A multitude of individuals gathered to commemorate the life of Barry Humphries, the renowned entertainer behind Dame Edna Everage, at a state memorial in the Sydney Opera House. Humphries, who passed away in April at the age of 89 due to complications from hip surgery, had built a global reputation over seven decades as a prominent raconteur and comedian.
Tributes poured in from notable figures, including King Charles, Sir Elton John, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. King Charles, in a message read at the elaborate service, acknowledged Humphries’ ability to expose pretensions and make people laugh at themselves. Prime Minister Albanese praised the performer as a “comedy giant,” while Sir Elton, in a video message, remembered him as a great friend and one of the funniest individuals globally.
Fans joined the celebration, expressing their emotions with laughter, tears, and champagne. They spoke of seeing reflections of themselves in Humphries and his creations. One fan likened him to the late Queen, describing him as an icon who captured the essence of their identity and transported them to a different world.
Born in Melbourne in 1934, Humphries began creating fictional characters early in life. After moving to London in 1959, he gained international acclaim. As a versatile artist, he explored writing, painting, and scholarship, but it was his comic characters, playing on Australian stereotypes, that earned him admiration.
Characters like the lecherous Sir Les Patterson and the charmingly dull Sandy Stone became popular, but none rivaled the beloved Dame Edna Everage, known for her flamboyant style and catchphrase, “Hello possums!” Humphries, described as “outrageous” by his son Rupert, pushed the boundaries of political correctness.
His humor was hailed as genius by comedians David Walliams and Jimmy Carr. Humphries’ credits included voicing Bruce in the animated film Finding Nemo and appearances in various films. Despite recognition as an Officer of the Order of Australia and Commander of the British Empire, one of his proudest achievements was his sobriety following a near-death experience in 1970.
However, Humphries’ life was not without controversy, including headlines about his marriages and criticism for remarks about transgender people, sexual harassment, and people of color. Survived by his fourth wife Lizzie Spender, four children, and 10 grandchildren, Humphries’ family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love. The memorial service, held at the family’s request months after his death, concluded with the illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails in his honor.
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