Dame Edna Everage star Barry Humphries dies, aged 89

A spokesperson for St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney where Barry Humphries was being treated has confirmed the Australian entertainer died this morning.

David Faktor told the PA news agency: “I can confirm Barry Humphries passed away this evening Sydney time, around 7pm on Saturday evening (11am BST).”

Barry Humphries, who has died aged 89 (Image: PRESS ASSOCIATION)

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Barry Humphries, describing him as “the brightest star” in “a galaxy of personas”.

“For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone,” Mr Albanese tweeted.

“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.”

Comedian Matt Lucas has described Barry Humphries as “quite simply the greatest” as he paid tribute to the Australian entertainer after his death.

“I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries,” Lucas tweeted, sharing a picture of them together.

“Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest.”

Barry Humpries, as Dame Edna, meets Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 (Image: PRESS ASSOCIATION)

Broadcaster Andrew Neil has said he visited Barry Humphries in hospital two weeks ago when his “spirits and wit were as acute as ever”.

“So sad to learn Barry Humphries has passed away,” he tweeted.

“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. We laughed away as the stories poured out. Funny, hugely literate, fiercely smart.

“I count myself lucky and privileged I got to see him one more time. A comic genius the likes of which we will never see again.”

Broadcaster Piers Morgan has said Barry Humphries was “as hilarious in private as he was as the iconic Dame Edna”.

“RIP Barry Humphries, 89. One of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” he tweeted.

“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.”

TV presenter Carol Vorderman praised Barry Humphries’ “bright intelligence and mischief”.

“You will be mourned Barry Humphries,” she tweeted.

“I only met you a few times but that look in your eyes full of bright intelligence and mischief, knowing trouble was ahead and looking forward to every special second of it: I’ll never forget it. Thank you Sir.

“A genius.”

Tributes have poued in for Barry Humphries (Image: PRESS ASSOCIATION)

Comedian Dara O Briain has described Barry Humphries as “one of the absolute funniest people ever”.

“RIP Barry Humphries, one of the absolute funniest people ever,” O Briain tweeted.

“A huge life, lived long and well. He will be missed.”

Australian actor Jason Donovan has said Barry Humphries was “quite simply an entertaining genius”.

He tweeted: “Australia has lost one of its greatest!

“Funny, literate and fiercely intelligent, Barry Humphries was quite simply an entertaining genius.

“The characters he created brought laughter to millions… My thoughts are with family on this sad day!”

Dame Esther Rantzen said “the world is just that bit sadder” following the death of friend and comedian Barry Humphries.

She told the PA news agency: “I’m very sad. I think we’ve lost a source of so much fun and someone I have worked with since the mid-1960s and liked and admired so much.

“My memory of Dame Edna Everage goes back to when she was a mere Mrs, she was even then a superstar.

She was dressed by BBC’s rather frumpy stock wardrobe but, of course, she turned into a butterfly and obviously achieved damehood.

“She influenced me greatly. When I was lucky enough to be honoured with damehood, I was very frequently introduced as Dame Edna because it became a phrase which came naturally, and I was thrilled.

“Barry was cultured and clever and a voracious reader and all the things that Sir Les Patterson not.

“A great creative artist.”