Australian comedian Barrie Humphreys, whose “Dame Edna Everage” arrogance left audiences in stitches, died at the age of 89 in a Sydney hospital on Saturday.
Humphreys, best known for impersonating a suburban housewife in the guise of Evgeny, “passed away peacefully” surrounded by family, her publicist said in a statement to Australian media.
“He was completely himself to the end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique intelligence and generosity of spirit,” it said.
“With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer at his core, touring until the last year of his life and planning more shows that sadly will never happen.”
He said he is survived by his wife, Lizzie, four children and 10 grandchildren.
“The characters he created who made millions laugh will live on.”
Australian media said Humphries died at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney after being treated for various ailments. The hospital declined to comment.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the actor, whose unforgettable characters included the evasive, lustful and boorish Sir Les Patterson, and the sullen, elderly man from suburban Sandy Stone.