I'm Free! : The Life and Times of John Inman

Author: Clayton, David

England

Published on 26 September 2024 by The History Press Ltd in the United Kingdom.

Hardback | 20 Illustrations, black and white
241 x 164 x 24 | 416g

Legendary British comic actor John Inman broke down many boundaries by playing the camp Mr Humphries in the long-running sitcom Are You Being Served? The show ran for thirteen years, had a spin-off movie and attracted millions of viewers in the UK. Inman’s character, whose innuendos were adored by viewers, invariably got the biggest laughs – and this at a time when being gay was largely frowned upon.

Away from television, he soon became one of the most in-demand pantomime actors, making a small fortune over several decades. Yet it was as Mr Humphries that he was best loved and the reason he was regarded as a national treasure.

In his private life, Inman was secretive about his sexuality until he married his long-term partner Ron Lynch in a civil ceremony in London in 2005. He died two years later following a long battle with hepatitis.

Featuring revealing interviews with many of Inman’s surviving cast mates and colleagues, I’m Free! uncovers the full story of a man who was adored by millions and who broke down barriers by simply being himself.