Barry Humphries: Australian comedian known for his iconic character Dame Edna Everage, has passed away at the age of 89. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, his family stated that he remained true to himself until the end, keeping his sharp wit and generous spirit.

Feature image Credit : Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to him on Twitter. He calling him a great satirist, writer, and unique personality. Humphries had to be readmitted to the hospital due to complications after a hip surgery he had last month. He underwent hip replacement surgery after a fall in February.

About Barry Humphries

Humphries was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1934. He invented the character of housewife Edna Everage in 1955 as a way of satirizing society. When Humphries brought the act to London’s West End, the character became a huge hit in the 1970s. Before Edna’s success, Humphries performed in several West End productions during the 1960s, including “Oliver” and “Maggie May.”

Renowned for her violet hair, bedazzled feline spectacles and signature lines like “Hello Possums!”, Edna instantly became a beloved icon.

During the 70s, 80s and 90s, Humphries secured a variety of television talk shows, specials and movies. He starred as Dame Edna and his other personas Les Patterson and Sandy Stone, including The Dame Edna Experience in 1987.

Barry Humphries over six decades Career

Barry Humphries earned several accolades during his remarkable career that lasted for over six decades. He received the Officer of the Order of Australia (OA) in 1982 for his services to theatre. In 2007, the Queen conferred him with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contribution to the arts.

Humphries received a Special Tony Award in 2000 for his Broadway production “Dame Edna, The Royal Tour,” which was his official entry into the US market. He later appeared as Edna on the American drama series “Ally McBeal” in 2001. In addition to his work as an actor, director, and screenwriter, Humphries also wrote numerous novels, autobiographies, and plays, and was a talented landscape painter.

Controversies

Barry Humphries faced controversy throughout his career. In 2019, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival removed the Barry Award named after him due to his comments on transgender individuals in the Spectator.

According to CNN affiliate 7 News, Humphries referred to being transgender as a “fashion”, a statement that drew backlash. However, Barry clarified that his comments were misconstrued. He also denied being transphobic.

Also Read: Sc education lottery: an Upstate man recently won $75,000