Barry Humphries health update as hospital denies reports

A Sydney hospital where Australian entertainer Barry Humphries is currently being treated has denied reports that his is in an “unresponsive” state.

The 89-year-old – famed for his much loved character Dame Edna Everage –  was being treated at St Vincent’s Hospital after suffering “health issues” following hip surgery.  According to Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, he was readmitted after suffering complications.

However, a spokesperson for the hospital later told the PA news agency the reports were “not accurate”.

“Reports that he is unresponsive are not accurate,” a hospital spokesperson said.

“He remains stable in the hospital in the best hands.”

A family statement previously issued to the Sydney Morning Herald thanked fans and hospital staff for their “support and good wishes”. 

Humphries has been a staple of the British comedy circuit since moving to London in 1959, appearing in West End shows such as Maggie May and Oliver!.

He was among the leading members of the British comedy scene alongside Dudley Moore, Alan Bennett and Spike Milligan.

Alongside his Dame Edna Everage alter ego, he also appeared as the lecherous Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone, an elderly, childless man living in the suburbs.