People want to know Barry Humphries death; in this article, we provide you with all the information about the Australian comedian, actor, and satirist Barry Humphries.
Who was Barry Humphries?
John Barry Humphries AO CBE was a multi-talented Australian comedian, actor, author, and satirist who passed away on April 22, 2023, at the age of 89. He was widely acclaimed for his ability to write and perform as his on-stage and television alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. In addition to his work as a comedian, Humphries was a film producer, scriptwriter, author, landscape painter, and star of London’s West End musical theatre.
Humphries’ delivery of Dadaist and absurdist humor to millions of people made him an important figure in the theatrical world. According to biographer Anne Pender, Humphries was “the most significant theatrical figure of our time and the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin” in 2010. His characters, particularly Dame Edna Everage, brought him international fame, and he also appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows.
Originally, Dame Edna Everage was conceived as a dowdy Moonee Ponds housewife who caricatured Australian suburban complacency and insularity. Over four decades, Humphries evolved the character into a satire of stardom, portraying her as a gaudily dressed, acid-tongued, egomaniacal, and internationally fêted “Housewife Gigastar.” The character became a cultural icon in Australia and beyond.
Humphries was born in Melbourne, Australia, on February 17, 1934. He attended Melbourne Grammar School and later studied at the University of Melbourne. After completing his education, he began his career as a comedian and quickly gained a following in Australia. In the 1960s, he moved to London, where he became a regular performer on the BBC’s satirical television show, “That Was The Week That Was.”
Humphries’ success as a comedian allowed him to pursue other interests. He wrote several books, including an autobiography, “My Life As Me” (2002), and a novel, “Bazza Pulls It Off” (1984). He also worked as a film producer and scriptwriter, contributing to movies such as “The Adventures of Barry McKenzie” (1972) and “Les Patterson Saves the World” (1987).
Barry Humphries Death
Barry Humphries, an Australian entertainer known for his iconic comic character Dame Edna Everage, has passed away at the age of 89. The star had been hospitalized in Sydney following complications from hip surgery that he underwent in March. This came after he had a fall in February, which further exacerbated his health issues.
Humphries was a legendary figure in the world of comedy and entertainment, and his most famous creation, Dame Edna Everage, was a beloved character around the world. She became a hit in the UK during the 1970s and went on to have her own TV chat show, the Dame Edna Everage Experience, in the late 1980s. Humphries was also known for his other comedic personas, such as the lecherous drunk Sir Les Patterson.
The news of Humphries’ passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those who paid tribute to the late entertainer, calling him “a great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind.” Albanese’s sentiments were echoed by many others, who praised Humphries for his unique talent and contributions to the world of comedy.
Humphries’ family also released a statement in which they remembered him as “completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit, and generosity of spirit.” They also thanked his fans for their support and asked for privacy as they mourned their loss.
What was Barry Humphries Cause of Death?
The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of Australian comedian and performer Barry Humphries, who passed away at the age of 89. Best known for his iconic character Dame Edna Everage, Humphries had been in the hospital in Sydney since March, after experiencing complications following hip surgery. The surgery was necessary due to a fall he suffered in February.
Humphries had a long and storied career in entertainment, spanning several decades. He first rose to fame in the 1950s as a satirical performer and comedian, before creating the character of Dame Edna Everage in the 1960s. Dame Edna quickly became a beloved and iconic figure, known for her outrageous fashion sense, exaggerated accent, and hilarious one-liners.
Over the years, Humphries continued to perform as Dame Edna, both on stage and on screen. He also created several other memorable characters, including the boorish Sir Les Patterson and the timid Sandy Stone. His performances were always marked by a sharp wit and a deep understanding of human nature, and he was widely regarded as one of Australia’s most talented and beloved entertainers.
When did Barry Humphries Die?
Barry Humphries, a beloved Australian comedian, and actor passed away at the age of 87. Best known for his iconic comedy characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, Humphries died in a Sydney hospital on April 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.
The news of Humphries’ declining health emerged earlier this week, with reports stating that he had been admitted to the hospital with “serious health problems” following complications from a recent hip replacement surgery. Despite efforts to save his life, Humphries ultimately succumbed to his condition.
Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1934, Humphries began his career as a satirical cartoonist and performer in the 1950s. He quickly gained a reputation as a versatile and irreverent entertainer, known for his sharp wit and willingness to push boundaries.
Humphries’ most famous creations, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, were both larger-than-life caricatures of Australian society. Dame Edna, a flamboyant and outspoken housewife, first appeared on Australian television in the 1970s and went on to become a global sensation, with Humphries performing the character in various stage shows and television specials for decades.
Sir Les Patterson, a lecherous and politically incorrect character, also became a fan favorite, appearing in numerous television shows and films over the years. During his long and distinguished career, Humphries received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1982 and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2007.
Humphries’ passing has been mourned by fans and fellow performers around the world. In a statement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described him as “one of Australia’s greatest cultural exports,” while comedians including Stephen Fry and Eddie Izzard paid tribute to his talent and legacy.
Who is Barry Humphries Wife?
Barry Humphries married his first wife Brenda Wright from 1955 to 1957, his second wife Rosalind Tong from 1959 to 1970, his third wife Diane Millstead from 1979 to 1989, and his fourth wife Elizabeth Spender from 1990 to 2023. In the year 2000, Australian comedian Barry Humphries took his iconic stage show, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour, to North America and ended up winning the prestigious Special Tony Award for a Live Theatrical Event.
This was a groundbreaking achievement for Humphries as he became the first Australian to receive a Tony Award. He also won two National Broadway Theatre Awards, one for “Best Play” and the other for “Best Actor” in 2001.
When asked by an Australian journalist about his feelings on winning the Tony Award, Humphries famously replied that it was like winning a thousand Gold Logies at the same time. The Gold Logie is the highest accolade that can be awarded to an Australian television personality, and winning one is considered a significant achievement.
The success of Dame Edna’s show in America opened up many new opportunities for Humphries. He was offered a semi-regular role in the hit TV series Ally McBeal, in which he played the character of Claire Otoms, a sexually ambiguous talk show host. This role earned him critical acclaim and introduced him to a new audience in America.
In 2003, Humphries was invited by Vanity Fair magazine to write a satirical advice column under the guise of Dame Edna. However, the column was discontinued after a controversial remark made by Dame Edna about learning Spanish, which caused an outcry.
FAQs:
1. Who was Barry Humphries?
A. Barry Humphries was an Australian comedian, actor, author, satirist, film producer, scriptwriter, landscape painter, and star of London’s West End musical theatre. He was best known for his on-stage and television alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.
2. What was Dame Edna Everage?
A. Dame Edna Everage was one of Barry Humphries’ most famous characters. Originally conceived as a dowdy Moonee Ponds housewife who caricatured Australian suburban complacency and insularity, she evolved over four decades to become a satire of stardom- a gaudily dressed, acid-tongued, egomaniacal, internationally fêted “Housewife Gigastar.”
3. What other characters did Barry Humphries play?
A. In addition to Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, Humphries played many other characters over the course of his career, including the character of Sandy Stone, a melancholic and nostalgic Australian suburbanite.
4. What books did Barry Humphries write?
A. Barry Humphries wrote several books, including an autobiography, “My Life As Me” (2002), and a novel, “Bazza Pulls It Off” (1984).
5. What films did Barry Humphries produce and write?
A. Humphries produced and wrote for several films, including “The Adventures of Barry McKenzie” (1972) and “Les Patterson Saves the World” (1987).