Hundreds of people have gathered to farewell one of Australia’s most beloved larrikins at the state memorial service for Barry Humphries.
Australia’s biggest names have begun to gather at the Opera House in Sydney to pay tribute to the iconic Australian, best known for creating iconic characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.
King Charles will lead the line-up of stars and dignitaries who have sent in tributes to the state memorial, with musicians, comedians and other celebrities also paying homage.
Sir Elton John, Little Britain co-creator David Williams, Rupert Murdoch, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns will all provide tributes.
“Barry was the funniest man ever and the sweetest man ever,” Sir Elton John wrote after Humphries’ death.
Performances from the renowned comedian will be featured in the televised service alongside the tributes.
At least 2000 people are expected to attend the event with mourners entering the Opera House greeted by a hot pink carpet and a towering display of pink, maroon, blue and white hydrangeas.
Humphries son Oscar told NCA Newswire it was amazing that so many people had turned out for the service, saying his father always “loved a full house”.
“[It’s] more exciting and bigger than I anticipated,” he said.
“To see how much people loved Barry, dad, is like a buffer against grief — we’re all so excited.”
Humphries enjoyed a seven-decade career with his work as an actor, poet, musician and artist known around the world.
The Australian performer died in Sydney on April 22 at age 89. He was receiving treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney for complications from hip surgery when he died.
He died peacefully surrounded by wife Lizzie, children Emily, Tessa, Rupert and Oscar and his 10 grandchildren.
“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” the Humphries family said after his death.
“With over 70 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.”
Mr Minns called Humphries “one of the nation’s greatest ever comedians” when announcing the service in May.
“He was a true master of his craft, and his legacy will continue to live on through the unforgettable characters he brought to life on stage and screen,” he said.
“The Sydney Opera House is a fitting location for what promises to be a memorable send-off given the venue’s significance in Australian arts, culture and entertainment.”
Mr Albanese was one of the first to pay tribute to Humphries after his death and will be represented at the memorial by Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke.
“For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone,” he wrote in April.
“But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry.
“A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one of a kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace.”
Comedian Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame also paid tribute.
“I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries,” he said.
“Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest.”
The two-hour televised service will be screened from 11am on the ABC and Channel 9.