Barry Humphries’ state funeral to be held in Sydney

Celebrated comedian Barry Humphries will be honoured with a state funeral in Sydney, after his family declined an offer from the Victorian government.

The legendary comic died at the age of 89 last month at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, where he had been treated for various health issues.

Barry Humphries will be honoured with a state funeral in Sydney.Credit: James Brickwood

Born and raised in Melbourne, Humphries regularly travelled between Melbourne, London and Sydney. His most famous character, Dame Edna Everage, hailed from the Melbourne suburb of Moonee Ponds. However, Humphries often worked in Sydney (having performed in shows such as the Phillip Street Theatre revues) and spent the final years of his life there.

Speaking to reporters shortly after Humphries’ death, Victoria’s minister for tourism, sports and major events, Steve Dimopoulos, said the government had been in conversation with the family about how best to pay tribute to the comic legend - including the possibility of a Victorian state funeral.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week told British TV host Piers Morgan in the UK that Humphries – a “quintessential Australian character” – would be honoured with a joint state funeral, co-hosted by the Victorian and NSW governments, as well as the Commonwealth.

His announcement contained little detail regarding how a combined service would be hosted, however.

The final decision lay with Humphries’ family, who ultimately decided to decline a state service in Melbourne and instead accept an offer in Sydney.

When asked about the decision, a Victorian Government spokesperson noted Humphries’ seven decades of contribution to the entertainment industry across the entire country. “His legacy will live on through his many larger-than-life characters and iconic writing.”

A private funeral was hosted by his friend, artist Tim Storrier, at his Bowral estate in the NSW Southern Highlands in late April.

According to The Australian, film director Bruce Beresford – who was one of the few invited to the ceremony – said it was “a small affair, just family and close friends”. Humphries’ two sons, Oscar and Rupert, his daughters Emily and Tessa, brother Christopher and sister Barbara were also in attendance.

“It was very touching, very warm. Everybody was either ­related or a great friend of Barry’s,” Beresford said.

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