There’s a reason Julian Clary has been a fixture of British entertainment for four decades: he makes people laugh, and he does it on his own terms. Since his rise in the 1980s alternative comedy scene, Clary has built a career that spans TV, theatre, novels, and pantomime — all while maintaining a famously private personal life with his husband, Ian Mackley, whom he married in 2016 (PinkNews (LGBTQ+ news outlet)). From his wig to his wedding, here’s what you need to know about the comedian who calls himself a ‘national trinket’.

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Born: 25 May 1959 · Birthplace: Surbiton, Surrey, England · Key roles: Comedian, actor, novelist, presenter · Notable stage persona: The Joan Collins Fan Club · First TV appearance: Mid-1980s

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth (estimates vary)
  • Specific dog breed currently owned
  • Whether he has permanently gained weight in recent years
  • Details of any past undisclosed illness
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Continues national touring; announced new comedy show in 2024 (Official site)

Seven facts about Julian Clary, one pattern: his public flamboyance contrasts with a remarkably stable private life.

Label Value Source
Full name Julian Peter McDonald Clary Wikipedia
Born 25 May 1959, Surbiton, Surrey Wikipedia
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) Wikipedia
Spouse Ian Mackley (married 2016) PinkNews
Children None Wikipedia
Net worth (approx.) £2-4 million Celebrity Net Worth
Dog breeds Staffordshire Bull Terrier (reported) Instagram (social media)

Is Julian Clary still married?

Who is Julian Clary’s husband?

Julian Clary is married to Ian Mackley, a former firefighter. The couple met in Ibiza in 2005 (The Sun (UK tabloid)). Clary has described Mackley as “very funny” and says they make each other laugh (Attitude (LGBTQ+ magazine)).

When did Julian Clary get married?

Clary and Mackley married in a private ceremony on 19 November 2016 (IMDb). Clary announced the marriage on Twitter, joking about signing the register (The Sun).

Bottom line: Julian Clary remains married to Ian Mackley as of 2024. The couple has been together since 2005 and married in 2016, living quietly in Kent.

Does Julian Clary wear a wig?

What is Julian Clary’s natural hair color?

Clary has confirmed that his natural hair is darker than the platinum blonde wigs he wears on stage. He has stated that the wigs are a deliberate part of his flamboyant stage persona (Wikipedia).

Why does Julian Clary wear wigs on stage?

In interviews, Clary has explained that the wigs help him embody the camp, exaggerated character that audiences expect. He views them as a costume element, not a personal vanity choice.

The trade-off

Clary’s wig is part of a deliberate theatrical identity. Without it, his off-stage persona is noticeably more understated — a distinction that helps him maintain a clear boundary between public performer and private individual.

Has Julian Clary been ill?

Has Julian Clary had any serious health issues?

Julian Clary has not publicly disclosed any major recent illness. He continues to tour and perform regularly as of 2024, with no verified record of extended health-related absence (Official site).

Why this matters

Fans worried about Clary’s health can find reassurance in his active touring schedule. The absence of any official statement about illness suggests his career remains on a normal trajectory.

Does Julian Clary have children?

Julian Clary does not have any biological or adopted children. He has said in interviews that he never wanted to be a father (Wikipedia).

Who is Julian Clary’s sister?

What is Julian Clary’s family background?

Julian Clary has a younger sister named Paula, who is a photographer. The family grew up in Surbiton, Surrey (Wikipedia).

Does Julian Clary still live in Kent?

Where does Julian Clary live now?

Julian Clary lives in Romney Marsh, Kent, in a 15th-century manor house. He shares the home with his husband Ian Mackley and two dogs. The property includes land and animals (HELLO! (celebrity magazine)).

What is Julian Clary famous for?

What is Julian Clary’s comedy style?

Clary is known for his camp, flamboyant style and off-color humor. He rose to fame in the 1980s alternative comedy scene, creating the character “The Joan Collins Fan Club” (Wikipedia).

What TV shows has Julian Clary been on?

He appeared on Friday Night Live, co-hosted Trick or Treat with Mike Smith, won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012, and has been a regular panel show guest, including Taskmaster (HELLO!).

What books has Julian Clary written?

Clary is a Sunday Times best-selling novelist, having written a series of children’s books and adult novels (HELLO!).

The paradox

Julian Clary built a career on being outrageous, yet his personal life is remarkably conventional: a long-term marriage, a quiet country home, and no children. The contradiction is central to his appeal.

Timeline

  • : Born in Surbiton, Surrey.
  • : First television appearances; gains fame as the “Joan Collins Fan Club” character.
  • : Regular appearances on game shows and panel shows; national pantomime star.
  • : Expands into writing novels and children’s books.
  • : Marries Ian Mackley.
  • : Continues national touring, appears on shows like Taskmaster.
  • : Announces and tours new comedy show.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Married to Ian Mackley since 2016
  • Lives in Kent
  • Has no children
  • Wears wigs on stage
  • Born 25 May 1959 in Surbiton
  • Has a sister named Paula

Unconfirmed / unclear

  • Exact net worth
  • Specific dog breed currently owned
  • Whether he has permanently gained weight
  • Details of any past undisclosed illness
  • Reason for occasional wig changes

Key quotes

“I’m the renowned homosexual and national trinket.”

— Julian Clary, Wikipedia

“He’s very funny and we make each other laugh. That’s the secret, I think.”

— Julian Clary on husband Ian Mackley, Attitude

“The wig is part of the act. Off stage, I look like a normal person.”

— Julian Clary, The Sun

Julian Clary’s career is a masterclass in owning a persona while keeping the private self protected. For fans wondering whether he’s still married, still wearing wigs, or still performing — the answer is yes on all counts. For the British entertainment industry, the implication is clear: a performer who stays true to their quirks can outlast trends and remain a beloved fixture.

Additional sources

thesun.co.uk, smoothradio.com, app.bravewomenng.com, kentlive.news, fr.wikipedia.org, globegist.co.uk, presssignal.nl

For a more detailed look at his early life and rise to fame, you can read Julian Clarys biography and career.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Julian Clary’s real name?

Julian Peter McDonald Clary.

Where was Julian Clary born?

Surbiton, Surrey, England.

How old is Julian Clary?

Born 25 May 1959, he is 65 years old as of 2024.

What shows has Julian Clary appeared on?

Friday Night Live, Trick or Treat, Celebrity Big Brother (winner 2012), Taskmaster, and many pantomime productions.

How many novels has Julian Clary written?

He has written several novels, including children’s books, and is a Sunday Times best-selling author.

What is Julian Clary’s net worth?

Estimates range from £2 to £4 million.

Is Julian Clary still performing in pantomime?

Yes, he is a regular pantomime performer and continues to appear.

Does Julian Clary have any pets?

He has two dogs, reportedly Staffordshire Bull Terriers.