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Olympic champion inducted to Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson and surfing legend Mick Fanning have joined the most elite group of Australian sportspeople, after being inducted to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF). Pearson is one of only nine Australian women to win an Olympic track and field gold medal, winning her first gold in London 2012. She won a silver medal in 2008 for the 100m hurdles, and has World Championship success in 2011 and 2017. She is also the first Australian to be named World Athlete of the year, and won the SAHOF’s “The Don” Award twice. Pearson said it was “surreal” to be included in such esteemed company, including the likes of Cathy Freeman, her childhood hero. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in. It’s so surreal. It feels like it just happens to people you see on TV,” she said. “I still feel like I’m watching the Sydney Olympics and watching Cathy Freeman run. When Steve Hooker won gold in Beijing I was sitting on the sidelines. “Even though I won silver, I was thinking, this is really cool. I’m watching this person, this athlete, just doing amazing things. It’s a bizarre feeling that I’m one of those people now.” Surfing legend Mick Fanning, who is already a member of the World Surfers’ Hall of Fame and Australian Surfing Hall of Fame and said he was pretty “flabbergasted” to be elevated into the SAHOF. “Australia produces so many incredible sporting stars and to be honoured as one of those, among the greats, I’m pretty flabbergasted, to be honest,” he said. “It’s not something that we ever look for when we’re doing our sport, but to be acknowledged later in life is very special and I’m very honoured to be able to share it with people who have supported me. “I wasn’t the most talented person, I wasn’t the most gifted, I didn’t have the most money or anything like that, but I just gave it my all.’’ Fanning enters as a three-time world champion for surfing. Motorsport great Mark Skaife, former Kookaburras’ captain Mark Knowles, lawn bowls trailblazer Karen Murphy and dual-sport Paralympics champion Liesl Tesch are some of the other 2024 inductees. Image: Colorsport/ Shutterstock Editorial

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"What do you say?" TV host's heartbreaking parenting plea

An Aussie TV host has shared a heartfelt plea for advice after revealing that his 12-year-old daughter has been bullied at school. Barry Du Bois, co-host of The Living Room, shared an emotional post on Instagram admitting he is struggling to help Arabella with the bullying issue, and asked other parents for advice. “I just watched my little girl walk out the gate of our home, a place where I know she is safe and feels a sense of security and belonging,” Barry said. “She is heading to a place that doesn’t offer that same security, her school. As a parent, I’m supposed to protect and guide her through difficult times, but this morning, I am lost.” “Yesterday, Arabella came home from school claiming she was sick,” he continued. "This isn’t the first time it has happened. She wasn’t actually sick but is instead being bullied again.” Barry then asked for help from his followers on how to help his daughter, asking, “What do you say to a child when you’ve already said, ‘Don’t let them upset you. Just keep being kind. You are not the horrible things they say’.” “She said, ‘I don’t want to be special; I just want to be liked’,” the TV star added before revealing he felt “weak, angry, confused and a little fearful”. The touching post encouraged some of his famous friends to share their own stories of helping their kids deal with bullying. “My mate sent his daughter to Jiu Jitsu after being bullied. She fell in love with it and gained another level of confidence,” wrote The Bachelor Australia star Tim Robards. “Sometimes you’ve just got to go up to the parents and say, ‘your kid bullies mine’,” added Married At First Sight’s Ryan Gallagher. Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

"The issue is, he's alive": AFL mistakenly commemorates Hawthorn great

The AFL has found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after prematurely mourning a former player’s death at this week’s Hall of Fame ceremony. The ceremony, held on Tuesday night, saw Collingwood great Dane Swan inducted into the Hall of Fame and Hawthorn’s Jason Dunstall elevated to Legend status. But amidst the celebrations and the teary-eyed tributes, the AFL managed to pull off a major faux pas during the "In Memoriam" segment, which is of course supposed to honour those in the game who have passed away within the last year. Hawthorn's John Kennedy Jr was the first to express his shock on Channel 7’s The Front Bar program on Thursday night. "That 71 team, obviously a famous team and important team in Hawthorn’s history," host Sam Pang began, setting the stage for Kennedy’s bombshell. “But I believe, John, you have a cheerio you’d like to give to one of the players.” Kennedy, not one to miss an opportunity, replied: “I’d like to send one out to Michael Porter who played in the ’71 Grand Final. ‘Portholes’ they called him. He was noted as deceased last night on the AFL Hall of Fame, as one of the deceased people. The issue is he’s alive. So Portholes, if you’re listening mate or you’re up there in NSW, let us know when the wake is because we’ll be all there mate!” Indeed, the prematurely deceased Porter, who played 78 games for Hawthorn and was part of their 1971 VFL premiership team, took the news of his untimely death with remarkably good humour. Instead of sending a ghostly telegram from the great beyond, he simply called up former Hawks captain David Parkin, who was in the room for the Hall of Fame ceremony in Melbourne, to confirm he was alive and well. A league spokesman, likely blushing a shade of crimson, said: “Once this innocent mistake was realised we moved quickly to ring and apologise to everyone affected, including Michael, and thank him for his understanding.” Michael Porter, now thrust back into the limelight in the most unexpected fashion, might just hold the unique distinction of being the only player to attend his own wake and live to tell the tale. We can only hope he’s planning a grandiose party with a guest list featuring all his mates who would’ve otherwise been mourning his "passing". So, here’s to Michael Porter – alive, well and hopefully laughing his head off at the AFL’s latest gaffe. And for the AFL, perhaps a lesson: next time, double-check the list before sending anyone to the great footy oval in the sky. Images: Network 7

