Barry Humphries, the Australian comedian and actor who brought to life the iconic character of Dame Edna Everage, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for pushing the boundaries of comedy and satire, Humphries made audiences laugh for more than six decades, but it was perhaps his creation of the ostentatious and outspoken Dame Edna that catapulted him to international fame. As friends, fans and fellow performers pay tribute to Humphries, we take a look back at his life, career and legacy.
Barry Humphries, the legendary Australian comedian and creator of the beloved character Dame Edna, passed away at the age of 89. News of his death was first reported by RTE.ie, followed by an outpouring of tributes from the world of comedy and beyond.
Humphries was born in Melbourne in 1934 and first gained national attention in the 1950s as a satirical performer. He moved to London in the 1960s, where he made a name for himself with his character Barry McKenzie, a boorish and clueless Australian tourist.
But it was his creation of Dame Edna, a flamboyant and outrageous character with purple hair and oversized glasses, that really cemented his place in the cultural zeitgeist. Edna became a staple of comedy television and stage shows in the 1970s and beyond, and her irreverent humor and quick wit made her a beloved figure around the world.
Tributes to Humphries poured in from fellow comedians and fans alike, with many noting his contribution to the world of comedy and his ability to make people laugh even in the darkest of times.
“Barry was a genius, pure and simple,” said fellow comedian and friend Stephen Fry. “His ability to craft a joke, to improvise in character, to make people laugh until their sides hurt – it was all part of his incredible talent.”
Humphries himself once said, “I think humor is an important weapon in our fight against mediocrity and conformity.” His characters were often subversive and challenging, taking aim at the status quo and poking fun at society’s norms and conventions.
But behind the humor lay a complex and often troubled man. Humphries struggled with alcoholism for many years and spoke openly about his battles with depression.
Despite these struggles, however, he continued to create and perform until the end of his life. In 2019, he embarked on a farewell tour of Australia with one of his most popular characters, Sir Les Patterson, a crass and politically incorrect politician.
Humphries’ death was a blow to the world of comedy and to his legions of fans around the world. But his legacy will live on, not only through the characters he brought to life but also through his commitment to the craft of comedy and his relentless pursuit of laughter and joy.
In conclusion, the world of entertainment has lost a true icon with the passing of Barry Humphries. His legacy and impact on the industry will be felt for generations to come, as he gifted us with timeless characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. Humphries was not only a comedian, but also a writer, actor, and satirist, and his contributions to the arts will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Barry Humphries, may your laughter and wit continue to bring joy to all those who remember you fondly.
