Dame Edna star Barry Humphries dies
Sydney, The Gulf Observer: Barry Humphries, who played Dame Edna Everage, has died at the age of 89.
The celebrated Australian comedian had been readmitted to hospital in Sydney after suffering complications following hip surgery last month.
Arguably Australia’s single most famous comedy export, the self-described giga-star was known for her extravagant spectacles, rapier wit, double entendres, fondness for gladioli flowers and the famous greeting “Hello possums!”.
Humphries also played Sir Les Patterson, an unkempt, lecherous, uncouth, drunken character who held multiple fictional diplomatic positions, including cultural attaché to the Court of St James and minister for the yartz (arts).
Other more subtle, melancholy creations included Sandy Stone, an elderly gentleman who inhabited the world of his youth.
A statement from Humphries’ family said: “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit.
“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.
“His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.
