The global entertainment industry has lost a legendary and beloved figure, Barry Humphries, who passed away at the age of 89.

Humphries was famous for his iconic characters, such as Dame Edna Everage, and was equally celebrated for his own unique talents.

He passed away on Saturday, following a period of hospitalisation at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney due to complications arising from hip surgery he underwent in February.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Barry Humphries passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia today. He was surrounded by his family,” a statement from his publicist confirmed.

“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit. 

Born in 1934, Humphries started his comedy career in 1953 when he was still in his teens, joining the newly-formed Melbourne Theatre Company and debuting a character that would soon become a legend in her own right: Purple-haired Melbourne housewife, Edna Everage.

A prolific actor and writer across stage, film and television, Humphries’ international career skyrocketed when he relocated to London in the 1960s.

Humphries’ film career began with the 1967 Peter Cook movie Bedazzled and continued through 1972’s The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, 1981’s Shock Treatment, 1997’s Spice World and 2003’s Finding Nemo.

But Humphries’ was arguably best known hilarious stage and television appearances as characters like Everage and Patterson. Dame Edna was chat show gold: Take this classic 2004 appearance on Michael Parkinson’s chat show, where Dame Edna has the host and fellow guests Dame Judi Dench and Sharon Osbourne eating out of the palm of her hand – all while constantly insulting all three.