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Long-serving ABC star calls it quits

Paul Barry, the veteran host of Media Watch, who has made a career out of poking the media bear, has announced his departure from the ABC show in December. After an illustrious (and occasionally infamous) tenure that would make a soap opera look like a nap, Barry is hanging up his microphone at the ripe age of 72. “I’ve been in the hot seat for 11 years and it’s time to give someone else a go,” Barry remarked, possibly while the hot seat sighed in relief. Indeed, hosting Media Watch is no small feat – it's a bit like riding a roller coaster while simultaneously refereeing a brawl. But Barry has certainly done it with aplomb, panache and a fair amount of flair. His announcement has left viewers with mixed feelings – a blend of gratitude for his unyielding service and a tinge of sadness, akin to the bittersweet end of a beloved TV series. Barry promised to stay with us until December, giving us ample time to stock up on popcorn and enjoy the remaining episodes. "Lots of fun to be had before then," he teased, hinting at some final rounds of media mischief. For those who might be wondering what Barry plans to do next, well, that's still a mystery. Perhaps he'll take up knitting, but knowing him, it’ll likely be with barbed wire. Barry first commandeered Media Watch in 2000 before returning in 2013, making a grand comeback that rivalled any reality TV show. Over the years, he has ruffled enough feathers to fill a sizeable pillow factory. Commercial media outlets, politicians and even his own network – as Media Watch famously runs independently of the ABC – have all been on the receiving end of his sharp critiques. His fearless approach has made him a hero to many and a headache to some. One of Barry’s most memorable moments came in 2013 during a spat with columnist Andrew Bolt. When Bolt provocatively asked Barry to reveal his salary on air, Barry did just that – $191,259, to be precise. It was a jaw-dropping moment that left viewers stunned and Bolt, presumably, a bit flummoxed. In between his stints at Media Watch, Barry has donned many hats – investigative reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald, correspondent for 60 Minutes, and author of several books, including a controversial unauthorised biography of James Packer. His career has been a veritable smorgasbord of journalism, controversy and unflinching honesty. An ABC spokesperson paid tribute to Barry, highlighting his “track record of independent commentary, analysis, and robust discussion about the media industry and its ethics – or lack thereof.” Barry has indeed been the watchdog’s watchdog, never shying away from calling out malpractice, no matter where it reared its head. As the ABC gears up to announce a new host, the shoes left behind are large ones to fill. Barry’s departure marks the end of an era – one filled with wit, grit and an unwavering commitment to holding the media accountable. So, here’s to Paul Barry – the feather-ruffler, the truth-seeker, the man who made us laugh, gasp and, most importantly, think. As he steps down from Media Watch, we wish him the very best in his next adventure, whether that’s taking on new journalistic endeavours or finally perfecting that tricky scarf pattern. Bravo, Mr Barry. You will be missed. Image: Media Watch

