Barry Humphries spent his final days making people laugh as Gavin and Stacey actor Rob Brydon revealed he was with the comic just three days before his death,
In an emotional tribute, the Gavin & Stacey star said: "His talent shone until the very end."
The Dame Edna Everage star died aged 89 in Sydney at the St Vincent's hospital after complications from a hip replacement surgery.
During a seven-decade career, the stage and screen veteran entertained generations with satirical characters including Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.
Comedian Rob Brydon, friend of Barry Humphries, said he was with the Australian entertainer just three days ago when "he was, as ever, making me laugh".
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Brydon tweeted: "RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably."
"It was a delight to call him my friend.
"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."
Episodes from Barry Humphries' "hugely popular" BBC Radio 2 series Forgotten Music Masterpieces will be played in tribute to the late entertainer, the broadcaster has confirmed.
Laura Busson, commissioning executive for Radio 2, said: "Everyone at Radio 2 is saddened to hear of the passing of Barry Humphries.
"His six Radio 2 series of Barry Humphries' Forgotten Music Masterpieces were hugely popular with our audience, and we will publish some of these programmes on BBC Sounds today for listeners to enjoy, in tribute to Barry."
Tributes to the much-loved comedian have already began pouring in.
The Prime Minister for Australia. Anthony Albanese tweeted: "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."
Piers Morgan wrote: "RIP Barry Humphries, 89. One of the funniest people I’ve ever met.
"A wondrously intelligent, entertaining, daring, provocative, mischievous comedy genius. As hilarious in private as he was as the iconic Dame Edna. What a life, what a character. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry."
Former Great British Bake Off host Matt Lucas said: "I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest."
Ricky Gervais posted on Twitter : "Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius."
Comedian Dara O Briain wrote: "RIP Barry Humphries, one of the absolute funniest people ever. A huge life, lived long and well. He will be missed."
Dannii Minogue added: "I was lucky to meet Barry and Lizzie through my great friend Kathy. A cheeky humour that will be very missed. Vale Barry Humphries"
Carol Vorderman said: "You will be mourned Barry Humphries I only met you a few times but that look in your eyes full of bright intelligence and mischief, knowing trouble was ahead and looking forward to every special second of it: I'll never forget it. Thank you Sir. A genius."
Fellow Aussie icon Jason Donovan said: "Australia has lost one of its greatest! Funny, literate and fiercely intelligent Barry Humphries was quite simply an entertaining genius. The characters he created brought laughter to millions … My thoughts are with family on this sad day!"
One fan wrote: "Not much is funnier than Dame Edna in full flow, and Barry Humphries was a genius. "Hello, Christine!"
Another said: "In light of the very sad news of Barry Humphries, today is the perfect day to acquaint yourself with Dame Edna's Neighbourhood Watch. Barry / Edna really was an icon. RIP."
One supporter added: "Sad news about Barry Humphries, Dame Edna Everage, who has passed away at aged 89. His This Morning interview with Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond still makes me laugh out loud."
The sad news comes after the comedian, who also played alter-ego Sir Les Patterson, was taken into hospital in a serious condition following complications from a hip replacement.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford told Australia's Sunrise programme things were "tough" for the satirist.
He said: "I am told Barry's health has worsened in the last week."
Ford added: "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."
However, Barry's wife Lizzie Spender told Sunday Morning Herald on Wednesday (April 19): "He's fine."
Barry was best known for writing and portraying his on-stage characters Dame Edna and Sir Les – with Dame Edna appearing on Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, Loose Women, The One Show, The Graham Norton Show and has also appeared on TV shows and stages across the world.
Dame Edna, who was invented by Barry in the 1950s as a party turn, even penned an autobiography titled My Gorgeous Life, which documented Dame Edna's backstory.
READ MORE: Barry Humphries tributes pour in as world of comedy remembers Dame Edna star's 'genius'
