Barry Humphries: Comedian and Dame Edna Everage actor’s best moments
Tributes from across the entertainment industry are flooding in following the death of Barry Humphries.
The Australian comedy legend died aged 89 in a Sydney hospital surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday (22 April).
His family said in a statement that Humphries “was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit”.
The star’s death follows reports earlier this week that he had been admitted to hospital with “serious health problems” following complications with a recent hip replacement surgery.
Across his seven-decade career, Humphries became best known for his creations Sir Les Patterson and Dame Edna Everage.
His other credits include appearances in Bedazzled (1967), Spice World (1997), The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), and Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016) and Finding Nemo (2003).
Matt Lucas, Carol Vorderman and Rob Brydon are among the industry figures to have paid tribute to Humphries.
Scroll down for live updates and tributes to the comedian and actor as they come in.
Esther Rantzen says “world is sadder” after loss
Dame Esther Rantzen said “the world is just that bit sadder” following the death of friend and comedian Barry Humphries.
She told the PA news agency: “I’m very sad. I think we’ve lost a source of so much fun and someone I have worked with since the mid-1960s and liked and admired so much.
“My memory of Dame Edna Everage goes back to when she was a mere Mrs, she was even then a superstar.
She was dressed by BBC’s rather frumpy stock wardrobe but, of course, she turned into a butterfly and obviously achieved damehood.
“She influenced me greatly. When I was lucky enough to be honoured with damehood, I was very frequently introduced as Dame Edna because it became a phrase which came naturally, and I was thrilled.
“Barry was cultured and clever and a voracious reader and all the things that Sir Les Patterson not.
“A great creative artist.”
(REUTERS/Russell Boyce)
Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 14:40
Matt Lucas shares photo of himself and Humphries
“I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest,” wrote the former Great British Bake Off star.
Lucas accompanied his words with a smiley photo of himself and Humphries together.
Annabel Nugent22 April 2023 14:34
Comedian’s family issues statement
Barry Humphries’ family issued a statement announcing the comedian’s death.
Read the statement in full: “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit.
“With over 70 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 characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.”
Annabel Nugent22 April 2023 14:32
Ricky Gervais remembers ‘comedy genius’
Ricky Gervais was one of the first to pay tribute to Barry Humphries.
The Office star wrote on Twitter: “Farewell, Barry Humphries, you comedy genius.”
Annabel Nugent22 April 2023 14:27
More Stories
How to watch Sinead O’Connor’s ‘Nothing Compares’ documentary this weekend
Barbie smashes The Dark Knight’s 15-year-old box office record
Seann William Scott says he was paid only ‘$8,000’ for American Pie