Tributes are continuing today following the death of Australian entertainer Barry Humphries, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.
The Melbourne-born entertainer died at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital with his family by his side, after complications from a broken hip.
In a statement following his death, Humphries’ family wrote: “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit.”
Humphries’ talent spanned generations and continents, with the man behind Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson becoming a household name himself.
Among those paying tribute to the legend has been UK comedian Ricky Gervais, who summed up his legacy by calling him a “comedy genius.”
Singing superstar, Leo Sayer, called his friend “an incredibly inventive, gifted, kind and funny man, whose cunning wordplay changed the Australian language forever, and the rest of the world’s too, I’m sure.”
The patron of The Advertiser Foundation, Angela Condous, also paid tribute to Humphries and said “he was an incredible entertainer.”
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, called the star “one of a kind.”
Victoria’s Creative Industries Minister, Steve Dimopoulos, confirmed on Sunday the state government is now in discussions with Humphries’ family about the possibility of a state funeral to honour his contribution to the state.
“It really is the end of a pretty profound era,” Minister Dimopoulos said. “He was extraordinarily talented and iconic – and he was Victorian.”
“I want to extend my condolences to Barry Humphries’ family and everybody who loved him at a time that is very sad for them.”
