Barry Humphries, an Australian comedian, actor, and writer passed away at the age of 89. Humphries was widely celebrated for his comic creation of Dame Edna Everage, an eccentric and outlandish character known for her flamboyance and sharp wit. His death has left a deep void in the entertainment world as he was recognized as an iconic figure in Australian comedy. In this article, we celebrate the life and achievements of Barry Humphries, exploring his career and the legacy he leaves behind.
Barry Humphries, the legendary Australian comedian best known for his iconic drag character Dame Edna Everage, has passed away at the age of 89. His family confirmed the news in a statement reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, saying that he remained fully himself until the end and never lost the wit and kindness of spirit that defined his career.
Humphries was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, famous for his satirical social commentary and quick humor. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late comedian, calling him “a great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind.”
The comedian had recently been readmitted to the hospital due to complications following hip surgery last month. Humphries had undergone hip replacement surgery after a fall in February.
Born in Melbourne in 1934, Humphries started creating characters for his unique brand of satire in the 1950s. It wasn’t until he chose to develop the character of Dame Edna Everage in 1955, a housewife with a penchant for lilac hair and cat glasses, that he found true success. Edna gained immense popularity in the 1970s when Humphries brought her to London’s West End, where she became an instant national treasure. The character would go on to appear in numerous productions, TV shows, and chat shows throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
Before creating Edna, Humphries had already made a name for himself appearing in numerous West End productions in the 1960s, including “Oliver” and “Maggie May.”
Humphries’ illustrious career spanned more than six decades, during which time he was awarded several honors. In 1982, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (OA) for his contributions to theater, and in 2007, the Queen made him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to the arts.
In 2000, Humphries won a special Tony Award for his Broadway show “Dame Edna, The Royal Tour,” which helped him break into the US market. He also appeared as Edna in the popular US television drama “Ally McBeal” in 2001.
Humphries was not just a comedian but also an actor, author, director, and scriptwriter. He wrote several books, novels, autobiographies, and plays, and was known for his talent as a landscape painter.
Humphries’ career was not without controversy. In 2019, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival dropped their prestigious Barry Award, named after the comedian, following controversial comments he made to the Spectator the year before regarding transgender people. Humphries was criticized for describing being transgender as a “fashion” and was accused of transphobia. However, he later denied these accusations, saying that his comments were taken out of context.
The comedian toured the UK in 2022, recounting his life stories and inspirations in a set called “The Man Behind the Mask,” even at the age of 88.
Humphries is survived by his wife, Lizzie Spender, and four children. His legacy lives on as a true icon of the entertainment industry, beloved for his sharp wit, unique sense of humor, and unmatched creativity.
In conclusion, the entertainment industry and the world at large mourn the loss of Barry Humphries, a true comedic legend. He will always be remembered for his sharp wit, irreverent humor, and loveable characters like the iconic Dame Edna Everage. Humphries’ impact on Australian culture and beyond will continue to be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace, Barry Humphries. Thank you for bringing laughter and joy to so many.
