Barry Humphries dies at 89: Anthony Albanese, Ricky Gervais lead tributes for beloved entertainer
Anthony Albanese leads worldwide tributes to Barry Humphries after his death at 89 – as Ricky Gervais writes: ‘Goodbye comic genius’
- Barry Humphries has died at the age of 89 in a Sydney hospital
- Tributes have flowed for the beloved entertainer
- Humphries played Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone
Tributes are pouring in for entertainer Barry Humphries, best known for his alter ego Dame Edna Everage, following his death in a Sydney hospital at the age of 89.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid global tribute to entertainer Barry Humphries, who has passed away at the age of 89.
“For 89 years, Barry Humphries has entertained us through a range of personas from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter on Saturday evening after news of Humphries’ death broke.
“But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry. A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and gifted.
“May he rest in peace.”
Tributes pour for entertainer Barry Humphries, best known for his alter ego Dame Edna Everage, following his death in a Sydney hospital aged 89
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid global tribute to entertainer Barry Humphries, who has died aged 89
British comedian Ricky Gervais paid tribute on Twitter, writing “Goodbye, Barry Humphries, comic genius.”
Piers Morgan, the British television presenter also paid tribute.
“One of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” he wrote on Twitter.
“A wonderfully intelligent, entertaining, daring, provocative, mischievous comic genius.
As hilariously private as he was as the iconic Dame Edna. What a life, what a character. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry.’
NSW Premier Chris Minns said Humphries “set the world’s stages and screens on fire.”
“The most successful solo theatrical performer of all time, anywhere in the world – Barry was a legend,” Mr Minns wrote on Twitter.
‘Defining Aussie creativity and performance for generations. Val Barry Humphries.’
British comedian Ricky Gervais paid tribute to the beloved entertainer on Twitter, writing: ‘Goodbye, Barry Humphries, you comic genius’
Comedian Sean Micallef simply said, “Nobody’s made me laugh for so many years.”
Writer and journalist Phillip Adams, co-producer of the acclaimed but hugely popular 1972 comedy film The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, based on one of Humphries’ characters, said Humphries was the smartest person he had ever known.
“I’ve known you since 1956 and we’ve done a lot of things together – including three major movies – that parted ways due to political differences,” Adams wrote on Twitter.
Comedian Marty Fields said: ‘The greatest improv comic Australia has ever produced has passed away tonight. A god of comedy. What a huge loss.’