In Pictures: The many faces of Barry Humphries
Barry Humphries became a staple of the British comedy circuit after moving from Australia to London in 1959
Australian entertainer Barry Humphries enjoyed a seven-decade career on stage and screen, delighting generations with satirical characters including Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.
Humphries became a staple of the British comedy circuit after moving from Australia to London in 1959 and appearing in West End shows such as Maggie May and Oliver!
Pictured in 1966 as part of the BBC’s new satirical programme The Late Show featuring (l-r) John Bird, Anthony Holland, Eleanor Bron, Barry Humphries, Andrew Duncan and John Wells
Dame Edna Everage is nowhere in sight as her creator, 45, kisses his wife, 30-year-old artist Diane Millstead, after their marriage had been blessed at St James’s Church, Piccadilly, in 1979
Dressed as Australian cultural attache Sir Les Patterson with British politician Denis Healey and former James Bond star Roger Moore
Dame Edna Everage makes her customary low-key launch for a TV show in 1989 with her bridesmaid Madge Allsop impersonating a sleeping policeman
Originally a drab Melbourne housewife satirising Australian suburbia, Dame Edna evolved into an increasingly boisterous and eccentric character, with “wisteria hue” hair and cat-eye glasses.
Dame Edna was Humphries’ most memorable character
Dishevelled Australian cultural attache Sir Les Patterson was also a popular character
In character as Dame Edna Everage at the announcement of the Barry Humphries’ Farewell Tour in 2013
Humphries was a mainstay of royal performances and was made a CBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.
Greeting Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 at Windsor for a gala variety performance in aid of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Appeal
Meeting Diana, Princess of Wales in 1987
Humphries raises a smile from William, now the Prince of Wales, backstage at the Prince’s Trust 30th birthday concert at the Tower of London in 2006
Humphries being made a Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2007, for services to entertainment
Camilla shares a word in 2021 as they attend The Oldie of the Year Awards at the Savoy Hotel
In March 2012, Humphries announced his retirement from live entertainment, saying he was “beginning to feel a bit senior”, but promised an extensive farewell tour, which was later extended.
With Sir Elton John in 1991
With Joan Collins in 2008
He returned to a role he had played 30 years ago – Fagin – in the West End musical production Oliver! in 1997
Barry Humphries died in Sydney on April 22 at the age of 89
Barry Humphries spent seven decades making audiences laugh both through his timeless parody characters and own unashamed wit.
The Australian performer died at the age of 89 after years of performing on both stage and television.
His characters ranged from the high-camp of Dame Edna Everage, to the sleaze of Aussie statesman Sir Les Patterson.
Here is a selection of Humphries’ quotes, from and about his alter-egos.
– On humour
“I was born with a priceless gift, the ability to laugh at the misfortunes of others.”
“I can laugh at myself, I think it’s one of the precious things Dame Nature gave me … I think if you can’t laugh at yourself you might be missing the joke of the century.”
“I like anyone who can make me and an audience laugh.”
– On political correctness
“Les Patterson can say things that are completely incorrect, and it’s a relief to express views which we privately hold, but dare not publicly ventilate – otherwise we’d be history… our careers would be over.”
“In the early 60s, I felt Edna had run out of steam. But no, she proved indestructible – and a very useful mouthpiece. She can say things, for instance, about political correctness that I couldn’t possibly express.”
“I love making an audience gasp. I don’t crave the sound of applause. I crave the sound of sharply indrawn breath. That’s a good sound.”
– On Australia
“You mustn’t judge Australia by the Australians” – as Dame Edna.
“To live in Australia permanently is rather like going to a party and dancing all night with one’s mother” – Humphries.
– On politics
“I have very little interest in politics – but my characters have insights which would have benefited the nation if they’d taken more notice of them.”
– On sobriety
“For some people like me, it’s off the menu. It just doesn’t work. I have it in the house for other people. I could give you an absinthe if you want one. I brought upon myself some horrible events.”
– On his fears
“I’m very scared of ghosts. I believe in them and I’m very wary of them. I don’t like to sleep in haunted places and Australia’s very spooky. Ghosts are there.”
– On old age and being in his 80s
“It is a good innings and I don’t know what I attribute it to. But I don’t do exercise and I think that’s the answer.”
“Is there a follow-up to the CBE and if so, how long does it take?”
– On health
“I come from a family who have a great deal of prudishness about illness. If someone was very ill we’d say he hasn’t been very well lately, which means dying.”
The Press Association
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