The Latest Breaking News from Les Patterson

Tony Award-winning comedian Barry Humphries, internationally renowned for his garish stage persona Dame Edna Everage, a condescending snob whose evolving character has delighted audiences over seven decades, has died

The star had been readmitted to hospital following hip surgery last month

The enduringly popular Australian has died at the age of 89.

Humphries died on Saturday evening in hospital in Sydney.

Piers Morgan called Barry Humphries "One of the funniest people I’ve ever met" and Ricky Gervais said: "Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius." Jason Donovan added: "Australia has lost one of its greatest!"

Barry Humphries was on the path to becoming a lawyer when he instead decided to pursue the theatre. But it was his greatest creation, a Moonee Ponds housewife with wisteria-pink hair, who soaked up the limelight while featuring her beloved signature gladioli.

The Australian comedian has passed away after being rushed to hospital following complications after a hip replacement.

Despite a legacy tainted by PC-baiting provocation, many will remember Humphries with affection as the carnivalesque Dame Edna and foul-mouthed Sir Les Patterson

The Melbourne-born comic who found international acclaim is best known for his alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, but also appeared in more than 20 films and authored numerous books and plays.