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Comedy actor Inman dies aged 71 Comedy actor Inman dies aged 71
(30 minutes later)
Actor John Inman, most famous for the comedy Are You Being Served?, has died in London 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. He also made appearances in BBC comedy show Revolver in 2004.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.
The Preston-born actor died in hospital after being ill for some time, his manager Phil Dale said. The Preston-born actor died in hospital and had been suffering from a Hepatitis A infection for some time.
Worldwide fame John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I've ever worked with Wendy Richard class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6429573.stm">In pictures: John Inman
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. The infection, usually caused by eating contaminated food, forced him to cancel the opening of a pantomime in London in December 2004.
It was initially hoped he would be able to return to the production of Dick Whittington, in which he was due to play Wanda the Cook, but he never worked again.
His manager Phil Dale said: "John was known and loved throughout the world. 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 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.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.""He was a brilliant, brilliant pantomime dame and he was a very good all-round actor, really. He was a true professional."
Fan favourite 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.
'Innocent quality'
Mr Humphries became one of TV's best known characters, and in 1976 Inman was voted funniest man on television by TV Times readers. He was declared BBC TV's personality of the year the same year.
Actress Rula Lenska, who worked with him on TV and in pantomime, paid tribute to his comic style.Actress Rula Lenska, who worked with him on TV and in pantomime, paid tribute to his comic style.
"It was suggestive but never in your face or aggressive. It had an innocent quality that you rarely find today."It was suggestive but never in your face or aggressive. It had an innocent quality that you rarely find today.
"He was a joy to work with and even after an exhausting day in pantomime he would have time for the fans who crowded round the stage door.""He was a joy to work with and even after an exhausting day in pantomime he would have time for the fans who crowded round the stage door."
Inman's long-term partner, Ron Lynch, is said to be "devastated" at his death.Inman's long-term partner, Ron Lynch, is said to be "devastated" at his death.