Australian star Barry Humphries is in a “serious” condition in hospital following complications from hip replacement surgery.
The comedian, best known as character Dame Edna Everage, was readmitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney earlier this week and has been surrounded by his family ever since.
Friend of Humphries Peter Ford told Australia’s Channel Seven’s Sunrise programme that the 89-year-old is “comfortable” but in a “serious condition”.
Tweeting a clip from the show, Ford wrote: “Statement to media due to be released shortly. At this moment Barry is in a serious condition but being kept comfortable. He’s surrounded by family.”
Speaking on the show, Ford said: “Barry won’t give up easily. Barry has something marked on his calendar and that is to say, he’ll be back on stage before the end of the year.
“He’s been travelling around the UK last year doing a one-man show, largely sitting in a chair and talking about the great characters he’s created through the years.
“Whether that’s a realistic goal for Barry I don’t know, but either way it’s not over until it’s over – but I am told Barry’s health has worsened in the last week.”
Ford also said things “are tough” for the comedian but added: “I reckon Barry has a fighting spirit and he’s not going to give up easily.”
When asked how long Humphries would be hospitalised for, Ford said things were “up in the air”.
He 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.”
Meanwhile, Australian Sky News host Rowan Dean explained that the star has “serious health problems,” however “his sense of humour never leaves him.”
He shared on the channel’s Afternoon Agenda: “Barry Humphries never stops laughing and cracking jokes, even if he’s as ill as he currently is, he’ll still be cracking jokes, he’ll still be laughing and he’s always got a wicked sense of humour.
Statement to media due to be released shortly. At this moment Barry is a serious condition but being kept comfortable. He’s surrounded by family. https://t.co/tbbJnqg3ik
— Peter Ford (@mrpford) April 19, 2023
“I’m sure some of the nurses in the hospital are still amused by the twinkle in Barry Humphries’ eyes and that irrepressible grin and that irrepressible laugh.”
The Standard has contacted Barry Humphries’ rep for comment.
The entertainer’s health setback comes just weeks after Humphries said he was in “agony” following a fall at his home in February, which led him to undergo hip replacement surgery.
Humphries explained that he sustained the injury after he tripped on a rug while reaching for a book.
At the time, the funnyman said he was hoping to be back on his feet in time for another “one-man show” to be held later this year.
He told the Sydney Morning Herald in March: “I have to get back on my feet... I’m going back on tour later this year.
“The result of my broken hip means I now have a titanium hip... you can call me ‘Bionic Bazza’.”
