BARRY Humphries lit up our TV screens with his alter-ego Dame Edna Everage.
The showbiz world has been rocked by the news that the 89-year-old Australian comedian has sadly passed away with many taking to social media to pay their respects.
Who is Dame Edna Everage?
Dame Edna Everage is a fictitious character, and her life story has been entirely created by Barry Humphries.
Edna, an ostentatious Melbourne housewife, has appeared on TV and on stages all over the world - including America, the UK and Australia.
In the UK, she's probably best known for hosting The Dame Edna Experience, Dame Edna's Neighbourhood Watch and The Dame Edna Treatment.
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She's also known as "Dame Edna", "Mrs Norm Everage" and "Mrs Norma Everage".
Dame Edna's backstory is so complete, she even has relatives.
Her sons are Kenny Everage, Bruce Everage, Valmai Gittis and Lois Everage; her nephew is Barry McKenzie; and her husband, Norm Everage, died in 1988.
What was Barry Humphries cause of death?
Barry Humphries was admitted to hospital in February 2023 for hip surgery.
It transpired that he was re-admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 as a result of complications from the surgery.
His family were with him at his bedside and said that he was comfortable at the end.
They released a statement lettings fans know and thanking them for their support and all their well wishes.
Celebrities have been paying their respects to Humphries on social media with Piers Morgan tweeting "
RIP Barry Humphries, 89. One of the funniest people I’ve ever met.
"A wondrously intelligent, entertaining, daring, provocative, mischievous comedy genius. As hilarious in private as he was as the iconic Dame Edna. What a life, what a character. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry."
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Comedian Matt Lucas posted "I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest."
Ricky Gervais posted to his Twitter "Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius."
When did Barry Humphries create his alter-ego and what are her signature glasses?
Humphries created Dame Edna in 1955 and the character soon became famous for her purple hair, outrageous glasses and huge ego.
Edna is well-known for her cat eye glasses - spectacles that have an upsweep at the outer edges where the temples or arms join the frame front
In March 2012, Barry announced he'd be retiring the character.
But in 2013, he decided to bring her back.