By Andrew Hornery
Barry Humphries, the man responsible for some of Australia’s most loved characters including Dame Edna Everage, Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone, has exited stage left for the last time.
Humphries, 89, died on Saturday at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, where he had been treated for various health issues. For weeks the comic had brushed aside concerns about the seriousness of his condition.
“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” his family said in a statement on Saturday night.
“With over 70 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.”
Humphries was initially admitted to hospital in February after falling in his Sydney apartment and injuring his hip, requiring a “painful” hip replacement. In March, he was adamant he would soon be back on his feet and planned to tour the country.
Deflecting any concerns for his health, enlisting his trademark humour, Humphries told the Herald and The Age in March: “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.”
“I have to get back on my feet ... I’m going back on tour later this year. The result of my broken hip means I now have a titanium hip ... you can call me Bionic Bazza.”
However, despite gruelling sessions with a physiotherapist, Humphries never returned home and his condition began to deteriorate a week ago.
His family, London-based sons Rupert and Oscar and Australian-based daughters Emily and Tessa, were all summoned to his bedside, and while the octogenarian was said to be upbeat and “cracking jokes” as he received visits from friends and family – including long-time collaborator Andrew Ross – his prognosis never improved.
He died surrounded by his immediate family, including his wife of 30 years Lizzie Spender, his children and 10 grandchildren.