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The New Breed of JAM Performers - Julian Clary

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Robert L. TorresJan 6, 2009
 

 
I continue to go through the various regulars and semi-regulars that
are now essentially the lifeblood which keeps this series alive by
focusing on one of my favorite panelists: Julian Clary.

Kenneth Williams may have been a closeted homosexual, but his
presence on the show really opened the door for others of the gay
persuasion to venture not only into show business, but onto this
program. One of them being the ever lovable Julian Clary.

I've always had a fondness for Julian because hearing his voice just
immediately makes me smile, it's such a beautiful voice, and so
distinctive too.

He may not have been aggressive or competitive, but he didn't have to
be, because he just enjoyed playing the game and being able to
entertain people. I always enjoy hearing Julian speak on a subject,
because no matter what, practically anything he says can be viewed as
a double entendre, which I think is brilliant. What I also loved
about Julian's camp nature was that it was very subtle, which seems
almost like a contradiction in terms when you think of someone being
rather camp in their behavior and mannerisms. One only has to look
at Kenneth Williams and Graham Norton for examples of rather over the
top camp theatrics. Julian was a bit more subtle and restrained, and
was never over the top in his mannerisms or his behavior on the
show.

One of my favorite moments involving Julian was in one show, I can't
remember what year or who else was on the panel, and for the life of
me I can't recall what the subject was, but I think it had something
to do with reputations. Anyway, Julian started off by saying (in a
joking manner) about how he has a reputation of being a bit of a
nancy boy and a blatant homosexual, which makes it rather difficult
for him to meet girls. And then he mentioned on one occasion where
he had a girl in his hotel room, I believe, spread out on his bed,
and just before he made his move she said 'Hang on a minute, aren't
you that poof off the telly?' and he said 'No, you must have me
confused with someone else, like Dale Winton or thereabouts' and then
she said 'I want you, I want you now big boy', and then he gets
buzzed for repetition.

It's a shame that Julian has never been on the same panel as Graham
Norton or even Chris Neil, or even Stephen Fry for that matter
(although I could be wrong), cuz I wonder what it would be like
having Julian on one side of the stage and Graham on the other side,
almost in opposition.

I know Julian has worked with Paul Merton very often on various
projects, they're almost a double act, and I know that Julian has
presented programs here and there (not sure what they are though),
and I do recall that he once did chairman duties on Have I Got News
For You, and did it rather well in my opinion. Not sure what else
he's done, if anyone would care to share, please do.

 
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