'Mr Humphries' dead at 71

[pies4ever]

'Mr Humphries' dead at 71
March 08, 2007

THE CAMP star of British TV sitcom Are You Being Served? has died at the age of 71. John Inman played Mr Humphries, whose "I'm free!" became a catchphrase.

His role as a camp, sharp-tongued sales assistant at the old-fashioned Grace Brothers department store won him numerous plaudits including being voted "Funniest Man On Television'" by British viewers.

But his limp-wristed character Mr Humphries - whose catchphrase was "I'm free!" - also provoked criticism from gay groups for its stereotypical portrayal of a theatrical homosexual.

The sitcom may have come under attack for being crude and offensive, but the public loved it. One 1979 episode was watched by more than 22 million viewers in Britain.

Inman, 71, died in St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, at 4am (1500 AEDT) today after being ill for some time, his manager Phil Dale said.

"John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world," Dale said.

"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."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21348601-2902,00.html