Australian comedian Barry Humphries, who created the iconic character Dame Edna Everage, passed away at the age of 89 in Sydney (AP News). Humphries was known for his satirical work on stage and television, where he presented his alter-ego, who he portrayed for over fifty years. Dame Edna Everage was a suburban housewife, with distinctive cat-eye glasses and lilac hair (BBC).
Humphries was a multifaceted artist, often challenging social norms and exploring different facets of the entertainment industry. He was an author, a playwright, and also worked as an actor. In 2003 he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his services to entertainment (Reuters).
In addition to his famous alter-ego, Humphries had a range of other characters, including the boorish Sir Les Patterson, whose humor was often regarded as crude and sometimes offensive. Humphries was not without controversy, a reflection of the sometimes-contentious topics he broached in his performances (NPR).
Humphries’ influence on the entertainment industry was significant, with many tributes pouring in from fans and peers. British comedian Ricky Gervais praised Humphries’ work, describing him as a “comedy legend” (CNN). Actor Hugh Jackman took to Twitter to describe Humphries’ “wonderful and generous spirit”.
Humphries’ legacy extends to beyond the stage with his contribution to blockbuster movies such as “Finding Nemo,” where he voiced the character “Bruce” (WDW News Today). Humphries clearly left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and will be missed by his many fans around the world.
