‘Inspiring’: Barry Humphries fan dresses up as Dame Edna Everage in touching tribute

One fan has gone above and beyond to honour the late Barry Humphries ahead of a state funeral for the beloved entertainer.

A lifelong Barry Humphries fan has gone all out to pay homage to the beloved Australian entertainers decades long career.

Robin Waerea travelled with fellow super fan Jurgen Hoffman to Sydney’s Opera House where a state memorial is being held for the iconic performer on Friday.

There was an outpouring of grief across Australia after Humphries died in Sydney on April 22 after complications for hip surgery.

Dame Edna has been Humphries' most popular character since she was first created in the 1950s.

Robin Waerea came to the memorial to pay his respects to the beloved entertainer. Photo: Jess Wang

Both Mr Waerea and Mr Hoffman secured tickets to the major memorial as soon as they were available.

Ms Waerea chose to pay tribute to Humphries’ iconic character Dame Edna Everage.

The pair were taking photos on the Opera House steps before Friday’s state memorial, with Mr Waerea earning the approval of Humphries’ late wife Elizabeth Spender.

“Barry’s wife just ran up the steps to take a photo of Robin, so that was really nice,” said Mr Hoffman.

“She said Barry would have been really proud, or that he would have been thrilled, and asked us three times: ‘Do you have tickets?’”

Mr Waerea said he’s been dressing up as Edna for the past 30 years, inspired by her ability to “make people smile”.

“I can lift people’s moods and a lot of humour and comedy was created by the character,” said Mr Waerea.

Robin was joined by Jurgen Hoffman.

They brought along a signed photo of Humphries in his full Edna costume.

“This is my way of showing respect to her today.”

Mr Hoffman and Mr Waerea attended the service with a photo of Dame Edna signed by the late Humphries himself.

Mr Hoffman said he loved Humphries for his “range of characters,” as well as the comedy shows and stage productions he put on.

“I’ve dress up as Sir Les Patterson a couple of times,” he said.

Mr Waerea will be joining a long list of celebrities and dignitaries paying tribute to Humphries, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Mr Minns described Humphries as “one of the nation’s greatest ever comedians”.

“He was a true master of his craft, and his legacy will continue to live on through the unforgettable characters he brought to life on stage and screen,” he said when announcing the service in May.

“The Sydney Opera House is a fitting location for what promises to be a memorable send-off given the venue’s significance in Australian arts, culture and entertainment.”

Performances from the renowned comedian will be featured in the televised service alongside the tributes. Humphries enjoyed a seven-decade career with his work as an actor, poet, musician and artist known around the world.

Originally published as ‘Inspiring’: Barry Humphries fan dresses up as Dame Edna Everage in touching tribute