It is with great sadness that the death of Dame Edna has been announced, the beloved Australian comedian and entertainer. Dame Edna, whose real name was Barry Humphries, passed away peacefully at his home in Melbourne on April 21, 2023, at the age of 88.
Dame Edna was best known for his hilarious and outrageous alter ego, a purple-haired housewife with a sharp tongue and a penchant for gladioli. He created the character in 1955 as a satire of Australian suburban life and went on to perform as her on stage, television, film and radio for over six decades. He won numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a Tony Award, a BAFTA Award and an honorary doctorate from the University of Melbourne.
Dame Edna was not only a comic genius but also a generous philanthropist and a proud advocate for various causes, such as animal welfare, mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. He was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2007 for his services to entertainment and charity. He was also named an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 2012.
Dame Edna's legacy will live on through his many fans and admirers around the world, who will always remember his witty remarks, his sparkling costumes and his infectious laughter. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
RIP Dame Edna
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