Watch: Barry Humphries memorial service in Sydney

The memorial service of legendary comedian and actor Barry Humphries took place today, 15 December 2023, at Sydney Opera House in Australia.

The memorial was filmed and broadcast by ABC in Australia – watch the full memorial service here:

Barry Humphries died in April 2023 aged 89. The Australian comedian was famed for his comedy creations Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.

Humphries appeared countless times in the West End over his long career.

In a written statement provided for the memorial, King Charles III said: “I suspect that all those who appeared on stage or TV with Barry’s Dame Edna, or who found her appearing at the back of the royal box will have shared that unique sensation where fear and fun combine. Those who tried to stand on their dignity soon lost their footing. Those who wondered whether Australia’s housewife superstar might this time just go too far, were always proved right. No-one was safe. Barry Humphries, through his creations, poked and prodded us, exposed pretensions, punctured pomposity, surfaced insecurities, but most of all, (helped us) laugh at ourselves. This cultured and erudite man, with his love of literature and the visual arts and passion for Weimar cabaret, could not have been more different from his various stage incarnations. Like so many, I have been deeply saddened by his passing. Life really won’t be the same without him. May our gladioli bloom in celebration of his memory.”

The letter from Charles was read out by Australian minister Tony Bourke.

Sir Elton John described Barry Humphries as “one of the funniest people in the world”, and tributes were also paid by UK comedians Jimmy Carr, Rob Brydon and David Walliams.

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Humphries brought joy to every part of Australia, and that, “No matter how unruly his creations became, it was Barry who had the final word.”

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Main photo: Barry Humphries State Memorial Service 2023