Barry Humphries: Is he still performing as Dame Edna? Here's what we know

Australian comedian Barry Humphries, renowned for his character Dame Edna Everage, has been rushed to a Sydney hospital due to health complications following a hip replacement. Humphries had hip surgery in March at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital after a fall the month before.

Family and friends were at his bedside on Wednesday 19 April. Entertainment journalist Peter Ford told Channel Seven's Sunrise that Humphries was still finding 'moments of humour' from his hospital bed. This was reflected in his family's statement issued late on Wednesday:

Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and good wishes he has received but would like more and more.

Considering his ill health, fans may be wondering: will we see Dame Edna, otherwise known as Australia's First Lady, on the stage again?

Dame Edna retired, and then brought out of retirement

Humphries retired Dame Edna in 2012 when he was 78-years-old. He told the Sydney Telegraph at the time:

Look, the fact of the matter is that I'm beginning to feel a bit senior. It's the best aerobics you could do, leaping around on stage, but it's gruelling when there are other things to do....I've got a contract to write another book, there are places I want to go, things I want to do (including) more painting.

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However, he then brought her out of retirement in 2013 and for an Australian tour in 2019. And, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, Humphries, now 89-years-old, was due to tour Australia for a 'one man show' withEdna and Sir Les Patterson later in 2023.

When Humphries broke his hip, he told the publication:

I have to get back on my feet... I'm going back on tour later this year.

The result of my broken hip means I now have a titanium hip... you can call me 'Bionic Bazza'

Humphries revealed that his medical bill 'is bloody enormous', declaring 'I strongly advise not breaking your hip!'

With Humphries currently in a 'serious condition' according to Ford, it is unclear whether his plan to tour Australia later this year will go ahead. Ford said 'things are tough' and there were 'serious concerns' about what was next for Humphries but that he had the support of a 'fantastic' medical team.

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Who is Barry Humphries?

Originally from Melbourne, Humphries lives in London with his wife Lizzie Spender, but has been spending time in Australia since December 2022. They have four children.

Humphries invented and has played Dame Edna since 1955. Throughout his career, he has met most of the Royal Family, including the late Queen Mother and King Charles III. He was given an Order of Australia, an award established by Queen Elizabeth II, in 1982.

The entertainer is also a well-regarded landscape painter.

Sources used:

Daily Mail: 'Dame Edna Everage comic Barry Humphries shares hilarious message from his hospital bed after 'serious' health setback'

Sydney Morning Herald: 'Barry Humphries in hospital after hip surgery complications'

Playbill: 'Barry Humphries Plans to Retire Famed Dame Edna Everage Character'

Stage Whispers: 'Dame Edna Emerges From Retirement'