphries, whose catchphrase "I'm free!" entered popular culture.
In recent years he was a pantomime regular, most often taking the role of the dame but also made appearances on the BBC comedy show Revolver. In recent years he was a pantomime regular, most often taking the role of the dame. He also made appearances in BBC comedy show Revolver in 2004.
He died in St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, after being ill for some time, his manager Phil Dale said.He died in St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, after being ill for some time, his manager Phil Dale said.
Worldwide fameWorldwide fame
Mr Dale added: "John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world. John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I've ever worked with Wendy Richard Mr Dale added: "John was known and loved throughout the world. He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain.
"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.""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, is said to be "devastated" at his death. Inman's Are You Being Served? co-star Wendy Richard told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I've ever worked with.
"He was a brilliant, brilliant pantomime dame and he was a very good all-round actor, really. He was a true professional."
Inman's long-term partner, Ron Lynch, is said to be "devastated" at his death.B