The legendary and much-loved Australian entertainer Barry Humphries has passed away.
Celebrated Australian performer Barry Humphries, best known for his character Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, has passed away on Saturday at the age of 89 years old.
The beloved star had been in hospital in Sydney after suffering complications following hip surgery in earlier this year.
A statement from his family read, “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.”
He is survived by his wife Lizzie, his children Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert, and 10 beloved grandchildren.
Tributes have flowed for the Melbourne-born star, with the likes of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Comedian Matt Lucas of Little Britain, Dannii Minogue, Elton John, and Piers Morgan, among many others from across the world.
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. pic.twitter.com/oSAKpxPGae
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 22, 2023
A comic genius until the end, RIP.
