Latest Barry Humphreys death news: Matt Lucas and Jimmy Carr lead tributes to ‘Beautiful’ Lady Edna star

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Barry Humphreys: Comedian and Dame Edna Iverge’s Best Moments

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Tributes are pouring in from across the entertainment industry in the wake of Barry Humphries’ death.

The Australian comedy legend died at the age of 89 in a Sydney hospital surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday.

In a statement, his family said Humphreys “was exactly himself to the end, never losing his brilliant mind, unique wit and generosity of spirit.”

The star’s death follows reports earlier this week that he was hospitalized with “serious health issues” following complications from a recent hip replacement surgery.

During his seven-decade career, Humphreys is best known for his creations of Sir Les Patterson and Dame Edna Everage.

His other credits include appearances in Bedazzled (1967), Spice World (1997), The Hobbit: An Unlimited Journey (2012), Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016) and Finding Nemo (2003).

Matt Lucas, Carol Vorderman and Rob Brydon are among the industry notables who have paid tribute to Humphreys.

Scroll down for live updates and tributes to the comedian and actor as they arrive.

View latest update 1682177454 Glimpses of appreciation for ‘Comedy Genius’

(PA)

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 16:30

1682176554 Watch Dame Edna’s greatest TV moments

Barry Humphreys: Comedian and Dame Edna Iverge’s Best Moments

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 16:15

1682175654 Don’t judge Australia by Australians: memorable quotes

Barry Humphreys has spent seven decades making audiences laugh through his timeless satirical characters and his own wit.

The Australian artist has passed away at the age of 89 after years of performing on stage and on television.

His characters ranged from the high camp of Lady Edna Iverage, to the debauchery of Australian statesman Sir Les Patterson.

Barry Humphreys after receiving an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) from the Queen at Buckingham Palace, London (Steve Parsons/PA)

(PA wire)

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 16:00

Rob Brydon: He was a real great

Comedian Rob Brydon, a friend of Barry Humphreys, said he had been with the Australian artist just three days earlier when “he was making me laugh like never before”.

RIP Barry Humphreys. Brydon tweeted.

“It was a pleasure to call him my friend.

“I was in Australia and only been with him 3 days ago. He was making me laugh as always. His talent shines through to the end.”

“My love goes out to Lizzie and the whole family.”

Rob Brydon will play Uncle HH (BBC / Pennsylvania)

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 15:45

A star who has lived a colorful life like many characters

A veteran of stage and screen, Barry Humphreys entertained generations with the high camp of Edna Iverage’s alter ego and as the lecherous Sir Les Patterson.

The Australian multi-hyphen may be best known for playing those characters across a seven-decade career, but his talents also extend to screenwriting and film production.

He has been considered by some critics to be the most important comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin and has lived as colorful a life as his characters.

(AP)

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 15:30

Boris Johnson Joins ‘Greatest Australian’ Tribute

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Barry Humphreys was “one of the greatest Australians ever”.

“RIP Barry Humphries – one of the greatest Australians of all time – and a comic genius who used his galore alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, to say what could not be said otherwise,” he tweeted.

“Also an infallibly wonderful Spectator contributor. What a loss.”

(PA)

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 15:15

1682172004 Humphreys ‘Taking the Last Bow’

Australian comedian Adam Hills said it was “fitting” that Barry Humphries “took his final bow on Saturday Night”.

RIP Barry Humphreys. Hills tweeted.

“He was nothing but a gentleman to me, and sometimes a lady. Appropriately, he took his final bow on Saturday night.”

Comedian Jimmy Carr, who is touring Australia, tweeted: “A bit bittersweet in Australia this evening, Barry Humphries has passed and no one will ever be good at togetherness again.”

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 15:00

1682170827 Esther Rantzen says “the world is grieving” after the loss

“The world is a little sad,” said Esther Rantzen, after the death of her friend and comedian Barry Humphries.

“I am very sad,” she told the Palestinian News Agency. “I think we have lost a source of so much fun and someone I’ve worked with since the mid-1960s and admired a lot.

“My memories of Lady Edna Everage go back to when she was just a lady, even a superstar then.

She was dressed in the somewhat disturbing BBC wardrobe but, of course, she transformed into a butterfly and clearly made a splash.

“It affected me greatly. When I was fortunate enough to be honored with damehood, I was often introduced as Dame Edna because it became a phrase that came so naturally, and I was thrilled.

Barry was erudite, intelligent, a voracious reader and all the things Sir Lee Patterson is not.

“A great creative artist.”

(Reuters/Russell Boyce)

Sam Rkaina22 April 2023 14:40

Matt Lucas shares a photo of himself with Humphries

“I wonder if all geniuses are as beloved as Barry Humphries. Thank you for making us happy and inspiring. Quite simply, you were the greatest,” the former Great Britain Pick Off star wrote.

Lucas accompanied his words with a smiling photo of him and Humphreys together.

Annabelle Nugent Apr 22 2023 14:34

Statement of the issues of the comedian’s family

Barry Humphreys’ family released a statement announcing the comedian’s death.

Read the full statement: “He was absolutely himself to the end, never losing his brilliant mind, unique wit and generosity of soul.

“With over 70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer at heart, touring into the last year of his life and planning further shows that unfortunately will 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 the theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, collector, and lover of the troupe in all its forms.

He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and confidant to many. His death leaves a void in the lives of many.

“The characters he created, who brought laughter to millions, will live on.”

Annabelle Nugent Apr 22 2023 14:32

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