John Scot Barrowman, born on March 11, 1967, in Glasgow, Scotland, is a multi-talented Scottish-American actor, author, presenter, singer, and comic book writer. Known for his iconic roles such as Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowverse, Barrowman’s career spans across television, film, theater, and music. However, recent years have brought curiosity about what happened to John Barrowman, especially considering his rise to fame and his shifting presence in the media.
In this article, we will explore Barrowman’s early life, his illustrious career, his recent ventures, and address the frequently asked questions surrounding him.
Early Life and Move to the United States
John Barrowman was born in Glasgow, Scotland, as the youngest of three children. His family moved to the U.S. in 1975 when his father’s job at Caterpillar relocated them to Illinois. Settling in Joliet, Barrowman was encouraged by his high school music and English teachers to pursue his artistic passions. His teachers not only guided him in honing his performance skills but also played a pivotal role in shaping his path toward a successful career in entertainment.
Barrowman’s experience in high school wasn’t without its challenges. After being teased for his Scottish accent, he adapted and developed a General American accent, enabling him to fit into his new environment more comfortably. This adaptability became a key factor in his later success as a performer.
Rise to Fame in Theatre
Barrowman’s professional acting career began in London’s West End in 1989, where he landed the role of Billy Crocker in Anything Goes. This role established him as a strong presence in the musical theater world, and he continued to perform in a series of well-known productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Sunset Boulevard. His talent earned him an Olivier Award nomination in 1998 for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in The Fix.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Barrowman remained a prominent figure in both the West End and Broadway, playing lead roles in various hit musicals. His versatility, charisma, and powerful singing voice made him a standout performer in musical theater, leading to appearances alongside iconic performers such as Carol Burnett.
Breakthrough in Television: Doctor Who and Torchwood
Barrowman’s big break in television came in 2005 when he was cast as Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who. His character, a time-traveling rogue with charm and complexity, quickly became a fan favorite. The popularity of Captain Jack led to the creation of Torchwood, a Doctor Who spin-off in which Barrowman played the lead role. Torchwood ran from 2006 to 2011, further cementing Barrowman’s place in the sci-fi genre.
Alongside his work on Doctor Who and Torchwood, Barrowman made several appearances on British and American television, hosting shows such as Tonight’s the Night and serving as a judge on musical talent shows like How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.
Arrowverse and American TV Success
In 2012, Barrowman joined The CW’s Arrow as Malcolm Merlyn, a key villain in the show’s Arrowverse. His portrayal of Merlyn across multiple series, including The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, was met with praise from fans and critics alike. Barrowman’s role in the Arrowverse continued until 2019, solidifying his position as a versatile actor capable of balancing both heroic and villainous roles.
Beyond the Arrowverse, Barrowman made guest appearances in shows like Desperate Housewives and continued to host and present a variety of entertainment programs, showcasing his skills as a charismatic TV personality.
What Happened to John Barrowman? Recent Ventures and Controversies
In recent years, Barrowman has continued to perform, though his career has seen both highs and lows. He competed in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2018, finishing in third place. However, his public image took a hit in 2021 when allegations of inappropriate behavior on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood resurfaced. Barrowman admitted to engaging in what he described as “pranks” by exposing himself on set but emphasized that it was never intended to cause harm.
This controversy led to some backlash, with Barrowman being removed from his judging role on Dancing on Ice. Despite this, he has remained active in other areas of entertainment, continuing to perform in theater and participate in various fan conventions.
Barrowman has also authored several books, including memoirs and a series of young-adult fantasy novels co-written with his sister, Carole Barrowman. His works include the Hollow Earth trilogy and the Orion Chronicles, which showcase his creativity beyond acting and presenting.
Conclusion: A Versatile Career and Ongoing Legacy
Despite facing some challenges in recent years, John Barrowman’s career remains one of the most versatile and accomplished in entertainment. From the West End and Broadway to iconic roles in television, Barrowman has left an indelible mark on the industry. While recent controversies have affected his public image, his fans continue to support him, and his legacy as an actor, singer, and presenter endures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happened to John Barrowman after Doctor Who?
After his role as Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who, Barrowman continued to star in the spin-off Torchwood and appeared in the Arrowverse as Malcolm Merlyn. He has also hosted television shows and written several books.
2. What was the controversy surrounding John Barrowman?
In 2021, allegations resurfaced about Barrowman engaging in inappropriate behavior on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood. He admitted to exposing himself as part of pranks, but emphasized that he did not intend to harm anyone.
3. Is John Barrowman still acting?
Yes, John Barrowman continues to act and perform in theater, although his television presence has decreased following the controversy. He remains active in fan conventions and other entertainment-related events.
4. What books has John Barrowman written?
John Barrowman has co-authored two memoirs, Anything Goes and I Am What I Am, as well as several young-adult fantasy novels, including the Hollow Earth series and the Orion Chronicles, all co-written with his sister Carole Barrowman.
5. What is John Barrowman’s most famous role?
John Barrowman is best known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and Torchwood, as well as his portrayal of Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowverse. These roles have earned him a dedicated fanbase worldwide.