Barry Humphries has died at the age of 89 after he was rushed to hospital in a serious condition over complications from hip replacement surgery.
The Dame Edna Everage star died on Saturday evening according to a spokesman for St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney where he was being treated.
“I can confirm Barry Humphries passed away this evening Sydney time, around 7pm on Saturday evening," the spokesman said.
The sad news comes after the comedian, who also played alter-ego Sir Les Patterson, was taken into hospital in a serious condition following complications from a hip replacement.
A statement from the Humphries family said: “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit.
“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. His passing leaves a void in so many lives.
“The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.”
Tributes to the much-loved comedian have already began pouring in from comedians, politicians and fans the world over.
Comedian Ricky Gervais tweeted: "Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius."
And Matt Lucas added: "I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest."
The Prime Minister for Australia Anthony Albanese tweeted: "For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone. But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry. A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace."
Piers Morgan added: "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."
Barry died after he was readmitted to St Vincent’s after suffering complications following hip surgery last month.
Earlier this week entertainment reporter Peter Ford told Australia's Sunrise programme things were "tough" for the satirist.
He said: "I am told Barry's health has worsened in the last week."
Ford 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."
However, Barry's wife Lizzie Spender told Sunday Morning Herald on Wednesday (April 19): "He's fine."
Barry was best known for writing and portraying his on-stage characters Dame Edna and Sir Les – with Dame Edna appearing on Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, Loose Women, The One Show, The Graham Norton Show and has also appeared on TV shows and stages across the world.
Dame Edna, who was invented by Barry in the 1950s as a party turn, even penned an autobiography titled My Gorgeous Life, which documented Dame Edna's backstory.
In 2016, Barry said of the iconic persona: "I disguised myself often which I enjoy doing because you can express things through another character satirically. Edna says the opposite of what I think – mostly.
"I don’t share any of her views, but somehow you come round to them. She’s adapted very easily to growing older – she’s a chameleon, ahead of us all!"
As well as the iconic character of Dame Edna – which was easily recognised by her cat eye glasses and lilac-coloured hair – Barry created and portrayed Sir Les Patterson, who was Dame Edna's exact opposite.
Sir Les appeared on Parkinson, on Dame Edna's TV shows and on stage. In 1987, a feature-length film called Les Patterson Saves the World was starred the character.
Barry has also appeared on screen in a number of other roles including Finding Nemo, where he played Bruce, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as Great Goblin and much more.
The comedian was married four times and has four children – Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert – from his second and third marriages.
He married Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Spender, the daughter of poet Sir Stephen Spender, in 1990.
