Barry Humphries’ son Oscar says Sydney state memorial is no ‘snub’ to Melbourne

Barry Humphries’ son, Oscar, says his family is honored to accept a state memorial in Sydney after the comedic genius passed away at the age of 89.

The commemoration will take place in Sydney, after the Victorian government also offered to organize the event.

Oscar, 42, told The Australian on Thursday media speculation that the family chose Sydney over Melbourne as a ‘snub’ was wrong, despite Humphries being born in an upscale Melbourne suburb.

“The two offers of a state monument were a great honor to my father and were received with great gratitude,” he told the publication.

“It is such an honor and a moving recognition of his contribution to Australian culture and what he has meant to so many people.”

Born in Kew in 1934, Humphries lived in London but also settled in Sydney in recent decades.

Oscar, 42, told The Australian on Thursday that media speculation that the family chose Sydney over Melbourne as a ‘snub’ was wrong, despite Humphries being born in an upscale Melbourne suburb

Oscar, a journalist and art dealer, is the son of Humphries and the comedian’s third wife, Diane Millstead, whom he married in 1979 and divorced in 1989.

Famous for his comedic characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Les Patterson, Humphries had a career spanning six decades.

The star of stage and screen reportedly had been battling an incurable cancer for years before his death last month.

He passed away on April 22 at the age of 89 following complications from recent hip replacement surgery.

At the end of April, Humphries was said goodbye at a private funeral by family and friends, who made last-minute arrangements to attend after being advised only 24 hours in advance.

The private ceremony took place Friday at his longtime friend and artist Tim Storrier’s Bowral estate in the NSW Southern Highlands.

“It was a small affair, just family and close friends,” said film director Bruce Beresford.

Born in Kew in 1934, Humphries lived in London but also settled in Sydney in recent decades. Pictured: Humphries as Dame Edna Everage

Beresford, 82, made the classic Australian comedy The Adventures of Barry McKenzie (1972), starring Humphries.

Also at the ceremony were Humphries’ sons Oscar and Rupert, who had flown in from London, as well as his daughters Emily and Tessa, brother Christopher and sister Barbara.

Beresford said no speeches were given, but excerpts from some of Humphries’ favorite poems were read, including three verses from his favorite poem, The Heart of a Friend by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

“It was very moving, very warm. Everyone was family or a close friend of Barry’s,” said Beresford.

Oscar, a journalist and art dealer, is the son of Humphries and the comedian’s third wife, Diane Millstead, whom he married in 1979 and divorced in 1989. Pictured in 1981