Barry Humphries to be honoured with joint state funeral
Barry Humphries will be honored with a joint state funeral, Anthony Albanese confirmed
- Satirist Barry Humphreys receives state funeral
- Federal and two state governments involved
- Details on when and where to train
Legendary Australian satirist Barry Humphries is being honored with a state funeral organized jointly by the Victorian, NSW and Federal governments.
Humphries died last month at the age of 89 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney after complications from hip surgery following a fall earlier this year.
In the UK, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed before the coronation of King Charles III that Humphries would be given a state funeral that the three governments would host together.
“He is someone who has brought enormous joy to generations of Australians,” Albanese told British channel Talk TV.
“I know how warmly he was received by people in Australia and the United Kingdom.”
Barry Humphries (pictured right with wife Lizzie Spender in London) will receive a state funeral
When and where the funeral will take place has not been announced.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he was unaware a three-government tribute was underway for the Melbourne-born entertainer.
“I can’t confirm for you where the service will be or where the funeral will be,” Andrews told reporters at the state legislature on Wednesday.
“As far as I know, that hasn’t been arranged yet and we’re still talking to the family.”
The NSW government also appeared to confirm that negotiations were underway.
“As the Prime Minister said, governments will work with the Humphries family to honor the life and legacy of the beloved Australian,” a spokeswoman said in a statement to AAP.
Humphries delighted and outraged audiences for more than half a century and was a founding member of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, leading it to name its annual award for most outstanding act in his honor in 2000.
The famed satirist was known for his outrageous characters such as Dame Edna Everage (pictured in 2019 promoting a show in Sydney)
Three governments are joining forces to officially say goodbye to the beloved and internationally renowned satirist
Mr Albanese declined to comment on whether the festival has ‘cancelled’ Humphries by removing his name from the annual award over controversial comments he made about transgender people.
The Prime Minister instead remembered Humphries as a quintessentially Australian character, bringing a sense of Australian larrikinism to his satirical characters of Dame Edna Everage, Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone.
‘Barry Humphries can only come from Australia. What Barry Humphries would say is (Australians like) ‘mocking ourselves’,’ Mr Albanese said.
“He did it so well and for so long, so it was a great loss to the Australian art community.”
The Prime Minister’s office has been contacted for further comment.