Goodbye possums
Dame Edna star Barry, 89, dies after surgery for a broken hip
COMEDIAN Barry Humphries, who brought laughter to millions with characters as diverse as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, has died aged 89.
The comic genius, who had surgery in February for a broken hip, had been rushed back to hospital on Wednesday.
He was said at the time to be upbeat and “cracking jokes” with visitors, in spite of his worsening condition.
The Australian star was best known in the UK for comedy talk show The Dame Edna Experience – on which the glitzy but bored 1950s
Melbourne housewife interviewed celebrities including Liza Minnelli and Sean Connery, catching them off guard with her caustic humour. Humphries also won acclaim for another creation, Sir Les Patterson – an uncouth, drunken “cultural attache” who he once joked brought “worldwide discredit upon Australian arts and culture”. He also had success acting in musical theatre in London’s West End, and was a talented landscape painter, film producer, author and scriptwriter.
The comedian died yesterday with his family by his side – including his fourth wife, actress Lizzie Spender, four children and 10 grandchildren.
He had broken his hip tripping on a rug while reaching for a book.
His family said: “With over 70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life. His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.”
Describing him as “a collector and lover of art in all its forms”, they added: “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit. The characters he created will live on.”
Sons Rupert and Oscar had rushed from their homes in London to join daughters Emily and Tessa at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, where he died.
Fellow Aussie writer and comic Kathy Lette tweeted yesterday: “Farewell to my favourite person.”
Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain called Humphries “one of the absolute funniest people ever”, adding: “A huge life, lived long and well. He will be missed.”
Comic pal Rob Brydon said he was with the star three days ago when “he was, as ever, making me laugh”. He added: “A true great. His talent shone until the very end.”