Who is John Barrowman? John Scot Barrowman MBE is a Scottish-American actor, singer, author, and presenter known for his dynamic career in entertainment. Born on March 11, 1967, in Glasgow, Scotland, he moved to Joliet, Illinois, at eight. Barrowman’s career took off in London's West End with roles in musicals like "Anything Goes" and "The Phantom of the Opera." He gained widespread fame as Captain Jack Harkness in "Doctor Who" and its spin-off "Torchwood." Besides acting, he has hosted TV shows, judged talent competitions, and released music albums. Barrowman is also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, making him a beloved figure on and off the screen.
Key Takeaways:
- John Barrowman, a Scottish-born actor, singer, and TV personality, made a name for himself in theatre, iconic TV roles, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. His journey from Scotland to the US shaped his diverse career.
- With a successful theatre career, iconic TV roles in "Doctor Who" and "Arrowverse," and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, John Barrowman has become a multifaceted entertainer and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
John Barrowman's journey began in Scotland and took him across the Atlantic to the United States. His early experiences shaped his future in the performing arts.
- Early Life: Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Barrowman moved to Joliet, Illinois, at age eight.
- Education: He studied performing arts at the United States International University in San Diego.
Theatre Career
Barrowman's career in theatre is extensive, with numerous roles in London's West End and Broadway.
- Theatre Debut: His theatre career began with the role of Billy Crocker in "Anything Goes" in London's West End.
- Miss Saigon: He starred in the musical "Miss Saigon."
- The Phantom of the Opera: Barrowman played Raoul in "The Phantom of the Opera."
- Sunset Boulevard: He starred in "Sunset Boulevard" both in London's West End and on Broadway.
- Olivier Award Nomination: Nominated for the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for "The Fix."
Iconic Roles in Television
Barrowman is best known for his roles in popular TV series, particularly in the sci-fi and superhero genres.
- Doctor Who: Known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in "Doctor Who" (2005-2010, 2020-2021).
- Torchwood: Starred in the "Doctor Who" spin-off "Torchwood" (2006-2011).
- Arrowverse: Played Malcolm Merlyn in "Arrow" (2012-2019) and "Legends of Tomorrow" (2016-2017).
Personal Life and Advocacy
Barrowman has been open about his personal life and is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Marriage: Married Scott Gill on July 2, 2013.
- LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Recognized for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Stonewall Award: Voted Stonewall's Entertainer of the Year in 2006.
Music and Presenting
Beyond acting, Barrowman has a successful music career and has hosted various television shows.
- Solo Album: Released a solo album in 2007 featuring cover tunes from his theatre work.
- Live & Kicking: Hosted the children's Saturday morning variety show on the BBC.
- Pressure Pad: Hosted the BBC One quiz show "Pressure Pad."
Dancing on Ice and Judging Roles
Barrowman has participated in and judged several talent shows, showcasing his versatility.
- Dancing on Ice Contestant: Appeared as a contestant on the first series of "Dancing on Ice."
- Dancing on Ice Judge: Became a judge on the show from 2020 to 2021.
- Musical Talent Shows: Judged "How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?," "Any Dream Will Do," and "I'd Do Anything."
Controversies and Apologies
Barrowman's career has faced challenges due to allegations of inappropriate behavior.
- Radio 1 Drama: Exposed himself during an online broadcast in 2008, which was later removed.
- Doctor Who Accusations: Accused of exposing himself on the sets of "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood."
- Public Apology: Apologized for his behavior, stating it was intended to maintain a jokey atmosphere.
Theatre Credits
Barrowman's theatre credits are numerous and varied, showcasing his talent in musical theatre.
- Matador: Starred in the musical "Matador."
- Miss Saigon: Played a significant role in "Miss Saigon."
- The Phantom of the Opera: Portrayed Raoul in "The Phantom of the Opera."
- Sunset Boulevard: Starred in "Sunset Boulevard" in both London's West End and on Broadway.
- La Cage aux Folles: His most recent West End credit was in the 2009 production of "La Cage aux Folles."
Film Roles
Barrowman has also made his mark in films, particularly in musical genres.
- De-Lovely: Appeared in the musical biopic "De-Lovely" (2004).
- The Producers: Starred in the musical comedy "The Producers" (2005).
American Television Drama
Before gaining fame in British television, Barrowman appeared in American TV dramas.
- Titans: Featured in the American television drama "Titans."
- Central Park West: Appeared in "Central Park West."
CBBC and Entertainment Programs
Barrowman has created and hosted several entertainment programs for younger audiences.
- CBBC Work: Worked for CBBC in its earlier years.
- Tonight's the Night: Produced his own entertainment program, "Tonight's the Night."
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Barrowman has received several awards and nominations.
- BAFTA Cymru Nomination: Nominated for a BAFTA Cymru award for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in "Doctor Who."
Podcast and Video Game Roles
Barrowman has expanded his talents to podcasts and video games.
- Podcast Appearances: Appeared in several podcast series, including "The Lives of Captain Jack" and "Torchwood: The Sins of Captain John."
- Video Game Roles: Provided the voice for Malcolm Merlyn in the video game "Lego DC Super-Villains" (2018).
Voice Acting
Barrowman has lent his voice to various animated series and podcasts.
- Fireman Sam: Set for Action: Voiced Flex Dexter in the animated series "Fireman Sam: Set for Action" (2018).
- Torchwood: Believe: Voiced Captain Jack Harkness in the podcast series "Torchwood: Believe" (2018).
Arrowverse Contributions
Barrowman's role in the Arrowverse has been significant, with appearances in multiple series.
- DC's Legends of Tomorrow: Played Malcolm Merlyn in "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" (2016-2017).
- The Flash: Appeared as Cutter Moran and Malcolm Merlyn in "The Flash" (2015-2017).
Music Department Contributions
Barrowman has also contributed to the music department of various shows.
- The Flash: Worked on the music department for "The Flash" (2017), performing a song for the show.
Publicity and Personal Details
Barrowman's public image and personal details add to his multifaceted persona.
- Height: Listed as 6 feet tall.
- Homes: Has homes in London and Cardiff, Wales.
- Official Sites: Maintains an official website for updates on his projects.
Trivia and Quotes
Interesting tidbits and quotes from Barrowman provide insight into his personality.
- Accent: Speaks with an American accent but uses his natural Scottish accent with his parents.
- Quotes: Expressed gratitude for his role in "Torchwood," stating it made a young boy's dreams come true.
Fan Engagement and Community Involvement
Barrowman actively engages with fans and contributes to the community.
- Fan Engagement: Known for engaging with fans through social media and public appearances.
- Community Involvement: Recognized for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and charity work.
Stonewall Award and Catchphrases
Barrowman's recognition and memorable catchphrases highlight his impact.
- Stonewall Award: Voted Stonewall's Entertainer of the Year in 2006.
- Live & Kicking Catchphrase: Famous for his catchphrase, "it's a dirty rat!" during a phone-in game on "Live & Kicking."
John Barrowman's Lasting Impact
John Barrowman has left a significant mark on the entertainment world. From his early days in musical theatre to his iconic role as Captain Jack Harkness in "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood," his versatility shines through. His work in the Arrowverse as Malcolm Merlyn further showcases his range. Beyond acting, Barrowman has made waves as a presenter, judge, and singer. His openness about his LGBTQ+ identity and contributions to the community have earned him respect and admiration. Despite facing controversies, Barrowman has shown resilience and a willingness to learn from his mistakes. His career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to his talent and dedication. Whether on stage, screen, or behind the scenes, John Barrowman continues to captivate audiences and inspire many. His legacy in the entertainment industry remains strong and influential.
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