King Charles leads tributes as Dame Edna star Barry Humphries dies at 89

King Charles last night led tributes to legendary comedian Barry Humphries who passed away yesterday at the age of 89.

The “true genius” of stage and film, who delighted generations with his satirical alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, died at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia, with his immediate family at his bedside.

In a statement, his family said: “He was completely himself to the end and never lost his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity.”

Heartfelt tributes to the Australian-born Humphries, who had become a national treasure in Britain since he arrived here in 1959, poured in from fellow comedians, politicians and the royal family – despite the comic taking great delight in its sharp edge tongue characters to poke fun at the absurdity of celebrity and authority.

A spokesman for King Charles said the monarch – who famously hysterical when Dame Edna infiltrated the ‘royal box’ at the Royal Variety Performance in 2013 – was ‘saddened’ by the news. “His Majesty is writing privately to Mr. Humphries’ family at this time,” the spokesman said.

Sir Michael Parkinson, who hosted Humphries on his talk show couch over the years, described him as one of his ‘all time’ favorite guests, as well as a ‘dear friend’.

“At a time when the word is used far too easily, we really have lost a genius,” said Sir Michael. “I will miss him and the lady equally.”

Actress Maureen Lipman, another old friend of the comedian, told The Mail on Sunday that he left the public “helpless” and “made us believe our ears and frighten for our sanity.” “He curled that magenta lip for us,” she said, referring to Humphries in character as Dame Edna. “He tore up pretense for us. He moved us and ‘paralyzed us in glee’. ‘

League Of Gentlemen and Inside No 9 star Reece Shearsmith said he had “one of the most terrifyingly sharp-witted minds we’ll ever see.” He was always so funny, so cunning and so terrifying. It was always a thrill to see him perform.’

And broadcaster Joan Bakewell said Humphries “loved anything that sparked ideas and thoughts.” “He loved art, books, ideas, laughter. . . and he was good at them all,” she added. The four-times married Humphries, who was also a painter, writer and poet, was hospitalized again on Wednesday after suffering complications from hip surgery last month.

The bibliophile, who had an impressive collection of rare books, fell after landing his foot on a rug while reaching for a book.

The absurdity did not escape Humphries. “It was the most ridiculous thing, as all domestic incidents are,” he said.

He is survived by his fourth wife Lizzie Spender, two sons, two daughters and ten grandchildren.