I still watch this show and think that John Inman was great in his part. He made me laugh, isn't that what it's all about?. Even though he was protrayed as a gay man, somehow that did not bother me, as the show never got polictical in that respect....it was done tastefully.....I will miss him and will be sorrowful when I see him agaim the next time I see the show....so long John, I hope you are in a better place now.....

I agree--it would have been nice if this piece had been written by someone who actually knew anything about--and had an appreciation for--John Inman! John Inman was to AYBS what Gene Simmons is to KISS. My ex (who is British) got me into the show. At first, I wasn't into it, but after a couple of viewings, it became one of my favorite shows of all time! No matter how many times I watch each episode, it's still funny to me.

The BBC initially did not want to release the show to American audiences because they thought that the humor of the show wouldn't appeal to Americans. Clearly, they were wrong! A friend in college said about John Inman in AYBS, "That guy IS the show!"

As for the catchphrase, the show took place in Grace Brothers departnemt store, so whenever Captain Peacock--the floor manager--would ask "Mr. Humphries, are you free?" he would always answer in a melodic voice, "I'm free!"

To Paul in #1, I used to answer my phone the same way after I started watching the show. When my phone rang, I would answer by saying in a baritone voice "menswear." Naturally, people thought I was weird, but I had a good laugh out of it.

The constant questioning of whether or not he was gay was a good running gag on the show, although the producers explained that he wasn't gay, just a mother's boy and a sissy. The double entendres on the show and the chemistry of the characters were funnier than many American sitcoms.

I hope you're in Heaven, Mr. Inman. May you rest in peace!

sorry to hear of his passing, i tried to contact him several times, we grew up on the same street in blackpool. he will be missed.

*is crushed*

The world has lost a great comedic talent in John Inman. Are You Being Served is, and always will be my number 1 favorite British Sitcom. You're Free Now Mr. Inman, rest in peace, you've done very well.

This is a very sad loss. John Inman was a sweet man I met only once. His legacy will live in anolog and digital. His fans owe the world a reminder very often of his contribution.

With love and deep respect,
T

Damn thats sad! He was the best on the show, and I always enjoyed him. He always seemed game for anything that went on.

You know what would have been nice? If someone who knew anything about this show had written this piece. More than half the text was about the author, not the extremely talented gentleman who passed away. That's just wrong on every conceivable level.

For my part, I plan to start an AYBS marathon just as soon as I finish up this Black Adder marathon in which I am currently embroiled. To my mind, nothing says "Thank you" like watching and appreciating an actor's work. I plan to let him make me laugh again. And maybe pour a little tea on the ground for my homey.

That's so sad. I loved Are You Being Served? and I hope he's in a better place.

That's too bad. When I saw the caption I thought "I hope it wasn't my favorite character on the show". It was. Well, he was great. Now you're truly free Mr. Inman. Rest in Peace, sir.