Barry Humphries, comedian and Dame Edna star, dies aged 89

By Steve Hopkins

"Farewell, Barry Humphries, you comedy genius."

Barry Humphries, who played Dame Edna Everage, has died at the age of 89. The Australian comedian had been readmitted to hospital days after being discharged from surgery due to complications. Humphries tripped on a rug while reaching for a book in February and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, New South Wales, for a hip replacement. Humphries played the beloved Dame Edna on TV and stage for over 60 years, who was famed for the greeting: “Hello possums!” He also played Sir Les Patterson, an unkempt, uncultured character, known for holding multiple fictional diplomatic positions such as cultural attaché to the Far East and minister for the yartz (arts). Tributes have begun to pour in for the veteran comedian. Sharing a picture of the two together, Rob Brydon wrote: "RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably. It was a delight to call him my friend. "I've been in Australia and was with him only three days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end. "My love goes out to [his wife] Lizzie and all the family." https://twitter.com/RobBrydon/status/1649742241047379969 Ricky Gervais also wrote: "Farewell, Barry Humphries, you comedy genius," while Dara Ó Briain said: "RIP Barry Humphries, one of the absolute funniest people ever. A huge life, lived long and well. He will be missed." https://twitter.com/rickygervais/status/1649733511283081216 https://twitter.com/daraobriain/status/1649733825642086400 You can read more tributes to Humphries below: https://twitter.com/andrewismaxwell/status/1649732971090399234 https://twitter.com/theJeremyVine/status/1648728920663945223 https://twitter.com/RealMattLucas/status/1649732192971415554 https://twitter.com/ReeceShearsmith/status/1649725835752947712 https://twitter.com/TVSanjeev/status/1649729188931289090