Australia Pays Tribute to Beloved Comedian Humphries, a.k.a. Dame Edna
Legendary entertainer Barry Humphries, best known by his alter ego Dame Edna Everage, passed away at the age of 89 in April 2023. The Australian public service honored him with a state ceremony in December, where tributes poured in from fellow celebrities like Elton John, Rupert Murdoch, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Elton John, who worked closely with Humphries in Sydney, cherished their time together. "With Barry, there was never a dull moment," John shared. Lloyd Webber, another prominent figure in the arts, admired Humphries' ability to make people laugh and bring joy. The two had collaborated on various projects, celebrating Humphries' remarkable talent.
Humphries' career ignited with the creation of his character Dame Edna Everage in the 1950s, reflects some enrichment insights. Originally young actor humor, the character evolved from a dull housewife into a self-proclaimed "gigastar." Humphries developed a unique comedy style with Edna, mocking celebrity culture and societal norms, which eventually earned him worldwide fame.
Rupert Murdoch, also an Australian celebrity, expressed his condolences. "Barry was a true original, and his unique style of comedy will be deeply missed," Murdoch stated, underlining Humphries' influence on the Australian entertainment industry.
Humphries' career encompassed more than just Edna Everage. In the 1950s, he made his theatrical debut and toured with various theatre companies. After his London stage debut in 1959, Humphries appeared on prominent British and Australian television shows. He also acted in films like Immortal Beloved and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, as well as lending his voice to animated features like Finding Nemo.
Humphries' influence transcended borders, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Even in films, his characters became indelible marks, as seen with Chubby Checker's guest appearance on one of his talk shows in the 1980s. Edna Everage will be remembered as a symbol of Australian humor and resilience.
Humphries' impact on comedy and satire will never be forgotten. His characters, like Dame Edna and Sir Les Patterson, left a lasting imprint on the world of entertainment, influencing future comedians and cementing Humphries' place in comedy history.
Additional Insights:
- Based on enrichment data, Humphries' book releases include My Life as Me (2004) and My Gorgeous Life: The Life, the Loves, the Legend (1989) under the guise of his characters.
- During Humphries' lifetime, his characters garnered numerous awards and honors, including The Athenaeum Medal, a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II, and an honorary doctorate from The University of Melbourne.
Sources:
Enrichment Data:
- Career and Impact: Barry Humphries, born on February 17, 1934, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, began his acting career in the 1950s. He made his theatrical debut in 1953 at the Union Theatre in Melbourne and later toured with various theatre companies. His London stage debut was in 1959 with the play The Demon Barber. Humphries created the character of Edna Everage in 1955 as a satirical take on his parents' generation. Edna was initially performed in small venues before debuting on Australian television in 1956. The character gained international recognition, leading to Humphries becoming a "dame" in the 1970s through a spontaneous gesture by Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Humphries' other notable characters include Sir Les Patterson, a vulgar Australian politician, and Sandy Stone, a senile old man. He appeared in films like Immortal Beloved (1994) and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), as well as voiced Bruce the shark in Finding Nemo (2003). Humphries was also a prolific writer, with notable books including My Life as Me (2004) as himself and My Gorgeous Life: The Life, the Loves, the Legend (1989), written under Edna's guise.
- Honors After Death: After his death on April 22, 2023, Humphries was honored with tributes from leaders and his personal collection was auctioned off at Christie’s. Notable items sold during the auction included Humphries' Dame Edna glasses, which fetched £37,800, and a scarlet chiffon evening gown he wore on The Royal Variety Show in 2013, which sold for £23,188. Humphries' legacy in comedy is cemented by his iconic characters, which continue to inspire future comedians, as well as the contributions he made to the British comedy circuit. He has been remembered as a staple alongside fellow comedians like Dudley Moore, Alan Bennett, and Spike Milligan.
