Australian comedian will receive a state funeral following his last month.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the much-loved star’s funeral ceremony would involve New South Wales, Victoria and the Commonwealth in a joint effort to
Humphries died on April 22 after he was readmitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia, following hip surgery complications.
News of his funeral preparations was revealed by the Prime Minister to Sky News Australia’s .
He shared: ‘There will be a state funeral for Barry Humphries, co-hosted by the New South Wales and the Victorian Government…My government will be a part of that as well,” he said on Wednesday.
‘He’s someone who has given an enormous amount of and I know that a range of people who are friends of mine knew him very well.
‘I know how warmly he was regarded by people in Australia and in the UK.’
The comedian and actor’s death was announced by his family in a statement that read at the time: ‘He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit.​
‘With over ​70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be.
‘​His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.
‘Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of ​a​​​​rt in all its forms.​
‘He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives.
‘The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.’
During a seven-decade career, the stage and screen veteran entertained generations with satirical characters including Dame Edna Everage, Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone.
He became a staple of the British comedy circuit after moving from Australia to London in 1959 and appearing in West End shows such as Maggie May and Oliver!
Details on the date and intricacies of the funeral for the late star are yet to be made public.
