Barry Humphries, the Australian-born actor and comedian, who is best known for creating the iconic character Dame Edna Everage, has passed away at the age of 89 (The New York Times). Humphries was an internationally renowned comedian, who had a long-lasting career spanning over six decades. He was known for not only creating the beloved Dame Edna character, but also for his character Sir Les Patterson, the boorish politician, and for lending his voice to the character of Bruce in the Pixar film “Finding Nemo” (Variety).
Humphries was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1934. He began his career as an actor and comedian in the early 1950s, and eventually moved to London in the 1960s, where he established himself as a performer in both the West End and on the BBC (NPR). He later relocated to New York City, where he performed on Broadway, winning a Tony Award in 2000 for his one-man show “Dame Edna: The Royal Tour” (NPR).
Dame Edna Everage, Humphries’ most popular character, was a satirical depiction of a Melbourne housewife who evolved into a talk show host and “gigastar” (Reuters). The character quickly became a beloved icon in Australia and around the world, with Humphries performing as Dame Edna for over four decades. In addition to his live performances, Humphries brought Dame Edna and other characters to television screens and feature films.
Humphries was widely celebrated for his contributions to comedy and entertainment, with tributes pouring in from around the world following his passing. Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, described Humphries as a “true trailblazer” and an “Australian legend” (USNews.com). Humphries’ legacy will continue to live on through his hilarious characters and groundbreaking performances.