Hall of Fame fighter hospitalised after saving elderly parents from fire

In the heart of Ohio, a story of heroism and sacrifice has emerged from the flames of a devastating house fire. Mark Coleman, a revered figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), found himself in the midst of a harrowing ordeal, where his actions transcended the octagon to demonstrate unparalleled bravery and love for family. On a fateful Tuesday morning, as the dawn painted the sky over Fremont, Ohio, tragedy struck the Coleman household. Details of the fire initially emerged through local news outlets, shrouded in anonymity. However, it wasn't long before the truth surfaced – it was Mark Coleman, the UFC legend, who had selflessly rushed into the inferno to rescue his elderly parents from imminent danger. Reports indicated that Coleman, aged 59, wasted no time in the face of adversity. With unwavering determination, he courageously carried both of his parents, Dan and Connie Foos Coleman, to safety, braving the engulfing flames that threatened to consume their home. Yet, his valour knew no bounds as he plunged back into the fiery abyss, driven by an instinctive urge to save another beloved member of the family – their loyal dog, Hammer. Tragically, despite his desperate efforts, the canine companion did not survive the blaze. Coleman's daughter, Kenzie, revealed on social media that Hammer's persistent barking had roused her father from slumber, ultimately saving his life. This heartbreaking loss added another layer of sorrow to an already traumatic event. As news of Coleman's heroic act spread, an outpouring of support and prayers flooded social media platforms. His second daughter Morgan, in an emotional Instagram post, recounted her father's selfless deeds and pleaded for continued prayers during this trying time. To the Coleman family, Mark wasn't just a UFC pioneer; he was a beacon of strength and resilience, a cherished father and a beloved friend. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4bQHaopteq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4bQHaopteq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Morgan Coleman (@mocoleman18)</a> </div> </blockquote> Mark Coleman's legacy in the world of MMA is undeniable. Dubbed "The Godfather of Ground-and-Pound", he etched his name in the annals of UFC history as the organisation's inaugural heavyweight champion in 1997. His contributions to the sport earned him a well-deserved place in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008, solidifying his status as a true icon. However, beyond the glitz and glory of the octagon, Coleman's journey has been marked by personal struggles and triumphs. In 2020, he battled a heart attack, a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity. A year later, he confronted his demons, seeking rehabilitation for alcoholism, and emerged stronger, embracing a healthier lifestyle. Author Jonathan Snowden, who shared a close bond with Coleman and was poised to document his remarkable life story, offered a glimpse into the aftermath of the fire. Through poignant images capturing the devastation, Snowden provided a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the ordeal. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This is what's left of the house Mark Coleman and his family were in last night. Mark's dog Hammer woke him up to a house in flames. He saved both his parents and is fighting for his life. <a href="https://t.co/hicYhv7SDm">pic.twitter.com/hicYhv7SDm</a> — Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/1767637195555299781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote> Images: Instagram / Twitter (X)

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Lauren Brant and Barry Hall share huge family news

Lauren Brant and Barry Hall have shared that they will be welcoming a new addition to their family later this year. The former Hi-5 star and the AFL legend are set to welcome their fourth child together in July, with the couple sharing a sweet announcement with their three kids. Posting a series of photos to Instagram, Lauren showed off her growing bump while her husband and three sons, Miller, six, Houston, four, and Samson, two, gathered around. Writing in the caption, Lauren shared the news saying, “Our year is about to get a whole lot more colourful.” “Baby Hall number four arriving July. We are so excited to share this news with you all,” Lauren wrote. An influx of Lauren's celebrity friends quickly took to the comment section to offer their well wishes and congratulations for the growing family. Lauren and Barry started dating in 2016, and are already proud parents of three boys. In June 2021 during an emotional interview on A Current Affair, the couple confirmed they secretly married that February and were expecting their third child. The couple secretly tied the knot so that Lauren’s terminally ill sister-in-law Sandra could attend the wedding. She tragically died just two weeks later, after her second battle with stage-four bowel cancer. Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

Barry Humphries’ daughter explains absence from her father’s memorial

Barry Humphries' daughter has explained why she didn’t attend her late father’s state memorial service which was held in Sydney on Friday. The entertainer’s youngest daughter Emily wasn’t in attendance at the ceremony, with many believing her decision not to attend was due to Richard Wilkins hosting the event. The Nine entertainment reporter forged ahead with hosting the memorial, despite alleged <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/the-unfunny-fallout-richard-wilkins-causes-bizarre-boycott-of-barry-humphries-memorial">objections</a> from members of Humphries’ family. Despite the rumours, Emily has now cleared up why she didn’t attend the service, taking to Facebook to share a lengthy post explaining her actions. She wrote, “I want to be loud and very clear. I am grateful to both Richard and the organisers for their part in this send-off.” “Despite some complexities in my relationship with my father, I was proud of his achievements and think a public send-off is important for both him and his public.” She continued, “Privacy and intimacy were missing elements in my relationship with him so public comments have really bothered me. That they are inaccurate and hurtful to another fired me up.” Emily went on to say she didn't attend her estranged father's state memorial because “they're not my thing” and she was “away working on a film project in Sri Lanka”. She went on to assure her followers that she did attend her father’s private funeral in Bowral, which was held in April at the home of artist Tim Storrier. Emily attended the service, which was closed to the public, with her stepmother Lizzie Spender, sister Tess, brothers Oscar and Rupert, and the comic's grandchildren. Enily and her father had reportedly been estranged for over 20 years, and only patched up their relationship in the months before his death. The late comedian's state memorial was held at Sydney Opera House on Friday, December 15th, following his tragic death in April. Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images

