Barry Humphries secretly battled cancer for years before death

The beloved Aussie showman had faced health issues far greater than what was disclosed prior to his death last week, aged 89.

Legendary Australian entertainer Barry Humphries had secretly battled cancer before his death last week at the age of 89.

The beloved showman passed away at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital on April 22 after suffering complications from recent hip replacement surgery.

But it’s now believed he had faced health issues far greater than what was disclosed, with the Daily Telegraph reporting he waged a secret battle with an inoperable cancer behind closed doors.

Barry Humphries passed away on April 22, aged 89. Picture: Claudio Raschella

The entertainer had secretly battled cancer following a 2021 diagnosis.

According to the outlet, in 2021 Humphries was diagnosed with a rare form of pre-invasive skin cancer, known as Extramammary Paget disease, on one of his testicles and he was faced with a terminal prognosis.

Last week, two years after his diagnosis, Humphries – the genius creator of creator of Dame Edna Everage — passed away.

With his family at his hospital bedside, Humphries “never lost his brilliant mind” even at the end.

His wife Lizzie was at his side as were his daughters Emily and Tessa while his UK based sons Rupert and Oscar flew in to join them. His 10 grandchildren were also present when he passed.

In a statement from the family, it was revealed Humphries died peacefully at St Vincent Hospital in Darlinghurst.

Humphries was known for his onstage alter ego, Dame Edna Everage. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” the statement said.

“With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be. His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.

“Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of Art in all its forms. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many.

“His passing leaves a void in so many lives. The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.”

Before his death, Humphries had been readmitted to hospital just days after being discharged after his health “worsened”.

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford broke news of Humphries’ readmission to hospital on Seven’s Sunrise, sharing that the comic had been determined to be back on stage by the end of the year

“Barry won’t give up easily. Whether that’s a realistic goal, I don’t know … I am told that Barry’s health has worsened in the last week,” said Ford.

But his health complications due to ongoing issues from hip replacement surgery, an ordeal he’d been suffering from for several months, proved too much.

Humphries revealed in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald last month that he’d been in “agony” since breaking his hip.

“It was the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are. I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went,” he explained, revealing he was undergoing “very painful” rehabilitation sessions.