Why the rich and famous loved Barry Humphries

He may have grown up in suburban Melbourne but after Barry Humphries became a global megastar, royals, politicians and pop stars couldn’t get enough of him (or Dame Edna).

Barry Humphries was an Australian legend who became an international icon, and the boy from Melbourne’s Kew would go onto entertain Queens, Presidents and Hollywood royalty. And they loved him (and her).

Biographer Anne Pender wrote in 2010 that Humphries was both “the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin” and “the most significant theatrical figure of our time”.

Dame Edna Everage with King Charles and Camilla. Picture: Supplied

Barry Humphries with Camilla in London in 2021. Picture: Getty Images

She wasn’t wrong – it was clear some of the globe’s biggest names were lining up to hang out with Humphries.

Indeed, Humphries has long been a favourite of the royal family with King Charles and Camilla close to the entertainer.

The Queen cracks a smile with Dame Edna Everage in 1978. Picture: Getty Images

The late Queen and Queen Mother were also reportedly fond of Humphries and, prior to her tragic death in 1997, Princess Diana was also a fan with the pair often enjoying a joke at London events.

Barry Humphries with Elizabeth Taylor in Los Angeles in 1991. Picture: Supplied

In 2013, Humphries recalled one meeting Dame Edna had with the late princess in 1987.

“Princess Diana loved meeting Edna at a line-up at the London Palladium,” Humphries said, slyly. “In those happier years, they met often, exchanging fashion tips. You can see the envy in Lady Di’s body language.”

Dame Edna Everage had Princess Diana in stitches at the London Palladium in 1987. Picture: Supplied

Princess Diana has a laugh with Dame Edna Everage in 1987. Picture: Getty Images

Dame Edna Everage with Liza Minnelli. Picture: Supplied

Another Aussie national treasure, Kylie Minogue, was a long-time friend of Humphries’, as was acclaimed novelist Kathy Lette.

Among Humphries’ other high profile friends were British comedy royalty: Peter Cook, Spike Milligan, Dudley Moore and the Monty Python crew.

Kylie Minogue with the “naughty” Barry Humphries. Picture: Supplied

Barry Humphries and Kathy Lette. Picture: Supplied

Humphries’ Dame Edna was also a favourite of Michael Parkinson with the legendary British talk show host declaring the “Megastar from Moonee Ponds” was perhaps his most popular guest ever with viewers.

Michael Parkinson with Dame Edna Everage at the recording of the Brit’s final chat show. Picture: Supplied

Humphries also befriended novelist and former politician Jeffrey Archer, and Liza Minnelli was said to be in raptures over Dame Edna.

Humphries’ appeared on stage with everyone from Kylie Minogue to classical music superstar Andre Rieu. Humphries’ Edna even enjoyed a raucous night out at New York’s Studio 54 with Elton John in 1978.

Dame Edna Everage with her good friend Elton John. Picture: Supplied

Humphries once said that while he rarely had the opportunity to become friends with actors due to the fact that he performed mainly in one-person shows, but he was close to both Anjelica Huston and Greta Scacchi.

Barry Humphries with good friends Greta Scacchi and Anjelica Huston. Picture: Barry Humphries

Dame Edna Everage with violinist Andre Rieu. Picture: Getty Images

He also became close to the legendary Elizabeth Taylor after they met through their work for AIDS charities.

Gallery: Barry Humphries’ iconic life in pictures

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Indeed, Humphries once said that entertaining people was the best way of becoming friends with them.

“I also found that entertaining people gave me a great feeling of release, making people laugh was a very good way of befriending them,” he once said. “People couldn’t hit you if they were laughing.”

Originally published as Why the rich and famous loved Barry Humphries