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Beloved Aussie comedian Barry Humphries dies

Farewell to a legend of the Australian stage and screen.
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Barry Humphries, the legendary Australian comedian known for roles including  Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, has sadly passed away. Humphries, 89, died on Saturday at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital.

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The star recently underwent hip replacement surgery in March, but due to complications was readmitted in April.

His family, including his wife of 30 years, Lizzie Spender, and children Rupert, Oscar, Emily, and Tessa, were by his side in his final days.

“​He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” his family said in a statement on Saturday night.​

“​With over ​70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be.”

barry humphries
(Credit: Getty Images)
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​“​His audiences were precious to him,” the statement continued. “And he never took them for granted. Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of ​a​​​​rt in all its forms.​

“He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives.

“The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.”

Tributes have begun to flow in for Barry, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking out upon hearing the news.

“For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone,” Mr Albanese said.

“But the brightest star in the galaxy was always Barry. A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift.” 

Dame Edna
(Credit: Getty Images)

Barry began his career in the late 1950s. His breakthrough role was as Mr Sowerberry in the original 1960 London production of the musical Oliver!

Barry went on to star in a few films such as Bedazzled and The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom before finding his true calling: one-man satirical stage revues. During these revues, Barry would perform as Dame Edna as well as other characters he created, like Les Patterson and Sandy Stone.

In recent years, Barry has appeared in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey among many other projects. His shining light will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Barry.

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