Happy Birthday, John Barrowman!

On this day in 1967, the world was given an exceptional performer, and an amazing man. John Barrowman was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but the family moved to Illinois when he was 8 years old, where he eventually became a naturalized citizen, and still maintains a dual citizenship with the US and Great Britain. I've had a crush on John Barrowman for a long time, and all I can say is that it seems to get stronger as time goes on. I first remember hearing about a new tenor on stage, information I enjoyed as a musical theater geek. He had gotten stellar reviews for his role in Cole Porter's 'Anything Goes' on London's West End, the first of many. I first knew of him when he was one of the stars in 'Putting It Together', a musical review featuring music from several Stephen Sonheim shows. It also starred Carol Burnett, George Hearn, Ruthie Henshall, and Bronson Pinchot. I have the DVD. Handsome, with a great voice, I knew I was a fan for life after that.

I was also thrilled to hear not only was Barrowman and out and proud gay man, he was also willing to be a man who stood up for himself and others as an activist pushing for equality. John has been happily partnered with husband Scott Gill, who also happens to be gorgeous as well. I say partnered, for they entered into a civil partnership in December 2006, as marrying wasn't available to them. He has been open and honest about his sexuality, making it easier for those who come after him. He has not let anything stand in the way of doing a great job, whether it be on stage, screen, or album. And speaking of music, in 2008 he had a great album named 'Music Music Music', a combination of new material and cover songs. One of the new songs was "What About Us?", written by Gary Barlow and Chris Raide. It is a wonderful song, but the music video was quite amazing, featuring both same sex and opposite sex couples. This is the official music video for John Barrowman's ""What About Us?".

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When I heard about Barowman's performance on a British game show named 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks', I had to search it out. Luckily, many of the episodes can be found on YouTube, and it not only made me laugh often, it also introduced me to a new favorite, comedian/actor/host Simon Amstell. Amstell, perhaps best known as a stand up comedian, is also an out gay man, and the two had a hysterical exchange on the program. It was so good, I had to check out Amstell, and I know have a DVD, 'Do Nothing', as well as watched his very funny TV show, 'Grandma's House'. But this clip also made me literally laugh out loud as the do men did their thing on the BBC. This is Simon Amstell and John Barrowman in a 'gay off' on 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks'.

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One of the cover songs that were a part of 'Music Music Music' was a song from the musical 'Chess', with lyrics by Tim Rice, and music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, best known for their work in ABBA. The song is sung in the show by a chess master's wife and his mistress, and the struggle relationships can be. John included it on the album, and kept the duet by inviting another handsome and talented man to join him, Daniel Boys. I had discovered Daniel on the BBC program 'Any Dream Will Do', which I watched to see Barrowman, who was a judge/mentor as the show searched for the new leading man in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of 'Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. Daniel has been featured several times on this blog, and I owe it all to Mr Barrowman once again. When John went on tour, he often sang the song, and had Daniel join him. This is a clip of John Barrowman and Daniel Boys singing "I Know Him So Well" at the 2008 Faenol Festival.

I have followed John career, including his wonderful time on 'Doctor Who', as well as the exceptional spin-off, 'Torchwood'. His work as the omni-sexual Captain Jack was glorious. His stint on the recent hit 'Arrow' made me realize how much I loved having him on my television screen. As part of a 'Torchwood' DVD, the producers included a clip of John singing "Anything Goes", a song by Cole Porter from the musical of the same name. There is John, looking all handsome in his Captain Jack finery, and singing a song he knew well from his first hit on London's West End. It is impossible to resist him, but then again, I find it always is. This is John Barrowman singing "Anything Goes" from the 'Torchwood' DVD.

For more about John Barrowman, you can visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can't find 'Music Music Music' in the United States - I guess there are song rights issues. However, you can find one of my very favorite albums from John, 'John Barrowman Swings Cole Porter', on iTunes and Amazon. You can also find 'Tonight's the Night: The Very Best of John Barrowman' avaialbe as an import CD on Amazon.