Family & Pets

King Charles' final message to Barry Humphries hours before he died

In a touching tribute to the late comedian Barry Humphries, the King has sent a personal message to be read out at the state memorial. The King, who shared a close friendship with the legendary comedian, expressed his deep sadness following Humphries' passing at the age of 89. The King, at 75, was not just a monarch but a friend who spoke to Humphries mere hours before his passing on April 22. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson at the time conveyed the King's profound sadness and mentioned that he was privately reaching out to Mr Humphries' family. Charles' connection with Humphries extended beyond formalities. The duo's friendship was a source of joy and laughter, exemplified by Humphries' memorable performance as Dame Edna at the 2013 Royal Variety Performance. Lord Archer, a close friend of Humphries, has also revealed that the King attended many of the comedian's shows, even bringing his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, backstage when they were young boys. The Australian newspaper also revealed recently that Charles sent Humphries an email just hours before his passing, with film director Bruce Beresford sharing the story: "Barry said, 'Well, I always admired him. We always got on well and I really liked his company and enjoyed being with him'," Mr Beresdord told the newspaper. "Barry was one of those people, he had a great capacity for friendship. He was so interested in people." Now, years later, the state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House promises to be a fitting tribute to Humphries as family, friends and fans gather to celebrate the comedian's illustrious career. The Australian Chamber Orchestra, a favourite of Humphries, will perform, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings. The presence of Humphries' widow, Lizzie Spender, and his children at the memorial underscores the profound impact he had on those closest to him. Humphries' association with royalty was not limited to the King; he was a mainstay at royal performances, meeting Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana at various events. The comedian's contributions were acknowledged with a CBE by the late Queen in 2007, and he continued to be a familiar face at royal gatherings, including a delightful encounter with Queen Camilla at The Oldie of the Year Awards in 2021. The state memorial, with its mix of laughter, music and shared memories, will undoubtedly be a fitting tribute to a man who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. Images: Getty

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"I can't go for that": Hall & Oates in bitter legal battle

In a turn of events to rival any classic Hall & Oates song about heartbreak, betrayal and possibly a saxophone solo, the iconic musical duo has found themselves embroiled in a legal battle that might just be their most melodramatic performance yet. Daryl Hall, the soulful half of the duo, has accused longtime partner John Oates of committing the "ultimate partnership betrayal". Forget "Maneater", this is more like "Share Eater". In a court declaration that reads like the lyrics of a soulful ballad, Hall lamented the deterioration of his relationship with Oates, and trust us, it's not your typical "I can't go for that (no can do)" situation. The duo's joint venture, including trademarks, personal name and likeness rights, record royalty income and even the sacred social media assets, are now centre stage for a legal showdown. It's not quite the Hall & Oates Reunion Tour we were all hoping for. It appears Oates is planning to sell his share of Whole Oats Enterprises LLP without Hall's permission (cue dramatic music) – and Hall is not taking this lying down; he's filed a lawsuit to keep the transaction on pause, turning their dispute into a legal chart-topper. A judge has issued a temporary restraining order, effectively hitting the pause button on Oates' plan to part ways with Whole Oats Enterprises, with lawyers no doubt drafting lyrics for the inevitable courtroom musical as we speak. Oates, not one to let the accusations slide, fired back in his court filing, expressing disappointment in Hall's "inflammatory, outlandish, and inaccurate statements". He claims he's been trying to enhance their business partnership, but it seems like Hall might not be feeling the groove. The legal documents reveal that Hall is deeply troubled by the deterioration of their relationship, and who can blame him? It's not every day your musical partner decides to sell the band without even a courtesy call. Amid accusations of confidentiality breaches and timing that could rival the best plot twists, this court drama has all the elements of a hit '80s ballad. Will the duo find a way to harmonise once more, or is this the end of the road for Hall & Oates? We'll have to wait for the next verse in this legal serenade. In the meantime, keep those records spinning and maybe throw in some tissues for the emotional rollercoaster. It's a private affair gone public, and the fans are left wondering, "Did I miss the memo about this 'Global Divorce' album?" Image: Instagram

