Comedian Barry Humphries has died aged 89

Barry Humphries has died aged 89, a spokesperson for St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney where he was being treated has confirmed.

The legendary comedian, who is best known for characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, had recently undergone a hip replacement after suffering a fall at his apartment.

Discussing the operation, Humphries said last month that he was confident of returning to full health and getting back out on the road for a tour.

He said: “It was the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are. I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went.

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“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.”

However, he was later admitted to hospital following complications with the surgery.

And as a result, the comic's family raced to his side as his condition worsened.

Speaking in recent days, entertainment reporter Peter Ford told Australia's Sunrise programme: "I am told Barry's health has worsened in the last week.

"There are very serious concerns about what happens next … it is a very tough time at the moment.

"But he's got great care, he's got fantastic medical team behind him. His family and friends – closest family – are rallying behind him."

Sadly, however, Humphries was unable to regain his health and passed away.

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Since news of his death was announced, fans have taken to social media to share their condolences with his family.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote: "For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone. But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry.

"A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace."

"This is very sad," said another. "What a phenomenal talent.

"It's a cliche to say someone has funny bones, but cliches are often true, and he had some of the funniest."

"Barry Humphries was a genius," praised a third. "He was always so funny, so sly and so terrifying. A brilliant comic mind. We have lost a legend. RIP."

While Ricky Gervais added: "Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius."

Topics: Celebrity