Arthur Humphries

John Barry Humphries, born February 17, 1934, and passing on April 22, 2023, was an Australian comedian, actor, author, and satirist. He gained international acclaim for his memorable stage and television characters, most notably Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. Humphries's early life in Melbourne, marked by a creative and rebellious spirit, saw him develop a fascination with dressing up and entertaining, setting the stage for his future career. Despite a comfortable upbringing, he rebelled against suburban norms, embracing art, literature, and surrealism, even creating his first character, 'Dr Aaron Azimuth,' in his youth.

His formal education included time at Camberwell Grammar School and Melbourne Grammar School, where he excelled in arts and English. He also studied law, philosophy, and fine arts at the University of Melbourne, where he engaged with the Dada art movement. This period saw him participate in Dadaist pranks and performances, including experimental recordings and provocative exhibits, which became part of Australian folklore. Humphries's career began with the Melbourne Theatre Company, where he first developed the character of Edna Everage. He later moved to Sydney and joined the Phillip Street Theatre, a prominent venue for satirical comedy, further solidifying his career and developing characters like Sandy Stone.

Barry Humphries was born in Melbourne, Australia, to a prosperous family. His childhood, spent in a modern suburban home, was characterized by a degree of parental distance, which led him to spend considerable time in imaginative play, dressing up in various costumes. This early inclination towards performance and disguise was a significant influence on his later work. His parents' distrust of 'art' contrasted with his burgeoning artistic interests. A pivotal moment occurred when his mother discarded his books, prompting a deeply ingrained habit of voracious reading and collecting rare books. He also developed interests in painting, theatre, and surrealism, leading him to create his first sustained character, 'Dr Aaron Azimuth,' a dandyish provocateur with Dadaist leanings.

Humphries received his education at Camberwell Grammar School and Melbourne Grammar School, where he showed a preference for English and art over sports and mathematics. He described his education as largely self-directed. Subsequently, he attended the University of Melbourne for two years, studying law, philosophy, and fine arts. During this time, he also completed national service in the Australian Army. His engagement with the Dadaist and absurdist art movements during his university years led to the creation of experimental performances and recordings in Melbourne. These included humorous and anarchic exhibits such as 'Pus in Boots' (boots filled with custard) and 'Platytox' (a mock pesticide for platypuses), alongside Dada-influenced audio recordings.

Following university, Humphries joined the Melbourne Theatre Company, where he developed the initial version of his most famous character, Edna Everage, in a sketch titled 'Olympic Hostess' in 1955. His mentor, Peter O'Shaughnessy, played a crucial role in nurturing these early characters. Humphries later moved to Sydney's Phillip Street Theatre, a hub for satirical comedy, where Edna Everage's popularity grew, launching a long career for the character. It was during this period, after a chance encounter, that Humphries conceived another enduring character, Sandy Stone, inspired by an elderly man with a distinctive voice and manner.

In 1959, Humphries relocated to London, becoming a significant figure in the British comedy scene and befriending notable figures like Dudley Moore and Peter Cook. He performed at Cook's club, The Establishment, and contributed to the satirical magazine Private Eye, co-creating the controversial cartoon strip 'The Wonderful World of Barry McKenzie,' which satirized Australian expatriates. His work in London also included roles in West End musicals like 'Oliver!' and collaborations with Spike Milligan. A notable incident involved a serious cliff fall in Cornwall in 1961, from which he was rescued by helicopter.

“Sunny Sam”

“clean, tasteful, and modern suburban home”

“But you've read them, Barry.”

“self-educated, attended Melbourne Grammar School”

“wubbo is a pseudo-Aboriginal word meaning 'nothing'”