- Inman, (Frederick) John
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▪ 2008British actor and comedianborn June 28, 1935 , Preston, Lancashire, Eng.died March 8, 2007 , London, Eng.delighted audiences on three continents with his campy portrayal of Grace Brothers' senior sales assistant Wilberforce Clayborne Humphries in all 69 episodes of the BBC television sitcom Are You Being Served? (1972–85), as well as a similarly titled Australian spin-off (1980–81), a 1977 feature film, and the 12-episode BBC sequel Grace and Favour (1992–93; U.S. title, Are You Being Served? Again!). Inman's over-the-top characterization, eyebrow-raising double entendres, and lilting catchphrase “I'm free” made him a fan favourite and in 1976 earned him the titles of BBC TV Personality of the Year and TV Times's Funniest Man on Television. Although the effeminate Mr. Humphries drew criticism from some gay rights groups, Inman refused to acknowledge that the flouncing salesclerk was homosexual. Inman also appeared in the short-lived sitcoms Odd Man Out (1977) and Take a Letter Mr. Jones (1981) and was a popular performer in pantomimes and theatrical farces.
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Universalium. 2010.