Happy Birthday, John Barrowman

A very happy birthday to the delicious John Barrowman. I swear John defies the odds, and keeps getting better looking each year. I mean, how great is it to have a sex symbol who is in his forties? Now, I've been a fan of Barrowman's for a while, and show no signs of letting up soon. I first knew of him when he was doing musical theater, which included a great run in Anything Goes. I became a diehard fan with the release of John Barrowman Swings Cole Porter, and sweet and delectable treat, indeed. And while he sings the music of the 30s and 40s beautifully, he also proved he could tackle all Popular music, he recorded What About Us?, and shot a beautiful video.



And John has done all this while being out and proud, and talking about his relationship with his gorgeous partner, Scott. He's a brave and amazing man, one I truly respect, as well as lust after a bit. And speaking of lust, he has certainly given us plenty to look at and enjoy, and that is in his Torchwood series alone. I haven't even touched on the tingle I get knowing he managed to kiss The Doctor, as well! To I figured I remind us of his time as Captain Jack, and his relationship with Ianto Jones, Captain John, and Angelo, in pictures and videos.






No matter what anyone tells me, I will always believe that Ianto Jones was the love of Jack's life. There is no sense in discussing it with me, I won't hear of anything else. So with that in mind, here is a clip capturing their first kiss.



And when Season 2 of Torchwood opened with the volatile relationship with Captain John, I think I actually squealed out loud! And I thought I was too old to do that anymore!



In Torchwood: Miracle Day, the fourth season of the program, he had an absolutely beautiful relationship with Angelo. The following clip captures some of it if, and maintains the beauty of it.



You can find out more about John on his official website here. You can also find him on Twitter and Facebook. He has a new release, Tonight's The Night: The Very Best of John Barrowman. You can get one of my favorites, John Barrowman Swings Cole Porter, on iTunes and Amazon. You can order it from Amazon. So a very happy birthday, John Barrowman. And thanks for all the memories so far. Can't wait for what is to come!

Torchwood • Miracle Day • The Blood Line

Tune to STARZ at 10PM tonight for the season finale of Torchwood: Miracle Day, staring John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins, Bill Pullman and Lauren Ambrose. The episode is titled The Blood Line, and as the season winds down, one can only hope the various story lines are brought to a conclusion. For me, I hope whatever the conclusions, there is a little Captain Jack time for fightin', and time for lovin'.



I am still reeling from Jack's relationship with Angelo, the Italian immigrant. Their steamy scene in the Immortal Sins episode. From the sexiness of the voyeuristic verbal foreplay to the post-sex getting to know one another. With Angelo passed away, I am not sure we get to see Captain Jack in action in the season finale, but one can always hope for another chance to see John Barrowman naked.





Enjoy the finale!

Torchwood • Miracle Day • The Gathering

Tonight at 10PM on STARZ, it is time for the latest episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day, staring John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins, Bill Pullman and Lauren Ambrose. The new episode is The Gathering, the 9th of ten episodes slated for the season.



I, of course, am still recovering from the amazing episode of two weeks ago, when we were introduced to the relationship between Jack and Angelo. It was just so beautiful, so sweet, and so damn sexy.





For more about the show, check out the official website here or on Facebook here. You can also check out the official website of the delicious and talented John Barrowman here.

Torchwood • Miracle Day • End Of The Road

It is time to remind everyone that tonight at 10PM on STARZ, the next episode of Torchwood is airing. End Of The Road looks to be filled with all the excitement we have come to expect from the series.



Last week, we got to see a very sweet and loving relationship Jack had with Angelo Colasanto, a young Italian immigrant he met on Ellis Island. They had some really hot scenes, and I hope we see more of Angelo... You can watch a fan tribute to Jack and Angelo from the last episode, Immortal Sins. There are some nice scenes, although the insipid song does nothing for me.

Torchwood • Miracle Day • Immortal Sins

This is the weekly reminder that Torchwood: Miracle Day is on STARZ tonight at 10PM. This week we get to learn just a bit more about everyone's favorite enigma, Capt. Jack Harkness. And will Gwen Cooper trade Jack for the lives of her husband and daughter? Why is Jack tackling a man in immigration, and who is he to be so lucky?



