The legendary entertainer died surrounded by family in a Sydney hospital.
Video / NZ Herald / Getty
King Charles III paid a touching tribute to the late Barry Humphries, sharing that he was “saddened” by the comedian’s death.
A royal family representative revealed to News Corporation: “His Majesty is writing privately to Mr Humphries’ family as we speak.”
The death of Humphries, who is famous for creating personality Dame Edna Everage, has sent shockwaves through Australia and the UK.
Politicians in both countries have paid tribute to Humphries, as well as stars from all corners of the world and a former British Prime Minister.
But one of the most tear-jerking eulogies came from the London Underground staff, who shared a touching tribute to the “phenomenal talent from Australia”.
The comedic icon, who was famed for his brilliant personas such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, passed away on Saturday night at St Vincent Hospital in Darlinghurst, Sydney at the age of 89.
HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage arrive at The Prince's Trust Rock Gala 2010 supported by Novae at the Royal Albert Hall on November 17, 2010 in London. Photo / Getty Images
“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” the Humphries family shared in a statement.
“With over 70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton called Humphries an “Australian icon”.
“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.”
Dame Edna first came into the spotlight in the UK in the 1970s. Former British PM Boris Johnson said Humphries’ death was a huge loss.
RIP Barry Humphries - one of the greatest ever Australians - and a comic genius who used his exuberant alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, to say the otherwise unsayable. Also an infallibly brilliant Spectator contributor. What a loss.
“RIP Barry Humphries – one of the greatest ever Australians – and a comic genius who used his exuberant alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, to say the otherwise unsayable.”
London Underground staff shared an epic tribute on Twitter. The eulogy was written as part of the “All on the Board” initiative which shares sweet messages and quips on whiteboards at various Tube stations.
‘A phenomenal talent from Australia and truly one of a kind.
Talk show host Michael Parkinson revealed that Humphries was one of his favourite guests on his shows.
“Barry was a cultured, highly intelligent, fascinating man who just happened to create, in Dame Edna Everage, one of the everlasting comedy characters of all time as well as one of my favourite guests on my talk show.”
The Office star Ricky Gervais shared a sweet goodbye to the comedian: “Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius.”
Journalist Andrew Neil revealed that he and Humphries had seen each other only two weeks ago.
“When I visited him in his Sydney Hospital two weeks ago he was ailing from several health problems. But his spirits and wit were as acute as ever.
British comedian Rob Brydon had seen Humphries just three days before he died.
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 3 days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end. My love goes out to Lizzie and all the family. pic.twitter.com/G5aJfLiVkK
