Barry Humphries’ state funeral to be held in Sydney

The family of the comedian, born and raised in Melbourne, has declined an offer for a Victorian state funeral from Daniel Andrews.

Portrait of Australian icon Barry Humphries. He has just announced that he will appear in a personal show aware from his many faces. Picture: Dylan Robinson

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

Humphries, who was born and raised in Melbourne, and regarded as one of Australia’s greatest comics, died at age 89 in April at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney following complications from hip surgery. He is survived by wife Lizzie, daughters Emily and Tessa, sons Rupert and Oscar and his 10 grandchildren.

“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, following his passing.

Barry Humphries as Edna Everage with Peter Goers in 1984 at the Performing Arts Collection, Norwood.

Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Piers Morgan that Humphries would be honoured with a joint state funeral, co-hosted by the Victorian and NSW governments, as well as the Commonwealth.

After Albanese made the announcement, Premier Daniel Andrews said he was not aware a three-government tribute was underway for the comedian. In a statement on Tuesday, the Andrews government confirmed that Humphries‘ family declined the offer of a state funeral.

“We reached out to Barry‘s family to discuss the best way to honour the life of this extraordinary Victorian, but the family declined a state service – choosing instead to accept an offer in Sydney,” a government spokesperson said.

A date and location for the Sydney service has not yet been finalised, with the family yet to release an official statement.

Humphries was farewelled at a private funeral held by longtime friend and artist Tim Storrier at his Bowral estate on April 28. “It was a small affair, just family and close friends,” film director Bruce Beresford told The Australian.