Be sure to watch tonight. There is sure to be more intrigue and mayhem, cause that is what Torchwood does best. And don't forget to check out the official website here.

Torchwood • Miracle Day • The Middle Men

Tonight's episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day will be on STARZ at 10PM. The Middle Men is the name of the episode, and it is sure to be filled with more thrills and chills! Check out the preview!



Be sure to watch tonight. And be sure to check out the official website here.

Torchwood • Miracle Day • The Categories of Life

Don't forget to watch Torchwood: Miracle Day on STARZ tonight at 10PM! Tonight's episode is called The Categories of Life. After all the fun, excitement and sex of the last few weeks, I can't wait to see what is coming up next!

Torchwood • Miracle Day • Escape to L.A.

Don't forget to watch Torchwood: Miracle Day on STARZ tonight at 10PM! Tonight's episode is called Escape to L.A.. After the hot sex Captain Jack had last week with that cute bartender, I can't wait to see what else they have in mind for him!

Torchwood Preview - Dead Of Night

While I admit that I am delighted to have John Barrowman back on my television screen, I am also enjoying Torchwood: Miracle Day very much. Tonight at 10PM on STARZ, they are offering the 3rd of the 10-part series for this season. I like the was the story is growing, although I still will admit to missing some of the characters that have been killed off in the last series. But that is water under the bridge, and I will admit to enjoying some of the new characters, as well. Last week, Lauren Ambrose was added, and she certainly showing a delicious lack of moral fortitude that should be quite entertaining in shows to come. But here is a preview of tonight's episode.



And here is another preview, just in case you need further temptation...



So don't forget to tune in tonight. And you can check them out on the web at the official website here.

Torchwood Rendition on Starz Tonight!

I haven't seen the episode yet, and won't be seeing it tonight as I am going to see the handsome and talented Jake Walden perform. But From checking out the previews, I can't wait to see it!



When Torchwood is concerned, sometimes you have to wonder who is the good guy, and who is the bad, right? Well, when I saw this quick clip, I was asking that about the CIA agent, played by Mekhi Phifer.



So don't forget to watch tonight, 10PM EST on STARZ Network. It replays at 11PM as well. Last week was so good, I watched it twice!

Torchwood: Miracle Day Premiers On Starz

The latest incarnation of Torchwood premiers tonight on the STARZ network at 10PM. While it will still star sexy John Barrowman and sultry Eve Myles as Caption Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper, the rest of the cast from the BBC version has been virtually slaughtered over the past few seasons. If I am not mistaken, PC Andy and Gwen's hubby Rhys are coming back. However, Owen, Toshiko, and Ianto have been killed, as has Jack's grandson. That said, the new additions to the cast are kinda impressive. Joining Jack and Gwen in the US will be Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins, and Arlene Tur. Also joining the cast, although rumored to be not on the side of good, are Bill Pullman and Lauren Ambrose.



What is Miracle Day, you might be asking? Why don't I let them explain it for you?



For more information about the show, check out the official website here.

Torchwood Miracle Day Preview

Lucky me. I have been without John Barrowman on my TV for far too long, and my sister sent me a link to the latest preview of the Torchwood series, Miracle Day. The fourth season is being coproduced by the BBC and Starz, who have done an excellent job with the Spartacus series, as well as the new Camelot. I only have one teeny-weeny request. Could there be a seen with Captain Jack kissing Oswald Danes, played by Bill Pullman?



July 8, 2011. I am so there!

News from John Barrowman

It has been a while since Mr. Barrowman has been on this blog, and I do need my JB fix from time to time. However, there is actual news about the man, so I will lead with that. It seems John has been cast for a role on Desperate Housewives, playing a potential bad guy. You can read about it here. Might be nice for after spending a few years saving the world on Torchwood and Doctor Who.



