Rob Brydon remembered his friend Barry Humphries in a touching tribute(Picture: PA/Rex)
Rob Brydon has paid tribute to his friend Barry Humphries, who he visited three days before his death aged 89.
The Dame Edna Everage star died on Saturday evening at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, where he had been treated following complications from hip surgery.
A statement from Humphries’ family remembered him for his ‘unique with and generosity of spirit’ and added: ‘The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.’
Tributes have since poured in from the comedy world, with the likes of Ricky Gervais and Matt Lucas remembering the Australian entertainer, with the Gavin and Stacey actor, 57, among them.
On Twitter, the Would I Lie to You? host said the legendary comic had been ‘making me laugh’ just days before his death during a visit to Australia.
Rob shared: ‘RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably. It was a delight to call him my friend.
Tributes have been pouring in for Humphries following his death (Picture: Getty)
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‘I’ve been in Australia and was with him only 3 days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end.
‘My love goes out to Lizzie and all the family.’
Comedians Ricky Gervais and Rory Bremner, meanwhile, said Humphries was a ‘comedy genius’ and an ‘all-time great.’
‘Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius,’ the After Life star tweeted.
Brydon said Humphries ‘talent shone until the very end’ (Picture: PA)
Also posting on Twitter, Rory said: ‘Heavens. With the passing of #barryhumphries we lose an all-time great.’
‘Lightning quick, subversive, mischievous, widely read,deeply knowledgeable about art, music & literature- & savagely funny.
‘Dame Edna arguably the greatest comic persona ever. Les Patterson too. True genius.’
Humphries was also behind alter-ego Sir Les Patterson (Picture: Getty)
Humphries died on Saturday evening, according to David Faktor, a spokesman for St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
He told the PA news agency: ‘I can confirm Barry Humphries passed away this evening Sydney time, around 7pm on Saturday evening (11am GMT).’
Humphries had been readmitted to St Vincent’s after suffering complications following hip surgery last month.
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A family statement issued to the Sydney Morning Herald at the time thanked fans and hospital staff for their ‘support and good wishes.’
During a seven-decade career, the stage and screen veteran had entertained generations with satirical characters including Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.
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‘A true great who inspired me immeasurably,’ he said.