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Barry Humphries

Birth Place: AUSTRALIA

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BIO

John Barry Humphries AO CBE (born 17 February 1934) is an Australian actor, artist, author, comedian and satirist. He is best known for writing and playing his on-stage and television alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. He is also a film producer and script writer, a star of London's West End musical theatre, a writer, and a landscape painter. For his delivery of dadaist and absurdist humour to millions, biographer Anne Pender described Humphries in 2010 as not only "the most significant theatrical figure of our time … [but] the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin".

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STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2013
Performer

[West End]
Original London Production, 1976
Performer

[West End]
Original London Production, 1964
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1963
Mr. Sowerberry

Fagin (Understudy)

[West End]
Original London Production, 1960
Other Roles

Writing

Conceiver
Lyricist
Playwright
Playwright
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist

Movies

Bedazzled
[ 1967 ] Envy
The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom
[ 1968 ] Art dealer
The Adventures of Barry McKenzie
[ 1972 ] Aunt Edna Everage, Hoot, Dr DeLamphrey
Barry McKenzie Holds His Own
[ 1974 ] Aunt Edna Everage, Dr. Meyer Delamphrey, Offensive Buck-toothed Englishman
It's Not the Size That Counts
[ 1974 ] Dr. Anderson, Australian TV Lady
The Great MacArthy
[ 1975 ] Colonel Ball-Miller
Side by Side
[ 1975 ] Rodney
The Getting of Wisdom
[ 1977 ] Rev. Strachey
Shock Treatment
[ 1981 ] Bert Schnick
Howling III
[ 1987 ] Dame Edna Everage - Academy Award Presenter
Les Patterson Saves the World
[ 1987 ] Sir Les Patterson, Dame Edna Everage Sir Les Patterson/Dame Edna Everage
Immortal Beloved
[ 1994 ] Clemens Metternich
Napoleon
[ 1995 ] Kangaroo , Dame Edna Everage
Pterodactyl Woman from Beverly Hills
[ 1996 ] Bert, Lady Shopper, Manager
The Leading Man
[ 1996 ] Humphrey Beal
Welcome to Woop Woop
[ 1997 ] Blind Wally
Spice World
[ 1997 ] Kevin McMaxford
Les Patterson and the Great Chinese Takeaway
[ 1997 ] Les Patterson
Nicholas Nickleby
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Crummles, Mr. Leadville Dame Edna Everage
Finding Nemo
[ 2003 ] Bruce
Salvation
[ 2008 ] Client
Mary and Max
[ 2009 ] Narrator
Kath & Kimderella
[ 2012 ] Dame Edna
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
[ 2012 ] Great Goblin
Justin and the Knights of Valour
[ 2013 ] Braulio
Blinky Bill the Movie
[ 2015 ] Wombo
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie
[ 2016 ] Charlie, Dame Edna

TV Shows

Ally McBeal
Claire Otoms
Dame Edna's Hollywood
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna's Neighbourhood Watch
Dame Edna Everage
Loose Women
Dame Edna Everage
Not Only... But Also
In 'Poets Cornered'
Parkinson
Dame Edna Everage
The Barry Humphries Show
Dame Edna Everage
The View
Dame Edna

Awards and Nominations


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Special Awards

Barry Humphries, The Royal Tour


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Barry Humphries, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour

Olivier Awards - 1987 - The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement

Barry HumphriesBack With A Vengeance


winner
Olivier Awards - 1979 - Comedy Performance of the Year

Barry HumphriesA Night With Dame Edna

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Unique Theatrical Experience

Barry Humphries, Housewife! Superstar!

News


Graham Norton Australian Tour Adds New Dates

Beloved Irish comedian, actor, author and television host Graham Norton will embark on his first-ever live tour of Australia in March. Learn more about the tour and how to get tickets here!
Australian Chamber Orchestra Brings The Ottoman Four Seasons to 92NY

The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY), one of New York's leading cultural venues, will present Australian Chamber Orchestra: The Ottoman Four Seasons with Richard Tognetti, artistic director and violin; Joseph Tawadros, oud; James Tawadros, riq on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2pm on the David Geffen Stage at Kaufmann Concert Hall.
Review: A TRIBUTE TO DAME EDNA: OVERDRESSED FOR THE APOCALYPSE at Triad Theater

Michael J. Walters, an award-winning actor and singer, brings his considerable talent to the Triad Theater with his latest show, entitled A Tribute to Dame Edna: Overdressed for the Apocalypse. He straddles several styles, from stand-up comedy to song to impressions, to create a memorable evening. Catch it 9/21 and 9/22 at the Triad.
Interview: Michael Walters Brings Brash, Funny Dame Edna to the Triad Theater

Cabaret singer Michael Walters, who has the distinction of being the longest-running Dame Edna tribute act in the world, is making his off-Broadway debut with the character on Saturday 9/7 at the Triad Theater. OVERDRESSED FOR THE APOCALYPSE features original songs and material, plus that special brand of Dame Edna humor.
Her Majesty's Theatre Inducted into South Australia's Music Hall of Fame

