Rob Brydon has paid an emotional tribute to his friend Barry Humphries following the much-loved entertainer's death aged 89. The comedian died on Saturday at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney.
During a seven-decade career, the stage and screen veteran entertained generations with satirical characters including Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. Following his death, tributes have poured in from fellow comedians and friends.
Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has told how the entertainer spent his final days making people laugh, sharing that he was with Barry "only three days ago" in Australia, Rob called his friend a "true great" whose "talent shone until the very end".
Read more: Dame Edna star Barry Humphries dies aged 89
In an emotional tribute on social media, Rob shared a picture of the pair and penned: "RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably. It was a delight to call him my friend.
"I've been in Australia and was with him only three days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end. My love goes out to Lizzie and all the family."
Meanwhile, Ricky Gervais called Barry a "comedy genius" as he bid him farewell. Matt Lucas also shared a picture and wrote: "I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest."
While Jimmy Carr, who is currently in Australia, said: "A bit bittersweet doing gigs in Australia this evening, Barry Humphries has past and no one will ever be as good at crowd work again."
Piers Morgan also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: "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."
While Last Leg host Adam Hills said: "RIP Barry Humphries. One of the greatest comedians of our time. He was nothing but an utter gentleman to me, and occasionally a Dame. Appropriately, he took his final bow on a Saturday night."
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