In other news, Barrowman finished second behind Neil Patrick Harris as the biggest gay of the decade or some such title in polling on AfterElton.com. You can read more about it here. And having an additional paragraph break gave me the opportunity to run another picture! But to prove he is more than just a stunningly handsome face, here is a clip of him singing What About Us? live on a talk show in the UK.



For more on John Barrowman, you can visit his official website here. You can find his Twitter account here, for those who's like to follow this incredibly talented out gay man.

Torchwood: Children of Earth - Day Five

Torchwood: Children of Earth is on BBC America this week, Monday thru Friday at 9PM. Last night was Day Four, in which we saw Jack tell the story of 1965 and those 12 children, the 4-5-6 [aliens] threaten to destroy the human race if they don't offer up 10% of the children of Earth, and Torchwood develops a plan to stop the government from meeting the aliens demands. The 4-5-6 release a noxious gas, and we see Ianto die in Jack's arms. [All I am saying is they better figure out a way to bring him back!] Can Jack and Gwen save the world? Here is the preview for Day Five.

Torchwood: Children of Earth - Day Four

Torchwood: Children of Earth is on BBC America this week, Monday thru Friday at 9PM. Last night was Day Three, in which we saw the 4-5-6 [aliens] arrive via a fire column, Ianto redresses Jack in 'the coat', Jack's daughter and grandson held hostage, and the commando leader of the government troops question what is happening. And a nasty secret from Jack's past comes to light. Here is the preview for Day Four.

Torchwood: Children of Earth - Day Three

Torchwood: Children of Earth is on BBC America this week, Monday thru Friday at 9PM. Last night was Day Two, in which we saw a bomb blow up the hub, Jack naked and in chains, Gwen, Rhys and Ianto on the run. And Ianto saves Jack with a front-end loader. Did I mention Jack was naked? Here is the preview for Day Three.

Edited to add:
Click here for a shot of Captain Jack.

Torchwood: Children of Earth Day Two

Torchwood: Children of Earth is on BBC America this week, Monday thru Friday at 9PM. Last night was Day One, in which we saw every child on Earth would stop, scream, or start chanting in unison. The Torchwood team in on the scene. We also learn Jack has a daughter and grandson, and that Ianto's family is on to his relationship with Jack. Oh, and the government is after the team, putting them all in peril. And Gwen is pregnant, with Rhys' baby. Here is the preview for Day Two.

Torchwood - Children of Earth

Part of my geekdom that I hold near and dear is my complete adoration of all things Torchwood and Doctor Who [and some Primeval, too - and there is Being Human, a show I am checking out even if it hasn't aired in the States], BBC imports that just keep me coming back. Captain Jack Harkness appears in both series, a supporting character in Doctor Who and the lead in Torchwood. While I had already known of John Barrowman, this certainly heightened my fandom of him.



Season 3 is scheduled to show on BBC America next Monday, July 20, and run for five consecutive nights. It played in the UK this past week. I was eager to find out what will happen next to Captain Jack and his boy-toy, Ianto Jones. Damn, they are a hot couple! Ianto, played by str8 boy Gareth David-Lloyd, is gorgeous. And out actor/singer Barrowman wants lots of him. But this crap about waiting for a year for season 3, and it will be over in a week, just five episodes offered?




I had decided I would wait until next week to see it, because the trailers I had seen were very cool and I thought, I have been waiting this long, why not wait a little more. I mean, sure, they killed off two main people at the end of series 2, but that only left more time to focus on my favorites, so this should be good, right?



But that just wasn't in the cards, as I have no patience and so I found my way to Usenet and downloaded. I watched it this weekend, and it is exceptional. I watched it all weekend long, and was actually crying like a baby at times. It is more intense and darker than the previous shows, but I loved every minute of it. I won't discuss what happened until the show airs, for I am not a font of all things spoilerish.




I have pre-ordered my DVD, to go on the shelf with seasons 1 & 2, which I do watch from time to time. But I have read that there is still no commitment to a fourth season. BBC, don't do this to me. Tell me there will be more Captain jack!