Adelaide’s iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre has delivered another stellar performance – being inducted into South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame! The stunning redeveloped theatre took out South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame 2024 Venue, awarded to different venues each year, recognising its rich musical heritage.
Photos: Go Inside the Opening of the REAL TO REEL Exhibition, Paying Tribute To Leslie Jordan

This week, the Hollywood Museum’s Annual and LGBTQ+ Exhibit opening and Awards, Hollywood’s first LGBTQ+ Tribute/Exhibit and Awards, Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum) announced its 2024 salute to the LGBTQ+ community's contributions to the entertainment industry. Check out photos here!
Interview: Richard Tognetti and Satu Vänskä Return to Café Carlyle This Week

Violinist Richard Tognetti returns to Café Carlyle for a five-night residency from April 16 to 20, 2024. Tognetti, Principal Violin Satu Vänskä, violist Elizabeth Woolnough and cellist Eliza Sdraulig will perform music from JS Bach to Nick Drake, ito the Weimar Republic. We spoke with Tognetti and Vänskä about the show.
Richard Tognetti Will Return to Cafe Carlyle Next Week

Australian violinist Richard Tognetti, Artistic Director of the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), will make his much-anticipated return to New York’s Café Carlyle for a five-night residency, April 16 - 20, 2024.
A Night Of Laughter And Love ONE DAME FUNNY VALENTINE At Milburn Stone Theatre

Get ready to laugh, love, and celebrate Valentine's Day like never before with 'One Dame Funny Valentine' at Milburn Stone Theatre on Friday, February 16th, 2024. Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show kicks off at 8pm.
Video: Watch the Memorial Service for Barry Humphries at the Sydney Opera House

A state memorial service was held on December 15th for world-renowned entertainer, author, actor and satirist Barry Humphries AC CBE.
Dr. Jane Goodall To Launch Australia/New Zealand Tour In 2024

Dr Jane Goodall is coming to Australia and New Zealand for a tour in 2024. Don't miss the chance to hear from this renowned primatologist and conservationist.
See Mark Nadler, Dame Edna, David Cale & More at Pangea in December

Get ready for an unforgettable December as Cale, Starlite, Clause, Dame Edna, Garniez, and Nadler bring their incredible talents to the stage. Don't miss out on these mesmerizing performances happening this month.
Never Before Seen Artworks By Barry Humphries Now On Display At Adelaide Festival Centre

Never before seen artworks by late Australian entertainer Barry Humphries AO CBE will be on display at Adelaide Festival Centre's Festival Theatre Galleries from this weekend, celebrating the artistic talents of Humphries.
Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala

Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!
Review: THE CONFESSIONS, National Theatre

A unique production from a unique playwright / director has its faults, but far outweighs them with its warm truths and redemptive conclusion
Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis & More To Join The Drama League's EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala

Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis, Danny Burstein, and more will be performing at The Drama League's 'Embrace The Season' Gala.
25th Anniversary Production of RIVERDANCE is Coming to Australia in April 2024

The 25th Anniversary Production of Riverdance is set to tour Australia in April 2024! Don't miss this iconic Irish dance show as it celebrates its milestone anniversary with a re-imagined version touring across the country. Learn how to get tickets and see the full schedule for the tour.
Her Majesty's Theatre Celebrates 110 Year Anniversary

The iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre turns 110 today. To help celebrate one of Adelaide’s favourite supercentenarians, the theatre is  opening the doors to the public for a special exhibition and guided tours.
Her Majesty's Theatre Guided Tours Back By Popular Demand

Her Majesty's Theatre Guided Tours are back by popular demand. The public is invited to take an exclusive behind the scenes look at Her Majesty's Theatre as she looks to celebrate her 110th birthday in September with tour dates on sale now.  
Nica Burns Officially Launches The 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Awards

Nica Burns, the longstanding Director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, has officially launched the biggest awards in live comedy at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Barry Humphries been in?

Barry Humphries has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Barry Humphries been in?

Barry Humphries has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.

What was Barry Humphries's first West End show?

Barry Humphries's first West End show was Oliver! which opened in 1960

What awards has Barry Humphries been nominated for?

Special Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Royal Tour, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Dame Edna: The Royal Tour, The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement (Olivier Awards) for Back With A Vengeance, Comedy Performance of the Year (Olivier Awards) for A Night With Dame Edna and Unique Theatrical Experience (Drama Desk Awards) for Housewife! Superstar!.

What awards has Barry Humphries won?

Barry Humphries has won several awards, including Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Royal Tour, Outstanding Solo Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Dame Edna: The Royal Tour, and Comedy Performance of the Year at the Olivier Awards for A Night With Dame Edna.

How many shows has Barry Humphries written?

Barry Humphries has written 5 shows including Housewife! Superstar!! (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), Dame Edna: The Royal Tour (Playwright), Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance (Conceiver), All About Me (Playwright), Eat Pray Love! (Creator).

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