Barry Humphries has passed away at the age of 89.
The iconic entertainer had been suffering health complications after undergoing extensive surgery to repair a broken hip.
Humphries, who was well known for his characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, died on Saturday in Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, while surrounded by his closest friends and family.
A statement from his publicist confirmed the news, as they wrote, “It is with great sadness that we announce that Barry Humphries passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia today. He was surrounded by his family.”
“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit.”
“With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be. His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.
“Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of Art in all its forms. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives.”
The news of the comedian and satirist’s passing prompted a wave of tributes from all corners of the globe, with King Charles leading the charge.
Monarch said he was “saddened” by the death of the entertainer, with a royal family spokesman telling News Corporation, “His Majesty is writing privately to Mr Humphries’ family as we speak.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Humphries, writing on Twitter, “For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone.”
“But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry.”
“A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace.”
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared his memories of the entertainer, writing, “RIP Barry Humphries – one of the greatest ever Australians – and a comic genius who used his exuberant alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, to say the otherwise unsayable. What a loss.”
What an honour to share a moment with the genius Barry Humphries. One of the funniest experiences of my life. RIP kind sir. pic.twitter.com/WWcCoQvbCS
— Guy Pearce (@TheGuyPearce) April 22, 2023
In my late teens I was taken to a Barry Humphries performance. It was my very first exposure to live theatre. I remember so clearly the electricity, the collective sense of anticipation. He was extraordinary. He lit a creative fuse in me that night. Thanks Barry for the laughs.
— Eric Bana (@EricBana67) April 22, 2023
RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably. It was a delight to call him my friend.
I’ve been in Australia and was with him only 3 days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end.
My love goes out to Lizzie and all the family. pic.twitter.com/G5aJfLiVkK— Rob Brydon (@RobBrydon) April 22, 2023
Born in Melbourne in 1934, Barry Humphries had a passion for the arts from a young age.
He became immersed in the Melbourne Theatre Company, where he created the first incarnation of what would become his best-known character, Edna Everage.
Humphries then moved to London in 1959 and became consumed by a series of productions in the West End.
After also finding success in the box office with two films, Edna was made a Dame by the then-prime minister Gough Whitlam, prompting the legend of the gaudy housewife to grow.
Humphries’ characters earned him an Olivier Award as well as a Tony Award.
He went on to create characters such as Sandy Stone, and the ever-irreverent Sir Les Patterson, and toured with these characters until just one year before his passing.
Barry is survived by his wife Lizzie, his children Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert, and 10 beloved grandchildren.
Image credits: Getty Images
This article first appeared on Over60.