John Barrowman is basically taking over The CW! The network recently announced he will appear as a series regular on all CW DC shows as his Arrow character, according to TVLine.
Here are some things to know about the man behind Malcolm Merlyn.
He’s got pipes
Sure, he’s got acting chops, but the guy can also sing his butt off. Hear him in action here.
He released a CD titled You Raise Me Up in 2014 (which you can download on iTunes here) and followed it up with a successful tour in the U.K. in May and June of 2015.
He’s all about the drama
He’s taking over the small screen now, but Barrowman got his start on stage.
Barrowman studied performing arts in San Diego before moving on to big productions like Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard and Matador in London’s West End and on Broadway.
He’s got a cult following
He’s obviously a hit with DC fans, but Barrowman had a huge fan base before he ever graced The CW screen. He played Captain Jack Harkness on BBC’s Dr. Who and Torchwood.
He’s huge on the Comic-Con circuit
With a huge DC following and a whole grip of Whovians enamored with him, how could he not be?
Fans flock to Comic-Cons all over just to meet Barrowman.
He could survive the apocalypse on Tim Tams
Barrowman has made it well known that he loves the Australian cookie treats, so his following showered him with Tim Tams at the Aussie Comic-Con in June 2016. We’re talking like a 5-foot tower worth of chocolate biscuits.
He’s a gay icon
Barrowman, who is openly gay, skyrocketed to icon status when Captain Jack Harkness became the first non-straight character on Dr. Who. His portrayal of Harkness has been credited with helping many struggling young people to come out.
“It is important to have characters like Jack… to show the normality of their relationship on television, to show even people who are not gay that this is the way it is,” he said in a 2009 interview with Logo. “Love is love no matter who you love.”
He’s taken
In 2013, Barrowman married his partner of 22 years, Scott Gill, the day after the California Supreme Court overturned the ban on same-sex weddings.
“I started welling up when we said our vows,” Barrowman said, via the Mirror. “It was the same with our civil partnership. I think it was because I never thought we’d be able to do it. Scott and I felt completely different after our civil ceremony, like we’d made a big step. But after this, I feel very proud, happy and chuffed. It feels right.”
He’s a dual citizen
The Arrow star holds both American and British citizenship.
Barrowman, who is technically Scottish-American, was born in Glasgow and came to America with his parents in 1975.
He’s in with the British Royals
In October 2014, Barrowman was appointed a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) on the Queen’s Birthday Honors list, says his website.
An MBE is awarded for “a significant achievement or outstanding service to the community,” according to the British government website. “An MBE is also awarded for local ‘hands-on’ service, which stands out as an example to other people.”
Barrowman achieved his status for his work with LGBQT charities and supporting Make A Difference Trust, which helps people living with HIV and AIDS.
He’s a published author
It’s kind of hard not to be jealous of Barrowman’s massive talent.
In addition to being a gifted actor and singer, he’s also a published author. Barrowman released memoirs Anything Goes and I Am What I Am in 2009 and 2010, created a Torchwood comic strip titled Captain Jack and the Selkie, and has penned a number of fantasy novels.
He’s super close with his family
Barrowman comes from a close family unit. His sister, Carole Barrowman, was instrumental in helping him write his memoirs and even co-wrote many of his fictional works with him.
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