Tributes have been pouring in from grieving fans of Barry Humphries who died this morning aged 89.
The comedian, passed away at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital surrounded by his family, including his wife of 30 years Lizzie Spender. He had been hospitalised earlier this week following complications from hip surgery.
Fans have shared their fondest memories of the Dame Edna star with many recalling the time he left This Morning viewers in hysterics after he praised ‘brave’ Dermot O’Leary for coming out as gay – after jokingly mistaking him for Phillip Schofield.
The then 87-year-old praised the British presenter for his bravery in coming out as gay – despite it actually being Phillip who announced his sexuality in February 2020.
Viewers at the time were left in hysterics throughout Barry’s interview with Dermot and his co-host Alison Hammond, with one fan writing today: ‘RIP Barry Humphries. Been chuckling at the clips of the Dermot O’Leary interview on This Morning. Impeccable comic timing.’
Barry Humphries (pictured) has died aged 89 after being hospitalised earlier this week due to complications from hip surgery
One heartbroken fan wrote: ‘RIP Barry Humphries. Been chucking at the clips of the Dermot O’Leary interview on This Morning. Impeccable comic timing’
Appearing on the ITV show in November 2021, Barry, who arrived with tissue stuck between his shirt and neck after being rushed into makeup, discussed his ‘very good memory’ ahead of his tour.
He then went on to tell Dermot: ‘And incidentally I want to congratulate you by the way, seriously, on your courage.’
Alison burst out laughing as he continued: ‘Last year, no, no, when he came out and told us about his sexuality. Because I think a lot of people respected you for that.’
A laughing Dermot replied: ‘Thank you. I’ll pass that on to the gentleman who’s here from Monday to Thursday…
‘Don’t worry, your memory is crystal clear. Thank you for your kind comments,’ he added after the comic said: ‘Sorry, have I…’
Veteran comedian Barry Humphries (pictured) has caused a frenzy online after appearing on This Morning today and mistaking host Dermot O’Leary for his colleague Phillip Schofield
Tributes to the much-loved comic have poured in from grieving fans around the world, with many remembering the time he left this Morning viewers in hysterics after he praised ‘brave’ Dermot O’Leary for coming out as gay – after jokingly mistaking him for Phillip Schofield
Fans have fondly remembered the interview after hearing the sad news of his death earlier today.
One said: ‘ITV’s This Morning presenter Philip Schofield had recently come out as gay, he hosted the show from Monday to Thursday. Barry Humphries was talking to Dermot O’Leary on a ….Friday. At his comical best’
Another added: ‘Never forget the time when Barry Humphries went on This Morning and had quite the encounter with Dermot O’Leary. RIP king.’
A third said: ‘Nooooo. Poor Barry Humphries. Dame Edna was hilarious. And even as himself to be cracking jokes about Dermot on This Morning as soon as last year is amazing. We’ve lost two legendary drag acts this year. Very sad.’
A fourth wrote: ‘Very sad to hear that Barry Humphries has passed away at age 89. So talented & funny Dame Edna was an iconic and legendary comedic act of the 90s, what a performance.
‘It wasn’t long ago he had me in stitches on the This Morning couch with Dermot and Alison Hammond.’
Appearing on the ITV show today, Barry, who arrived with tissue stuck between his shirt and neck after being rushed into makeup, discussed his ‘very good memory’ ahead of his tour. Pictured, the This Morning presenters
At the time viewers were quick to react to the interview, with many saying they were left in tears from laughing.
One person wrote: ‘Omg Barry Humphries’ comments to Dermot and then Alison’s laugh are hilarious.’
Another said: ‘Barry Humphries is a legend and there needs to be more celebrities with this kind of honesty.’
A third added: Could this interview get any more funny? I’m literally roaring with laughter! Barry Humphries is hilarious! He has just mistaken Dermot O’Leary for Phillip Schofield.’
A fourth wrote: ‘Barry is one of the best guests they have had on in ages. I’m in hysterics.’
In 2019, Barry’s name was stripped from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s ‘Barry Award’, due to comments he made likening transgenderism to a ‘fashion’ in an interview with The Spectator in 2018.
‘How many different kinds of lavatory can you have? And it’s pretty evil when it’s preached to children by crazy teachers,’ Barry controversially told the magazine at the time.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk