Julian Clary Biography: Husband, Children, Net Worth, Facts

Julian Clary has been making audiences laugh – and sometimes squirm – since his debut with The Joan Collins Fan Club in the mid‑1980s (BFI Screenonline). From that spiky alter ego to becoming a regular pantomime dame and children’s author, his career refuses to be pinned down — here’s a look at the man behind the lipstick, the facts you can trust, and the questions that still linger.

Born: 25 May 1959 ·
Occupation: Comedian, actor, novelist, presenter ·
Spouse: Ian Mackley (m. 2016) ·
Children: None ·
Alter ego: The Joan Collins Fan Club

Six key biographical facts offer a solid starting point for anyone trying to understand Julian Clary’s identity.

Is Julian Clary still married?

Yes, Julian Clary is still married to Ian Mackley, his partner of many years. They tied the knot on 19 November 2016 (IMDb). The couple remain together as of 2024, and Clary has described Mackley as “the love of my life” in an interview with The Guardian.

Who is Ian Mackley?

• Ian Mackley is Julian Clary’s husband and was his long‑term partner before marriage (Yahoo News UK).
• Public records show the marriage was registered in 2016.

When did they marry?

• The wedding took place on 19 November 2016 (IMDb).

Bottom line: Julian Clary remains married to Ian Mackley. For fans curious about his personal life, the relationship has been a steady anchor since 2016. The couple have no children and keep their private life largely out of the spotlight.

Does Julian Clary have children?

Julian Clary does not have children. Despite his later success writing children’s books, he has never become a parent ― a choice he has not publicly elaborated on, but which aligns with his often‑glamorous, child‑free lifestyle.

• Multiple biographical sources state “Children: None” (IMDb; Wikipedia).

The implication: Clary’s creative output is entirely his own, unmediated by the demands of fatherhood.

What is Julian Clary best known for?

Julian Clary is best known for his camp, innuendo‑laden comedy, a style that first found an audience in the alternative comedy circuit of the 1980s (BFI Screenonline). He became a household name through television presenting, pantomime, and later as a children’s author.

Comedy career

• Developed the drag act “The Joan Collins Fan Club” (BFI Screenonline).
• Hosted Sticky Moments With Julian Clary (1989) and Sticky Moments On Tour (1990) on Channel 4 (BFI Screenonline).
• Co‑wrote sitcom Terry and Julian (1992).
• Won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 (IMDb).

Pantomime

• Clary has been a regular pantomime dame since the 1990s, appearing at the London Palladium and regional theatres.

Children’s books

• Wrote the The Bolds series, illustrated by David Roberts (Lady.co.uk).
• The series features a family of hyenas and targets ages 7‑12.
• First book published around 2014; sequel The Bolds To The Rescue followed shortly after (Lady.co.uk).

Bottom line: Julian Clary is a British comedian, actor, novelist and presenter who turned a confrontational camp act into a mainstream career spanning TV, panto, and children’s literature.

Does Julian Clary wear a wig?

Julian Clary has repeatedly stated that his hair is natural. “This is all my own hair,” he remarked during a live show announcement (Just the Tonic Comedy Club). The consistency of his hairstyle over decades supports the claim.

• No credible source has ever proven otherwise; the question persists mostly as a running joke.

The pattern: Clary’s appearance is part of his carefully curated persona, and the wig rumour says more about audience expectations than about the man himself.

How old is Julian Clary?

Julian Clary was born on 25 May 1959 in Surbiton, Surrey (IMDb). That makes him 65 years old as of 2024. He studied English and drama at Goldsmiths, University of London (Lady.co.uk).

• Age: 65 (born 25 May 1959).
• Place of birth: Surbiton, Surrey.

Bottom line: Julian Clary is 65, born in Surbiton, and his age has not slowed his output of books, tours, and television appearances.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

While many details of Clary’s life are well‑documented, a few are either unverified or deliberately kept private.

In his own words

“He is the love of my life.”

— Julian Clary on husband Ian Mackley, in an interview with The Guardian

“This is all my own hair.”

— Julian Clary, live show announcement (Just the Tonic Comedy Club)

“I objected to the use of my name.”

— Joan Collins, on the drag act, cited by BFI Screenonline

These three quotes capture the dual facets of Clary’s public life: a devoted husband, a comedian who enjoys keeping audiences guessing, and a figure who has weathered controversy.

Looking ahead

For a comedian who started out making people gasp, Julian Clary has carved out a surprisingly durable place in British entertainment. His transition into children’s literature may be his most unexpected triumph yet. For fans in the UK, the next act promises more books, more tours, and a continued refusal to be neatly categorised.

For more on British comedy figures, see our profiles of Leslie Phillips: Biography, Catchphrase, and Iconic Roles and Jamie Theakston: Career, Cancer Diagnosis, Wife, Net Worth & More.

His distinctive style and stage persona are further explored in a detailed overview of Julian Clarys career and current work.

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