Tributes are pouring in for the irreverent comedian whose intelligent wit saw him enjoy a career that spanned seven decades and brought to life his globally acclaimed alter ego, Dame Edna Everage.
The legendary comedian had been readmitted to a hospital in Sydney after suffering complications following hip surgery last month and died on Saturday evening, April 22nd.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese was one of the first to pay tribute saying: "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."
For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 22, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/oSAKpxPGae
Humphries, regarded as a satirist and character actor, made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Over the years, he performed as Dame Edna in countless stage shows, TV appearances, and films. The character was his most famous creation and was well known for her flamboyant outfits, outlandish wigs, and razor-sharp wit, as well as for the trademark phrase "Hello, possums!" Humphries has said that he based the character on his own mother and other strong women he knew growing up in Australia.
Humphries also had a successful career as a writer and actor, both in Australia and abroad. He appeared in numerous films, including "Finding Nemo" and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," and has written several books, including his memoir "My Life as Me" and a novel, "The Life and Death of Sandy Stone."
Throughout his career, Humphries received numerous accolades and awards for his work, including a CBE in 2007 and a knighthood in 2020. He has been celebrated for his contributions to Australian culture and for his ability to create characters that are both hilarious and poignant.
May you RIP Barry Humphries.
