Julian Clary Biography: Julian Peter McDonald Clary born 25 May 1959 is an English comedian, actor, novelist, and television presenter. He first appeared on television in the mid-1980s and has since built a diverse career across film, TV, and stage, including frequent roles in pantomimes. In 2012, he won Celebrity Big Brother 10.
Julian Clary Biography
Julian Clary, born on May 25, 1959, in Surbiton, Surrey, England, is an actor, comedian, and writer best known for his work in Carry on Columbus (1992), Dick Whittington (2002), and the sitcom Terry and Julian (1992). He has been married to Ian Mackley since November 19, 2016, and currently resides in a 15th-century house in Kent that was once home to playwright Noël Coward for three decades.
Julian Clary Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Julian Peter McDonald Clary |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 May 1959 Surbiton, England |
| Medium | Books, radio, stand-up comedy, television |
| Education | Goldsmiths, University of London |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Genres | Alternative comedy, camp, innuendo |
| Spouse |
Ian Mackley
(m. 2016) |
| Notable works and roles | Sticky Moments Murder Most Fab Terry & Julian All Rise for Julian Clary |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Julian Clary
Julian Peter McDonald Clary is an English actor, comedian, novelist and presenter. He began appearing on television in the mid-1980s. Since then, he has also acted in films, on television and in stage productions, including numerous pantomimes. He was the winner of Celebrity Big Brother 10 in 2012.
Julian Clary Achievements
Early in his career, Clary performed under the stage name “The Joan Collins Fan Club,” but later dropped it due to copyright issues, opting to use his real name instead. He attended the private Berkhamsted Boys’ School in Hertfordshire, a time he recalls negatively due to being bullied for his camp demeanor. Clary gained further public attention through reality television, placing third in the second series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Julian Clary Wiki
- Born: 25 May 1959 (age 66 years), Surbiton, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Ian Mackley (m. 2016)
- Parents: Brenda McDonald, Peter J. Clary
- Height: 1.89 m
- Siblings: Frankie Castro, Bev Millin
Early Life and Education
Clary was born on 25 May 1959 in Surbiton, Surrey, to Brenda Clary (née McDonald), a probation officer, and Peter J. Clary, a police officer. He grew up in Teddington, Middlesex, alongside his two older sisters. In his own words, he was conceived “in broad daylight” in Clacton-on-Sea in 1958. Part of his ancestry includes two great-grandparents who emigrated from Germany to the UK in the late 19th century. Raised Roman Catholic, Clary attended St Benedict’s School in Ealing before going on to study English and Drama at Goldsmiths’ College, University of London.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Julian Peter McDonald Clary
- Date of Birth: May 25, 1959
- Place of Birth: Surbiton, Surrey, England
- Nationality: British
- Children: None
- Estimated Net Worth: $8 million
Julian Clary Family
Clary was raised in Teddington, Middlesex, with two older sisters. His mother, Brenda, worked as a probation officer, and his father, Peter J. Clary, served as a police officer. Brought up in a strict Roman Catholic household, Julian attended St Benedict’s School in Ealing before studying English and Drama at Goldsmiths, University of London—an experience that helped shape his creative voice and future in performance.
Career Highlights
Julian Clary launched his career in the early 1980s, performing on the cabaret circuit under the stage name The Joan Collins Fan Club. His signature blend of innuendo, humor, and theatricality quickly gained attention, leading to appearances on TV, including Friday Night Live. In 1989, he co-hosted Trick or Treat on ITV, followed by his own successful Channel 4 show Sticky Moments with Julian Clary, which solidified his status as a national treasure.
He went on to appear in numerous TV series, films, and stage productions, including:
- Carry On Columbus (1992)
- The Baby Juice Express (2001)
- Terry & Julian (1992)
- Murder Most Fab (1996)
A seasoned stage performer, Clary has been a staple of British pantomime, especially at the London Palladium. In 2012, he won Celebrity Big Brother, further endearing him to the British public.
Recent Work & Current Projects
Clary remains active in entertainment. He is set to star in the BBC Radio 4 comedy series Tom and Lauren are Going OOT, playing the role of Neil. His continued relevance speaks to his ability to evolve with the times while staying true to his unique comedic style.
Personal Life
Clary has been with his partner Ian Mackley since 2005, and the couple married in November 2016. They lived at Goldenhurst Farm in Aldington, Kent—a 17th-century manor once owned by Noël Coward—until 2018. Clary also has a home in Camden, North London.
Interesting Facts
- His 1988 single Leader of the Pack, released as “The Joan Collins Fan Club,” reached number 60 on the UK Singles Chart.
- He has authored several books, including his memoir A Young Man’s Passage (2011), offering candid insights into his life.
- A frequent guest on BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute, Clary is known for his quick wit and comedic improvisation.
Charity & Legacy
Though not widely publicized for his charitable work, Clary has been a powerful figure in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in mainstream media. His openness about his identity and success as an entertainer have paved the way for more inclusive representation in British culture.
Cultural Impact & Future Plans
Julian Clary continues to be a beloved and influential figure in British entertainment. With new projects on the horizon, including Tom and Lauren are Going OOT, he shows no signs of slowing down. His enduring appeal and fearless humor ensure his place as a cultural icon for generations to come.
Julian Clary Net Worth 2025
Julian Clary’s estimated net worth is around $5 million (as of 2025), earned through decades of success in comedy, television, literature, and live performance. His real estate portfolio includes his former country estate and a London residence.
FAQs
How rich is Julian Clary?
Julian lived in Aldington until 2019 and is close friends with Paul O’Grady. According to celebritynetworth.com, Julian’s net worth is $5 million – roughly £3.6 million. Julian is married to his long-term partner of 17 years Ian Mackley. The pair got together after meeting at an Ibiza yacht party in 2005.
Did Julian Clary win Strictly?
Actress Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett were announced as the winners on 11 December 2004, while Olympic heptathlete Denise Lewis and Ian Waite finished in second place, and comedian Julian Clary and Erin Boag finished in third.
What is Julian Clary like in real life?
He’s softly spoken and unassuming, yes, and he insists that it’s just me and him in the interview as an audience makes him feel ‘self-conscious’. But he also holds eye contact and is confident and forthright on his opinions. He’s also, as you’d expect, very funny.
What is Julian Clary’s real name?
Julian Peter McDonald Clary. 66 today. Comedian, actor, author and presenter. Born 25th May 1959 in Surbiton.
Does Julian Clary have a child?
He is the youngest of three children, with two older sisters. Julian has no children and has admitted since that he had some regrets regarding this – telling Piers Morgan during a Life Stories interview that he once considered fathering a child with his female friend.