Australian comedian Barry Humphries, who created the famous Dame Edna character, has died. He was 89 years old.
Humphries died in an Australian hospital on Saturday after undergoing treatment for different health problems. Sydney Morning Herald. He had a fall and then hip surgery in February and was recovering, even planning a comedy tour this summer.
“He was completely himself to the end, never losing his brilliance, unmatched intelligence, and generous spirit,” his family said in a statement.
The family explained, “For over 70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer at his core, touring until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never happen.” “His audiences were dear to him and he never underestimated them. Although he is best remembered for his work in the theatre, he was a painter, writer, poet, collector and lover of art in all its forms.
The tribute ended with a nod to Humphries’ many personalities: “The characters he created and made millions laugh will live on.”
The actress was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1934 and created the character of infamous housewife Edna Everage in 1955 as a “social satire”, according to CNN.
Dame Edna became a hit in the 1970s after Humphreis promoted the character in London’s West End and subsequently began appearing on television and talk shows.
Edna, a beloved Australian treasure, has shiny mauve hair, diamond-studded cat glasses and “Hello Possums!”
via Getty by Steve Parsons/AFP
Humphries has been in the entertainment industry for over 60 years and has been honored multiple times. He became an Officer of the Order of Australia (OA) for his services to theater in 1982 and the Queen made him Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007.
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Humphries also left his mark on the USA. He won a Special Tony Award for his Broadway show. Dame Edna, Royal Tour He made a guest appearance in an episode in 2001. Ali McBeal in 2001
According to AP News, the character actor had a tough time entering alcohol rehab in the 1970s after he was arrested in Melbourne for being drunk and disorderly. He was sober for the rest of his life.
Fans and celebrities alike took to social media after hearing the news of Humphries’ death.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Barry Humphries has entertained us for 89 years through a galaxy of characters from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone.” tweetedrefers to one of its characters. “But Barry was always the brightest star in that galaxy. He was a brilliant mind, satirist, writer, and absolutely one of a kind, both talented and gifted.”
Elton John said of his friend: “Barry was the funniest man ever. AND the sweetest man ever. What a sad day.”
Ricky Gervais also respectfully shared his farewell. twitter. “Goodbye Barry Humphries, you comedic genius,” he wrote.
Humphries was married four times and is survived by his fourth wife, Lizzie Spender, four children and 10 grandchildren.