Barry Humphries to Retire Dame Edna Persona Following EAT PRAY LAUGH! Tour

The New York Times reports today that comedian Barry Humphries, best known for portraying his female alter-ego Dame Edna Everage, will officially retire the beloved character following her final tour, EAT PRAY LAUGH!, which launches in Australia and is anticipated to make stops in the US and the UK.

For the full article in the NY Times, click here: 

Humphries has been performing as 'Edna' for over 50 years. Originally conceived as a dowdy Moonee Ponds housewife who caricatured Australian suburban complacency and insularity, Edna has evolved to become a satire of stardom, with the garish outfits and egomaniacal overatures. His 'Edna' is a housewife, investigative journalist, social anthropologist, talk show host, swami, children's book illustrator, spin doctor, and a widow with three grown children. 

She has received particular notariety on the UK special "A Night on Mt. Edna" and her talk show "The Dame Edna Experience." Her Broadway show "Dame Edna: The Royal Tour" received the Tony® award for Live Theatrical Event. She was last featured on Broadway in All About Me with Michael Feinstein. She is also a celebrated author, having penned three books including My Gorgeous Life, which is currently being adapted for the stage and screen.

Humphries reported plans to continue performing in his natural form, Barry Humphries, for the remainder of his career.

Farewell Edna.  You will be missed.

Photo Credit: London News Pictures/Rex / Rex USA