Barry Humphries has been laid to rest in a private funeral less than a week after he passed away aged 89.
The beloved Australian actor and comic, who was best known for his drag persona Dame Edna Everage, died on April 22 following complications from hip replacement surgert.
The service took place at the Bowral estate of longtime friend and artist Tim Storrier on Friday in New South Wales‘ Southern Highlands, with family and close friends given just 24 hours notice.
Among mourners were Humphries’ two sons, Oscar and Rupert, who flew in from London, as well as his daughters Emily and Tessa, brother Christopher and sister Barbara.
Another attendee was film director Bruce Beresford, who described it as “a small affair, just family and close friends.”
Mr Beresford said no speeches were made, but excerpts from some of Mr Humphries favourite poems were read, including three verses from his favourite poem, The Heart of a Friend by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
“It was very touching, very warm. Everybody was either related or a great friend of Barry’s,” he added to The Australian
Victoria’s Creative Industries Minister Steve Dimopoulos revealed earlier this week that discussions were being had with the entertainer’s loved ones about how best to honour his legacy publicly in his home country.
“The primary mover of these things is the family because it’s their gift effectively to decide in conversation with government,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
Adding: “So, yes, it could be that [a state funeral]. It could be many other things.”
