Barry Humphreys, creator of Lady Edna, has died

Australian comedian Barry Humphries passed away today, at the age of 89, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, a hospital spokesperson confirmed to the Palestinian News Agency. The artist was treated there after complications from hip surgery.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald and other Australian media, his family wrote in a statement that Humphreys remained true to himself until the end. He never lost his brilliant mind and unique intelligence.

The character actor has slid into many satirical roles over the course of his career, which has spanned nearly seven decades. He is best known as his popular fictional character, Mrs. Edna Everage, a flamboyant, suffocating housewife with purple hair and oversized, sparkling glasses.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Twitter that Humphreys greeted people with “a host of personalities”. However, the brightest star in this galaxy has always been Humphreys himself. Australian actor Jason Donovan tweeted: “Australia has lost one of its greatest!”