Legal

"It breaks my heart": Robbie Williams' dedication to fallen Sydney fan

Robbie Williams has dedicated an emotional song to the woman who passed away after an incident at his concert in Sydney. Robyn Hall, a woman in her 70s, died after spending a week in an induced coma, after she suffered a serious head injury at Williams' show at Allianz stadium on November 16th. Performing in Melbourne on Thursday, Williams addressed the devastating incident and dedicated his hit song Angels to Robyn and her family. He said on stage to the crowd at AAMI Park, “It breaks my heart and I’ve been thinking about it an awful lot and I’ve thought about it through the show tonight.” <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7304437214732094728&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40theageaustralia%2Fvideo%2F7304437214732094728%3Fembed_source%3D121355059%252C121351166%252C121331973%252C120811592%252C120810756%253Bnull%253Bembed_masking%26refer%3Dembed%26referer_url%3Ddk79lclgtez2i.cloudfront.net%252FPyWtRc2%253Fapp%253D1%2526v%253D1%2526img%253D1%2526lazy%253D1%26referer_video_id%3D7304437214732094728&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo8cJDW8MgQerjBKI3SeYVvhS6CfAUQUwXD1FgA%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-alisg-i-0068%2FocfI48S6IAgjMyAgAEvQA5EgSDvWQfdeKwXIAF.image%3Fx-expires%3D1700949600%26x-signature%3DfCsDz4T93Vyn5CSPoqnmFZJY%252FOc%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> “I just want to give a big shout out and lots of love from me and my band to Robyn and Robyn’s family." “Let’s all sing up, she was somebody just like you who came to the gig just like you did tonight, this is for her.” After Robyn <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sydney-woman-who-died-at-robbie-williams-concert-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragically died</a> in St Vincent's Hospital, her son Michael paid tribute to his mum on Facebook, saying he had lost his "best friend". “I haven’t got the words to say what my mum meant to me,” he said. “Taken from under me and my best friend is no longer with me … I love you forever.” <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">A family friend said Hall loved the British singer and had “thoroughly” enjoyed the evening before tragedy struck. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“She was one of those ones who looked 50 but was 70. She took care of herself and didn’t need carers,” he said. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“Robyn was the most beautiful human I have ever met. Through all adversity, she smiled, hugged and laughed her way through,” he said. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“Broken hearts amongst all her family and friends, she will be missed by all who knew her.” <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images <div id="fuse-injected-22953829264-1" class="fuse-slot-dynamic publift-video-ad" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 24px; display: flex; justify-content: center;" data-fuse="22953829264" data-fuse-injected-at="1700777022430" data-fuse-code="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-zone-instance="zone-instance-22953829264-1" data-fuse-slot="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-processed-at="892"> <div id="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" class="fuse-slot" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: inherit; max-height: inherit;"></div> </div>

Caring

Sydney woman who died at Robbie Williams concert identified

The woman who tragically died after falling down six rows of seats at Robbie Williams' Sydney concert has been identified. Robyn Hall, who was in her 70s, passed away at St Vincent's Hospital after spending a week in an induced coma after the fall. Her son Michael paid tribute to his mum on Facebook, saying he had lost his "best friend". “I haven’t got the words to say what my mum meant to me,” he said. “Taken from under me and my best friend is no longer with me … I love you forever.” A family friend said Hall loved the British singer and had “thoroughly” enjoyed the evening before tragedy struck. “She was one of those ones who looked 50 but was 70. She took care of herself and didn’t need carers,” he said. “Robyn was the most beautiful human I have ever met. Through all adversity, she smiled, hugged and laughed her way through,” he said. “Broken hearts amongst all her family and friends, she will be missed by all who knew her.” Robyn had remained in an induced coma since Thursday November 16th, when she was rushed from Sydney's Allianz Stadium where Williams was performing on his Australian tour. It is understood that Robyn was climbing over chairs when she slipped and fell down six rows of seating. Paramedics were called to the stadium around 10:15pm, after Robyn suffered serious head and face injuries. She was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital. The sold-out show kicked off just after 7pm and had wrapped by about 10pm when the 40,000 fans began making their way to the exit. It was around this time the woman began climbing over the seats and fell. Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Caring

The unfunny fallout: Richard Wilkins causes bizarre boycott of Barry Humphries memorial

In what can only be described as a plot twist worthy of its own sitcom, the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/free-tickets-up-for-grabs-to-barry-humphries-state-memorial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">memorial service for Australian comedy icon Barry Humphries</a> is shaping up to be more dramatic than the very finest of soap operas. The cause of this uproar? None other than the involvement of Richard Wilkins, the silver fox of entertainment reporting, as the MC/host of the event. It seems Wilkins' mere presence has caused such distress among some of Humphries' nearest and dearest that they've decided to boycott the memorial altogether. One of Humphries' longtime friends, Professor Ross Fitzgerald, <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/family-friends-slam-richard-wilkins-as-mc-for-barry-humphries-memorial/news-story/b6e4dd1ddcd20237a4b88e83cac40e33" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expressed his disbelief</a>, saying, "Like a number of Barry's friends, I was amazed and aghast that Channel 9 personality Richard Wilkins was chosen to be the MC at this important event, Barry's memorial." Fitzgerald continued, "I find it very hard to believe that members of the family and the children, for example, would have approved this." And now, while the upcoming memorial turns into a high-stakes game of 'Who Wants to Avoid Richard Wilkins?', Sydney Confidential went on to report that while Humphries' widow Lizzie Spender played a role in organising the service, Humphries' daughter Emily was not consulted and won't be attending. But Wilkins has his fair share of defenders. Australian TV producer Mark Llewellyn took to Twitter to proclaim, "Humphries would have abhorred these snobs," adding, "Shove a gladioli up their boycotting bottoms!" That's one way to settle a family dispute. Meanwhile, Seven entertainment reporter Peter Ford, in an attempt to play peacemaker, tweeted, "It's all very unfortunate and obviously not Richard's fault. He's a great M.C." Images: Getty

