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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Rob Harris

Letter: Barry Humphries obituary

Barry Humphries aka Dame Edna dies at 89 yearsepa10585663 (FILE) - Australian entertainer Barry Humphries poses for a photograph with his book 'My Life as Me' in Melbourne, Australia, 25 November 2002 (issued 22 April 2023). Entertainer Entertainer Barry Humphries, who brought to life 'Dame Edna Everage' and 'Sir Les Patterson', has died 22 April 2023 in a Sydney hospital at the age of 89 years surrounded by family. EPA/JOE CASTRO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
Barry Humphries chuckled at his own creation, Dame Edna. Photograph: Joe Castro/EPA

In the 1970s, as a resting actor, I worked as a minicab driver for a company that had the contract with London Weekend Television. One evening I went to the Garrick club to pick up a guest of Russell Harty. While waiting, I joined the doorman in watching the tiny portable TV in his cubicle. We were highly amused by Dame Edna Everage, just as someone joined us from behind, chuckling as much as we were.

I turned and found myself looking at an imposing gentleman in an exquisite suit: it was Barry Humphries.

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