Barry Humphries’ state funeral to be held in Sydney following private send-off with loved ones
Posted by  badge Boss on May 08, 2023 - 07:06PM
Barry Humphries died in April, aged 89 (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Details of ’ funeral have been revealed following his death last month.

The comedian at the age of 89.

Humphries – known for creating the – was in hospital in Sydney, receiving treatment after suffering complications from hip surgery.

Confirming his death at St Vincent’s Hospital, a statement from his family said 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.’

The comedian was known and loved for a variety of roles, particularly his Dame Edna Everage persona (Picture: Getty)

Further reports revealed the beloved star of stage and screen for the two years leading up to his death.

After falling and breaking his hip following a fall at his apartment in February, his latest cancer diagnosis eventually ‘robbed him of plans to stage one last concert tour – and end his life within six weeks’.

It was later confirmed that the comic as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the much-loved star’s ceremony would involve New South Wales, Victoria, and the Commonwealth in a joint effort to

According to new reports, Humphries’ family has chosen Sydney for the service over Melbourne, which was another option.

His wife and family were in attendance at a small send-off last month (Picture: Reuters)

An offer from Victoria’s Andrews government was refused by the star’s loved ones, according to .

It is understood that the ceremony will be a joint service hosted by both States to honour the actor.

Premier Daniel Andrews previously said there are no more details to divulge just yet.

‘I can’t confirm for you where the service will be, or where the funeral will be.’

The state funeral will follow a service that was held at the end of last month.

Close friends and family got to say their goodbyes, after making last-minute arrangements to be there after being given 24 hours’ notice. 

The small ceremony was held at the Bowral estate of his long-time friend and artist Tim Storrier in the NSW Southern Highlands. 

The comic is set to get a state funeral (Picture: PA)

‘It was a small affair, just family and close friends,’ film director Bruce Beresford said.

Also in attendance were Humphries’ sons Oscar and Rupert, who flew in from London.

His daughters, Emily and Tessa, were there too, as were brother Christopher and sister Barbara.

Filmmaker Beresford said there weren’t any speeches made, but excerpts from some of Humphries’ favourite poems were read, including three verses from his favourite poem, The Heart of a Friend by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

He described the small send-off as ‘very touching’ and ‘warm’ given that everyone there was either a relative or a ‘great friend.’