Caring

Free tickets up for grabs to Barry Humphries' state memorial

Australians will have the chance to pay their respects to the late Barry Humphries, with limited free tickets to his state memorial available to the public. Humphries died on April 22nd this year at the age of 89, and will be remembered for his legendary comedic characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. His state memorial will be held at the Sydney Opera House at 11am on Friday December 15th, for those who wish to pay their respects to the entertainment giant. "The State Memorial will bring together dignitaries, family, friends and fans of Mr Humphries from across Australia and around the world to celebrate his extraordinary career and achievements," the NSW government said online. <div> Limited free tickets have also been made available to the public through the <a title="Sydney Opera House website" href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/state-memorial-barry-humphries-ac-cbe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Opera House website,</a> with fans able to snag a ticket from 2pm AEDT on Friday November 17th. Each person hoping to get a ticket will be allowed two tickets per customer to give everyone a chance to farewell one of Australia's best-loved entertainers. For those who miss out on a ticket, the memorial will be streamed online and broadcast on ABC, providing an opportunity for audiences everywhere to share in the celebration of Mr Humphries' life. Image credits: Getty Images </div>

Caring

AFL legend Barry Cable accused of historical sexual abuse

AFL great Barry Cable is being sued over allegations that he sexually abused a Perth teenager at the height of his playing career. Until now, his identity had been concealed by order of the District Court of Western Australia. Cable denies all allegations and is not facing criminal charges. In court documents, the woman who cannot be named claims she was sexually abused by Cable, starting in 1968 when she was 12 years old, and continuing until 1973. She is seeking damages, claiming she suffered psychiatric harm as a result of the harassment. The woman said Mr. Cable once told her “he would teach her about the facts of life and the birds and the bees” so “she would be a big hit with men.” She claims Cable had also threatened to sexually abuse her sister if she did not comply with his demands. The judge, Mark Herron said Cable would not take part in the upcoming five-day trial and is not represented by a lawyer. Cable has also filed a defence in which he states he had a “consensual sexual relationship” with the woman around 1983. The court was informed that Cable had been declared bankrupt, so no funds are available if there are any costs. Barry Cable is considered to be one of the greatest Australian footballers of all time. He was inducted into the Australia Football Hall of Fame and was elevated to “Legend” status in 2012. Image credit: Getty

Legal

Barry Du Bois shares emotional health update

Channel 10 star Barry Du Bois is currently battling Plasmacytoma Myeloma, a type of cancer that attacks the immune system. The Aussie designer, 62, shared a heartfelt post about the importance of being open during such turbulent times. “During a podcast last week, the host thanked me for being so open with my emotions,” he wrote. “She said we really don’t know each other that well and to expose my feelings so openly [and] honestly was very brave to allow that vulnerability,” he continued. “I explained that after being forced into the ring with terribly viscous opponents like cancer, it is not a scary thing for me to allow emotions to surface when sharing a painful story. "So I don’t see it as brave and have learnt that expressing your emotions rather than suppressing [them] helps to self reflect and gain emotional resilience.” The 62-year-old paired the post with a black and white photo of his arm hooked up to an IV drip as he lay in bed. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtaS9UBvtIs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtaS9UBvtIs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Barry Du Bois. (@baz_dubois)</a> </div> </blockquote> Du Bois is best known for co-hosting Channel 10’s The Living Room lifestyle show for the past decade, where he hosted the show’s renovations segment. After signalling a year-long hiatus, the cast bid fans farewell, and the show’s future remains uncertain. Du Bois’ current cancer comes after a decade-long battle in 2017. Speaking to the Adelaide Advertiser in March, he said he was determined to fight the blood cancer. “I looked, and I'm still looking, for every advantage I can find to give me an extra second, an extra day, maybe a week, or even a month with my children and this beautiful life that I've been gifted,” he said. Du Bois also made a surprise run for the Senate as an independent in the 2023 federal election. He eventually withdrew after deciding that his “health and family come first”. Image credit: Getty

Caring

Barry Humphries' memorial details revealed

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the late Barry Humphries will receive a joint state funeral between Victoria, New South Wales, and the wider Commonwealth. The 89-year-old comedian passed away in April following complications from hip surgery, with tributes flowing in from around the world. At the time, Albanese wrote that Humphries had entertained audiences for generations with his “galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone”. And during an interview with the UK’s Talk TV, Albanese revealed that plans were underway to host a state funeral for the star - though he could not provide further official detail on what that might entail. "There will be a state funeral for Barry Humphries as well,” he explained, “co-hosted by the New South Wales and the Victorian government, and the Australian government, my government will be a part of that. "He's someone who gave an enormous amount of pleasure to generations of Australians and I know that a range of people who are friends of mine knew him very well. "I know how warmly he was regarded by people in Australia and the UK." However, when Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was asked about it all, he had to tell reporters that he “wasn’t aware there was a three-government thing. "I can't confirm for you where the service will be, or where the funeral will be. As far as I know, that's not settled and we're still talking to the family.” And while Albanese may not have had those talks with Andrews, he did take the time to further discuss Humphries with Talk TV’s controversial host Piers Morgan, prompted by a question surrounding ‘cancel culture’ and the late "quintessential Australian character". “People can legitimately put forward their concerns about someone’s comments that were made then,” Albanese said, in reference to the criticism over Humphries’ hurtful comments about the transgender community, and the decision to rename the ‘Barry Award’ in 2019. “But, at the same time, I think that we’ve got to be able to laugh at ourselves,” he continued. “The idea of ‘cancel culture’ is - in my view - a sad development … you see it happen so often and things [get] too taken out of context.” And as he previously noted, "Barry Humphries could only have come from Australia. What Barry Humphries would say is [that Australians like] 'taking the piss out of ourselves'. "He did it so well and for such a long period of time, so it was a big loss for the Australian arts community." Images: Getty

