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Barry Humphries, the Tony-winning comic actor behind the snobbish diva Dame Edna Everage, died Saturday at a hospital in Syndey, Australia. The 89-year-old was being treated for complications following a hip replacement in February, but had brushed aside recent concerns about his condition and even made plans for a countrywide tour, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “​He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” his family said in a statement on Saturday night.​ “​With over ​70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core,...

Barry Humphries, the Australian comedian who for over 60 years played his character Dame Edna Everage on the stage and screen, has died at the age of 89. Humphries’ family announced his death Saturday at a Sydney hospital, where he had been due complications from a hip surgery he underwent in March; the comedian suffered a fall the previous month in his native Australia. “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” a family statement said (via The Associated Press). ”With over 70 years on the stage, he...

Photographer Says 'Dame Edna' Punched Him May 03 9:43 AM US/Eastern SYDNEY, Australia Internationally renowned comic character Dame Edna Everage's alter ego, Australian actor Barry Humphries, punched a photographer who pursued him outside a Sydney restaurant Wednesday, his publicist said. The 72-year-old _ who has found enduring fame in the United States, Britain and Australia on stage and screen through the purple-haired housewife character he has been playing since the 1950s _ struck celebrity freelance photographer Malcolm Ladd, 54, publicist Suzie Howie said. Humphries became upset when Ladd followed him from Dee Bee's Cafe in Sydney's exclusive Double Bay where...

A THOUSAND Dame Ednas danced on the MCG as Melbourne marked the end of the Commonwealth Games with a celebration of all that makes her great. The gigantic party brought together the city's biggest names and most famous landmarks. Alex Jesaulenko's 1970 Grand Final screamer, modern-day football stars led by James Hird, singer Paul Kelly, Flinders St station, the Melbourne Cup, Luna Park, Federation Square – even the CityLink cheese stick and zipper – were offered up for praise inside the MCG. An 11-minute burst of Bollywood glamour, courtesy of Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games organisers, provided an exotic and well-received...

SATIRIST Barry Humphries and his alter ego Dame Edna Everage have joined the ranks of Aussies to be featured on an Australian postage stamp. Mr Humphries' face, along with that of the glamorous Moonee Ponds housewife, will appear on the 2006 Australian Legend stamp, in recognition of their contribution to Aussie culture and entertainment. "For more than 50 years, he (Barry Humphries) has helped shape our nation's identity, culture and importantly sense of humour with hilarious character creations," said Australia Post managing director Graeme John. "Dame Edna's signature catchcry "Hello Possums!" has also become a typically Australian greeting that's recognised...

We all know the medicinal value of laughter. A good chuckle clears the air, draws song from silence. In my book, a sense of humor is one of the prime qualities I would look for in a mate. After all, how can we get through life, through this valley of tears, without a healthy bit of hysterics? Sometimes the best satire is the one aimed squarely between our eyes. The one that elicits an ouch. The one that, between hiccups, makes us nod in recognition. The ability to laugh at ourselves is a blessing. A blessing and an affirmation. Nothing...