After learning of Dame Edna Everage comedian Barry Humphries’ passing at the age of 89, Pierce Brosnan paid a heartfelt tribute to him.
The late actor, who was admitted last week for treatment for a “serious condition” following complications from hip replacement surgery, passed away at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney on Saturday. The James Bond actor sent a heartfelt tribute to the late actor on Instagram on Monday.
Pierce wrote: “I am terribly heartbroken to hear the news of Barry Humphries dying. We are both smiling in the picture of us. He was an outstanding comic, actor, and utterly amazing as Dame Edna.”
“Barry made the world happier and funnier. My condolences and thoughts are with his wife Lizzie, his family, and friends. You, darling Barry, a.k.a. Dame Edna, will be missed.”
The comedian passed away while being surrounded by his close relatives, including his wife of 30 years, Lizzie Spender.
His family released the following statement: “He never lost his brilliant mind, his distinctive humor, or his generosity of spirit. He was totally himself till the very end. He spent more than 70 years performing on stage, touring up to the last year of his life, and scheduling further performances that, tragically, were never able to take place.”
“He never treated his audiences like a given because he valued them so highly. Although his work in theater may be what most people associate him with, he was also a painter, author, poet, art collector, and lover of all kinds of art.”
“He was many people’s friend and confidant in addition to being a loyal and loving spouse, father, and grandfather. Many people’s lives are left empty by his demise. His fictional creations, which made millions of people laugh, will endure.”
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes flooded in. “A great wit, satirist, writer, and an absolute one-of-a-kind, he was both gifted and a gift,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
The following tweet was posted by Ricky Gervais: “Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius.”
“Australia has lost one of its greatest,” wrote Jason Donovan. “Barry Humphries was, very simply, a funny genius. He was literate, sharp, and bright. His characters made millions of people chuckle. On this tragic day, my thoughts are with your family.”
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