Prime Minister leads tributes to ‘brightest star in that galaxy’, Barry Humphries

Comedians, celebrities and politicians alike paid tribute to the person behind world-famous characters, together with Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, who died in Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital on Saturday following issues from hip surgical procedure.

We have compiled a choice of a number of the tributes under.

“For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone. But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry. A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace.” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“Goodbye possums. Barry didn’t just give himself, he gave us Dame Edna, Sir Les and countless laughs.His life was a reminder of the power of the arts. It is comedy and satire that he used to say so much About Australians to ourselves and to the world.” – Patrick Gorman.

“Barry and his alter ego Dame Edna Everage set the world’s stages and screens alight. The all-time most successful solo theatrical performer, anywhere in the world – Barry was a legend. Defining Aussie creativity and performance for generations. Vale Barry Humphries.” – NSW Premier Chris Minns.

“Tonight we lost a legend. Barry Humphries has contributed more than seven decades to Australia’s entertainment industry. And his legacy will live on through his many larger-than-life characters and iconic writing.” – Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

“Australia has lost its finest cultural raconteur, its most brilliant satirist, and its greatest cultural comedian with the passing of the witty and wonderful Barry Humphries AO CBE. He will forever be a treasured Australian icon.” – Peter Dutton.

“I am sorry that Barry Humphries has left our stage.He has bought so much pleasure to so many, for so many generations he has made us laugh. And represented Australia well.” – Jeff Kennett.

“Barry Humphries lit up our screens and stage with his wit, creativity, and charm.He gave us iconic characters like Dame Edna Everage + Sir Les Patterson who will live on as emblems of our unique Australian humour. He loved to entertain, and the world loved to watch him. Vale.” – Tanya Plibersek.

“Nightnight Barry Humphries. The most unforgettably subversive, wicked, insightful, and wildly hilarious of them all. Travel well friend on your final tram trip to that great Wattle Park in the sky.” – Steve Vizard.

“So sad. He will be missed #barryhumphries Vale Bazza” – Norman Gunston.

“Seeing Barry Humphries live was like being struck by a thunderbolt. I had never laughed so much in my life. That anyone could be so hilarious was magic. Off-stage he was elegant & sophisticated but just as funny as Dame Edna. A lethal wit, fast & fearless he was the greatest” – David Walliams.

“RIP Barry Humphries, 89. One of the funniest people I’ve ever met. A wondrously intelligent, entertaining, daring, provocative, mischievous comedy genius. As hilarious in private as he was as the iconic Dame Edna. What a life, what a character. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry.” – Piers Morgan.