Australia honors deceased "Dame Edna" actor Humphries with state ceremony
Celebrities such as pop star Elton John, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber spoke out with video messages. "He was an incredibly brilliant storyteller. I will miss him so much," said John. Humphries' son Rupert shared memories of his father: "Most nights my brother and I would sit in the back row of a theater and pray that he wouldn't say anything he shouldn't."
Humphries died in April at the age of 89 in a hospital in Sydney. At the request of his family, the public service was postponed until December.
Humphries developed the character of Edna Everage as a young actor in the 1950s. Over the years, she went from being a boring housewife to a self-proclaimed "gigastar" parody of a celebrity. Since the 1980s, she has hosted her own talk shows, with many well-known personalities as guests, including Mel Gibson, Sean Connery, Charlton Heston, Chubby Checker, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin and Martin Sheen.
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Humphries' notable career included appearances on prominent British and Australian television shows, such as "Checkers" and "HQ." His character, Edna Everage, became a staple of Australian culture, earning him numerous Honors and awards throughout his career.
Rupert Murdoch, a fellow Australian celebrity, also expressed his condolences, noting Humphries' significant impact on the entertainment industry in Australia. "Barry was a true original, and his unique style of comedy will be deeply missed," Murdoch stated.
Elton John, a close friend and collaborator, reminisced about performing with Humphries during their shared time in Sydney. John spoke passionately of their shared experiences, stating, "With Barry, there was never a dull moment."
Andrew Lloyd Webber, another prominent figure in the arts, also paid tribute to Humphries, celebrating his remarkable ability to make people laugh and bring joy to others. "His charisma and talent were unparalleled," Lloyd Webber said.
Humphries' impact on the entertainment world transcended borders, with checker champion Chubby Checker even appearing on one of his talk shows back in the 1980s. The chummy interaction between the two made for an unforgettable moment in the history of Australian television.
In the end, Edna Everage, Humphries' most iconic character, will always be remembered as a symbol of Australian humor and resilience. As Charles III ascends to the British throne, the world mourns the loss of a truly "gigastar" Australian entertainer.
Source: www.stern.de
