The world’s most prominent dignitaries and entertainers have paid tribute to one of Australia’s most beloved larrikins at the state memorial service for Barry Humphries.
King Charles led the tributes for the late performer, who died in April at the age of 89, with Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke reading out his message to the more than 2000 people who had gathered inside the packed sails of Sydney’s Opera House
“I suspect that all those who appeared on stage or on TV with Barry’s Dame Edna, or who found her appearing at the back of the Royal Box, will have shared that unique sensation where fear and fun combined,” the tribute began.
“Those who tried to stand on their dignity soon lost their footing, those who wondered whether Australia’s housewife superstar might this time just go too far were
always proved right – no one was safe.
“Barry Humphries, through his creations, poked and prodded us, exposed through tensions, punctured pomposity, surfaced insecurities, but most of all made us laugh at ourselves.
“This cultured and erudite man, with his love of literature and the visual arts, and passion for Weimar cabaret, could not have been more different from his various stage incarnations.
“Like so many, I have been deeply saddened by his passing. Life really won’t be the same without him.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave his own tribute, comparing Humphries’ two most famous characters to the drama of Australian politics.
“If Dame Edna Everage presented the refine and consideration and the style of the upper house, Sir Les Patterson was without doubt the lower house — it’s probably safe to say there was never a house any lower than Sir Les Patterson,” he said in a video message.
“…No matter how unruly his creations became, it was Barry who had the final word and what a word it was, Barry had the ultimate power, a power he exercised with the glee that never knew any bounds.
“He brought people from every state and territory together and in the process, this genius, this comedic giant brought such joy to every part of Australia.”
The nation’s biggest names gathered in the theatre for the service, led by entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins who opened with some kind words for the iconic performer, telling those in attendance that the service was a time to “reflect on and to celebrate Barry’s incredible life”.
“To say that Barry was a man of the people is quite the understatement, he was a man for all people,” he said.
“He would engage in philosophical discourse about the arts, the state of the world, politics, food, music, and pretty much everything else with his artist friends, teasing them with words only found in the 20 volumes of the complete Oxford dictionary.
“… what I witnessed many times was Barry’s endless fascination with everyday people, their hopes, their dreams, their fears and peculiarities. As much as Barry was a brilliant orator and performer, he was also a great listener, and it was this unrelenting curiosity that enabled him to forge the rich tapestry that he harnessed to entertain us and mirror us with.”
His youngest son Rupert Humphries shared treasured memories that he had with his father.
“My childhood was spent either wishing I was with my dad or following him around on tour. I would hang out in theatres, concert halls and TV studios, getting to spend time with him in that precious window between his afternoon nap and the show starting,” he said.
“Before each show started I would sit in his dressing room as he applied make-up, wigs and fake teeth and then watching him either step into a sequined frock or a totally disturbing fat suit that he wore for Les, with its huge appendage attached.
“Most nights my brother and I would sit on the back row of an auditorium, praying, always praying that this wasn’t going to be the show where he went too far and said something completely unforgivable. But he never did.”
He said that his dad “was not really made for this world” as he “didn’t do things that normal people do”.
“He would have no problem going to the airport in a dressing gown and Speedos if that gave him another few minutes in front of his easel,” he said.
“He wasn’t going to teach me cricket, or how to do my tax returns, but I was so lucky to have him as a father. He taught me a love of travelling, books and learning, the power of being outrageous, and how to be complete yourself, and the importance of creativity above all else.”
Humphries eldest son Oscar said that he had spent his final years of life “still vibrant” and had enjoyed the “joy and laughter” of audiences and his family until the end.
“Those of us who are the children of artists share that parent with their fans and their admirers, and, indeed, to see how much he meant to people has been a buffer against grief, and something we hugely appreciate and enjoy,” he said.
“He will live on through his work, and bring more laughter to us all.”
Former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull have made their way into the theatre along with other political figures such as George Brandis and John Graham.
Morning television star Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Puberty Blues author Kathy Lette, both close friends of the late entertainer, have also arrived.
Ms Lette said Humphries would be “so chuffed” to see the thousands of people in attendance.
“I’m almost expecting him to resurrect himself and come on and do an encore just for the show and then we could call him a ghost writer, literally,” she said.
“It’s not just a sad day, it’s also a celebration so there might be a little light swinging off the chandelier a bit later.”
Actor Christian Wilkins was spotted making his way into the memorial, supporting his father Richard Wilkins, who is hosting the celebration of life for Humphries.
Oscar Award nominated actress Jacki Weaver called Humphries, a longtime friend a “satirical comic genius”.
“I met Barry when I was a teenager 60 years ago. I was a fan of his, for all of his life,” she said.
Sir Elton John, Little Britain co-creator David Williams, Rupert Murdoch, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns will all provide tributes.
“Barry was the funniest man ever and the sweetest man ever,” Sir Elton John wrote after Humphries’ death.
Performances from the renowned comedian will be featured in the televised service alongside the tributes.
At least 2000 people are expected to attend the event with mourners entering the Opera House greeted by a hot pink carpet and a towering display of pink, maroon, blue and white hydrangeas.
Humphries son Oscar told NCA Newswire it was amazing that so many people had turned out for the service, saying his father always “loved a full house”.
“[It’s] more exciting and bigger than I anticipated,” he said.
“To see how much people loved Barry, dad, is like a buffer against grief — we’re all so excited.”
Humphries enjoyed a seven-decade career with his work as an actor, poet, musician and artist known around the world.
The Australian performer died in Sydney on April 22 at age 89. He was receiving treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney for complications from hip surgery when he died.
He died peacefully surrounded by wife Lizzie, children Emily, Tessa, Rupert and Oscar and his 10 grandchildren.
“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” the Humphries family said after his death.
“With over 70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be. His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.
“Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of art in all its forms. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many.”
Mr Minns called Humphries “one of the nation’s greatest ever comedians” when announcing the service in May.
“He was a true master of his craft, and his legacy will continue to live on through the unforgettable characters he brought to life on stage and screen,” he said.
“The Sydney Opera House is a fitting location for what promises to be a memorable send-off given the venue’s significance in Australian arts, culture and entertainment.”
Mr Albanese was one of the first to pay tribute to Humphries after his death and will be represented at the memorial by Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke.
“For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone,” he wrote in April.
“But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry.
“A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one of a kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace.”
Comedian Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame also paid tribute.
“I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries,” he said.
“Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest.”
The two-hour televised service will be screened from 11am on the ABC and Channel 9.