It wasn’t until the emotional mercy dash to Australia from his four children to his hospital bed that comic genius Barry Humphries would take his final bow.
In a scene many thought might never happen, Barry’s loved ones including his wife and soul-mate, Lizzie Spender, sons Oscar and Rupert, and daughters, Emily and Tessa rushed to his bedside as doctors advised them of his emergency medical crisis following an unsuccessful hip replacement, from which, sadly, he would not return.
RELATED || Barry Humphries to be honoured in state funeral
However, it was the unexpected arrival of Barry’s estranged daughter, Emily, who alongside her sister Tessa was born from Barry’s second marriage to Rosalind Tong, that had many talking.
WATCH NOW: Dame Edna sparks awkward conversation with Waleed Aly. Article continues after video.
Humbled by an avalanche of well-wishers, bed-bound Barry said his greatest, and final, gift had come with being reunited with his entire family.
For years, reports had circulated that the vivacious comedian had a strained relationship with his children particularly Oscar who at one stage was disinherited, and Emily, who reportedly didn’t speak to Barry for two decades.
While never publicly discussing the cause of such a long and ongoing family feud, a source close to Barry, confirmed to New Idea last week, “Things were patched up and that’s a good thing.”
In 2017, things turned ugly when he famously fell out with Oscar after publicly announcing he had cut his son from his will.
Oscar famously took to social media allegedly posting, “Changing my name. F*** you for disinheriting me.”
RELATED || Beloved Aussie comedian Barry Humphries dies.
He changed his Facebook profile from Oscar Humphries to Oscar Valentine –his second name. “New name. I never wanted the little bit of money anyway,” he allegedly posted. “Liberating after the shock. The feeling is, ‘Well I’ll do it myself.’”
It now remains to be seen what will come of Bary’s estimated $20million empire.
WATCH NOW: Dame Edna interrupts King Charles and Camilla at 2013 Royal Variety Performance. Article continues after video.
Barry famously blamed his battle with the bottle for his fractured and fraught relationships. “For over 10 years of my life, I had a serious alcoholic illness,” he candidly once confessed.
“’I put the cork back in the bottle in my late 30s and haven’t touched a drop from that day to this.”
He maintained the booze cost him at least one, probably two, of his four marriages.
He was once asked if was he a good father. “On and off,” he said.
“Most would agree I was not ready for marriage or early parenthood. But I’ve come around to it now. I’ve even got grandchildren now.”
With his family by his bedside and all animosities forgiven and forgotten, the Humphries were determined to embrace the future united as a tight family unit.
Sadly that was not to be.
Barry’s passing came in the lead-up to what would be the legendary performer’s last TV appearance on Who Do You Think You Are.
The popular SBS series returns on Tuesday May 2, with the premiere episode featuring Barry tracing his family origin story.
But the show was certainly never intended to be Barry’s curtain call, with the performer revealing in a recent interview that he already had a stage show in the pipeline.
“I have to get back on my feet … I’m going back on tour later this year,” he said hopefully.
John ‘Barry’ Humphries was indeed a stalwart of the Australian entertainment industry since the 1950s and became an internationally renowned comedian, actor, author, and satirist – who was adored by all.
He cemented himself as an Australian icon after creating and performing as his outrageous alter egos like Moonie Ponds local Dame Edna Everage as well as “national disgrace” Sir Les Paterson.
For over half a century he brought his unique brand of comedy to life via stage shows, films, and television. His impressive list of film credits includes Da Kath and Kim Code, The Hobbit, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and voicing Bruce the Shark in Finding Nemo – just to name a few.
But it’s his one-man satirical stage shows that made him a superstar.
These performances showcased Barry’s classic comedic characters as well as featuring monologues, musical numbers, improvisation, and audience participation segments – not even the royal family were safe when Edna took the stage!
In March 2012, Barry announced his retirement from live entertainment stating that he was “beginning to feel a bit senior” – but never truly stuck to his word!
As recently as last year Barry was taking to the stage performing a one-man show around the UK.
Upon his final moments, the star was said to be alert awake and cracking jokes with the nursing staff to the very end.
Now with reports of a state funeral being underway, there’s little doubt Barry’s humour and spirit will be remembered by fans around the world forever.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