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"I've been attacked": Barry Humphries' response to Comedy Festival incident

Anti-trans campaigner Graham Linehan has shared an email he received from the late Barry Humphries in the response to the fallout from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival incident. In 2019, Humphries name was removed from one of the key awards at the annual comedy festival after he made comments ridiculing transgender people, included labelling gender affirmation surgery as “self-mutilation”. In an interview in 2018, Humphries branded being transgender “a fashion” and criticised teachers who support trans youth in schools, declaring it a "pretty evil" practice. As a result, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which was partly founded by Humphries, renamed their 'Barry Award' amid the controversy. Now, just days after Humphries passing, writer and anti-trans campaigner Graham Linehan has shared an email he allegedly received from Humphries after the renaming of the award. The email purportedly from Humphries said, “Thanks for your letter. I’ve been banned by the Melbourne Comedy Festival which Peter Cook and I launched! I’ve been attacked and branded fascist and ‘transphobic’ by the ‘they’ brigade, and accused of racism by people who have never met an [Indigenous person]." “That actors who have become rich and famous by performing in JKR’s plays and films and then vindictively excoriated her, seems to me a cowardly betrayal. Thanks for writing to me and good luck against a powerful and malign foe.” Humphries appears to be referring to J.K. Rowling by “JKR”, as the Harry Potter creator is one of the most high-profile anti-trans campaigners and refers to herself as “TERF”, an acronym for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist”. Linehan co-created TV comedies including Father Ted, Black Books and The IT Crowd but has in recent years become better known for his strident anti-trans views. In the wake of Humphries’ death, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s 2019 decision has come under attack by some commentators, who accused the festival of “cancelling” the comedian. However, festival’s director Susan Provan defended the organisation for their decision, while also paying tribute to Humphries' influence on comedy. She told ABC radio in Melbourne, “We’ve never cancelled Barry Humphries. There seems to be some misconceptions going on around there. We changed the name of an award, which… was the right decision to make when we did that." “We have celebrated, and continue to celebrate Barry, an incredible comedian, comic artists, who took Australian comedy global. We will always celebrate that he was amazing. And we really value his contribution to the comedy festival too.” Provan added the decision had been made in 2019 because Humphries’ “comments did not reflect the values of our community”. Image credits: Getty Images

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Video of Dame Edna's antics with the King and Queen Consort resurfaces

As <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-barry-humphries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tributes</a> start pouring in for Barry Humphries following his death, a viral video of the comedian making King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla lose their composure has resurfaced. The Aussie entertainer, whose persona included Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson has met the royals on countless occasions, but this one meeting had left a lasting impression. Performing as Dame Edna Everage in the 2013 Royal Variety Performance, Humphries posted a clip of the interaction onto his Dame Edna Everage Facebook page in 2019. “Me with Prince Charles and Camilla at the Royal Variety Show. I absolutely ADORE them!” he captioned the clip, which has now been viewed over 10 million times. In the clip, Dame Edna, who was dressed head to toe in scarlet sequins, her trademark wisteria hair and oversized glasses, bustled into the royal box unannounced. The royal duo immediately burst into laughter at the sight of Dame Edna who acted like she didn’t see them until Charles pointed a finger at her to which she blew a kiss back. Dame Edna, who was enjoying the attention she received from the roaring crowd, sat next to the royal couple and broke protocol by grasping Camilla’s arm. At this point, Charles completely lost it as he audibly guffawed at Dame Edna’s antics. A lackey then walks into the box, taps Dame Edna on the shoulder and whispers into her ear causing her face to drop. “I’m so sorry,” she said remorsefully as she stood up to leave, as the King and Queen lost themselves in a fit of giggles. “They’ve found me a better seat,” she said. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDameEdnaOfficial%2Fvideos%2F740650273031100%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Fans have commented on the video sending their tributes to Barry Humphries. “This is brilliant. What a legend! She'll be missed,” wrote one person. “There will never be another Barry Humphries . You are the best of us! May you rest in peace!😢” wrote another. “Will be missed!! Had endless laughs, so enjoyable to watch. R.i.p,” commented a third. The monarch has also issued a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-barry-humphries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement </a>saying that he was "saddened" by the entertainer’s death. Images: Facebook

