Barry Humphries, who was best known for his character Dame Edna Everage, has died at the age of 89.
The beloved star recently underwent hip replacement surgery, but had to be readmitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney earlier this week following complications.
Tributes to the beloved star have already started to pour in as the world mourns a comedy icon.
Barry died on Saturday evening, according to David Faktor, a spokesman for St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
He told the PA news agency: “I can confirm Barry Humphries passed away this evening Sydney time, around 7pm on Saturday evening.”
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Following the news of his hospitalisation, the Australian comedian’s family released a statement to Australia’s 10 News First earlier today.
The statement read: “Barry Humphries is currently in hospital receiving treatment for health issues.
“Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and good wishes he’s received but would like more and more.”
It continued: “He would also like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at St Vincent’s Hospital.”
Barry was known for other characters aside from his beloved Dame Edna Everage, including Sir Les Patterson, Sandy Stone and Barry McKenzie.
He added: “Barry won’t give up easily. Barry has something marked on his calendar and that is to say he’ll be back on stage before the end of the year.
“He’s been travelling around the UK last year doing a one man show, largely sitting in a chair and talking about the great characters he’s created through the years.
“Whether that’s a realistic goal for Barry, I don’t know, but either way it’s not over until it’s over but I am told Barry’s health has worsened in the last week.”
The reporter added that things “are tough” for the comedian but said: “I reckon Barry has a fighting spirit and he’s not going to give up easily.”
When asked how long Barry would be hospitalised for, he said things were “up in the air” and added: “There are very serious concerns about what happens next … it is a very tough time at the moment.
“But he’s got great care, he’s got fantastic medical team behind him. His family and friends – closest family – are rallying behind him.”
Barry is said to have suffered complications from his hip replacement, which he required after tripping earlier in the year.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in March, he described how he had been “agony” following the accident.
“It was the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are,” he said.
“I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went.
“The result of my broken hip means I now have a titanium hip… you can call me ‘Bionic Bazza’,” he joked.
Barry is survived by his wife Elizabeth Spender and his four children: Oscar, Tessa, Rupert and Emily.
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