‘A true genius’ of stage and screen: King Charles leads tribute as Dame star Edna Barry Humphreys dies at age 89 – who left the monarch in hysterics after sneaking into the ‘Royal Box’ during the 2013 Royal Variety Performance
Last night King Charles led a tribute to legendary comedian Barry Humphreys who passed away yesterday at the age of 89.
The “genuine genius” of stage and screen, who delighted generations with his satirical alter ego, Dame Edna Iverage and Sir Les Patterson, has died at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia, with his close family at his bedside.
“He was absolutely himself to the end, never losing his brilliant mind, unique wit and generosity of spirit,” his family said in a statement.
A heartfelt homage to the Australian-born Humphreys, who has become a national treasure in Britain since his arrival here in 1959, it pours in from fellow comedians, politicians and royals – although the comedian takes great pleasure in using his sharp-tongued characters to poke fun at the absurdities of celebrity and power.
A spokesman for King Charles said the monarch – who was notoriously hysterical when Lady Edna snuck into the “Royal Box” during the 2013 Royal Variety Performance show – was “saddened” by the news. “His Majesty is writing privately to Mr. Humphreys’ family as we speak,” the spokesperson said.
Last night King Charles led a tribute to legendary comedian Barry Humphreys who passed away yesterday at the age of 89
A spokesman for King Charles says the monarch – who is notorious for being hysterical when Lady Edna snuck into the “Royal Box” during the 2013 Royal Variety Performance – is “saddened” by the news.
“His Majesty is writing privately to Mr Humphreys’ family as we speak,” the spokesperson said.
It was always fun to watch him perform
Sir Michael Parkinson, who hosted Humphreys on his talk show sofa over the years, called him one of his favorite guests “of all time”, as well as a “dear friend”.
“At a time when word spreads so easily, we have truly lost a genius,” said Sir Michael. “I will miss him and the lady equally.”
Actress Maureen Lippman, another longtime friend of the comedian, told The Mail on Sunday he had left audiences “helpless” and “made us question our ears and fear for our sanity”. “He crinkled those purple lips for us,” she said, referring to Humphreys’ Dame Edna. Tyranny has been torn apart for us. It moved us and “joyed” us. “
League Of Gentlemen and Inside No 9 star Reece Shearsmith said he had “one of the scariest brains we’ll ever see.” He was always very funny, cunning and very terrifying. It was always fun to watch him perform.
Broadcaster Joan Bakewell said Humphreys “loved everything thought provoking and thought provoking”. He loved art, books, ideas and laughter. . . She added that he was good at all of them. Four times Humphreys, who was also a painter, author and poet, was rushed to hospital Wednesday after suffering complications following hip surgery last month.
The bibliophile, who had an impressive collection of rare books, fell after hitting his foot on a rug while looking for a book.
Humphreys did not lose sight of the absurd. “It was the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents,” he said.
He left behind his fourth wife, Lizzie Spender, two sons and two daughters, and ten grandchildren.