Barry Humphries morbid hospital jokes revealed

Beloved Aussie comedian Barry Humphries was renowned for his jokes and cheeky commentary, and it seems he held onto his humour until the very end. Longtime friend of the jokester, author Kathy Lette, said his comedic flare had everyone laughing, although his jokes were rather grim. Speaking to The Project, Lette, who was Humphries’ UK neighbour for 26 years, mentioned one of her recent visits to the late performer in hospital. “Barry didn’t have a skerrick of self pity so when you’d visit him in hospital his one concern was you felt at ease and that he was making the nurses laugh,” she said. “So the last time I saw him in hospital he was joking about how the grim reaper had been walking up and down the hospital corridors at night saying, ‘He didn’t collect me this time.’ “And he joked with the nurses, saying ‘How many did he collect?’ and I said to him, ‘As you’re here they probably died laughing.’ Then he made jokes about what the grim reaper was wearing and what a terrible outfit he has, how it was the original hoodie. “ … Being in hospital visiting Barry I almost had to be hospitalised from hilarity.” Lette shared she was shocked by his death as she had expected him to pull through. “It’s been such a horrible ordeal. We honestly thought he was going to rally.” Humphries <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-barry-humphries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died aged 89 on April 22</a> at Sydney’s St Vincent Hospital in Darlinghurst following health issues caused by a broken hip. He was surrounded by his wife Lizzie and daughters Emily and Tessa. He was infamous for his comedy characters like Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described him as “the brightest star in the galaxy” and King Charles said he was “saddened” by the news of his death. “He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” the statement read. “With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be. “His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted. “Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of Art in all its forms. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. “His passing leaves a void in so many lives. “The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.” Image credit: Getty

Caring

Tributes flow for Barry Humphries

Barry Humphries has passed away at the age of 89. The iconic entertainer had been suffering health complications after undergoing extensive surgery to repair a broken hip. Humphries, who was well known for his characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, died on Saturday in Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, while surrounded by his closest friends and family. A statement from his publicist confirmed the news, as they wrote, "It is with great sadness that we announce that Barry Humphries passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia today. He was surrounded by his family." "He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit." "With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be. His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted. "Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of Art in all its forms. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives." The news of the comedian and satirist's passing prompted a wave of tributes from all corners of the globe, with King Charles leading the charge. Monarch said he was "saddened" by the death of the entertainer, with a royal family spokesman telling<a title="www.dailytelegraph.com.au" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/saddened-king-charles-reacts-to-barry-humphries-death/news-story/3809ff73d23c41d9e5c36f5c4fd84089" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="3809ff73d23c41d9e5c36f5c4fd84089" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev"> News Corporation,</a> “His Majesty is writing privately to Mr Humphries’ family as we speak.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Humphries, writing on Twitter, “For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone.” “But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry." “A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace.” Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared his memories of the entertainer, writing, “RIP Barry Humphries – one of the greatest ever Australians – and a comic genius who used his exuberant alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, to say the otherwise unsayable. What a loss." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> What an honour to share a moment with the genius Barry Humphries. One of the funniest experiences of my life. RIP kind sir. <a href="https://t.co/WWcCoQvbCS">pic.twitter.com/WWcCoQvbCS</a> — Guy Pearce (@TheGuyPearce) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGuyPearce/status/1649858881831436288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> In my late teens I was taken to a Barry Humphries performance. It was my very first exposure to live theatre. I remember so clearly the electricity, the collective sense of anticipation. He was extraordinary. He lit a creative fuse in me that night. Thanks Barry for the laughs. — Eric Bana (@EricBana67) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricBana67/status/1649921224028610560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably. It was a delight to call him my friend. I've been in Australia and was with him only 3 days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end. My love goes out to Lizzie and all the family. <a href="https://t.co/G5aJfLiVkK">pic.twitter.com/G5aJfLiVkK</a> — Rob Brydon (@RobBrydon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobBrydon/status/1649742241047379969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></blockquote> Born in Melbourne in 1934, Barry Humphries had a passion for the arts from a young age. He became immersed in the Melbourne Theatre Company, where he created the first incarnation of what would become his best-known character, Edna Everage. Humphries then moved to London in 1959 and became consumed by a series of productions in the West End. After also finding success in the box office with two films, Edna was made a Dame by the then-prime minister Gough Whitlam, prompting the legend of the gaudy housewife to grow. Humphries' characters earned him an Olivier Award as well as a Tony Award. He went on to create characters such as Sandy Stone, and the ever-irreverent Sir Les Patterson, and toured with these characters until just one year before his passing. Barry is survived by his wife Lizzie, his children Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert, and 10 beloved grandchildren. Image credits: Getty Images

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