Barry Humphries had been battling cancer for two years

Virgin Radio

29 Apr 2023, 16:39

The beloved comedian passed away last week.

Barry Humphries, best known for his character Dame Edna Everage, passed away last week at the age of 89 following complications from hip replacement surgery. However, it has now been revealed that the comedian had been battling terminal skin cancer for the past two years.

According to The Daily Telegraph, in 2021 Humphries was diagnosed with a rare form of pre-invasive skin cancer called Extramammary Paget disease, found on one of his testicles, which required surgery. The operation revealed that the cancer had spread throughout his body.

Despite the grim diagnosis, Humphries reportedly spent his final days surrounded by loved ones. The Daily Telegraph reports that the comedian "said goodbye to his family and close friends, including film director Bruce Beresford, British comedian Rob Brydon, British journalist Andrew Neil, musical director Andrew Ross, writer Kathy Lette, and King Charles."

Brydon shared on Twitter that he had seen Humphries just a few days before his death, and that the comic had been "making me laugh" when they caught up. The Would I Lie to You? host added, "His talent shone until the very end."

Brydon also expressed his condolences to Humphries' wife Lizzie and their family, saying his "love goes out" to them.

Humphries' cancer diagnosis meant that he was forced to cancel plans for one last concert tour. The Daily Telegraph reports that "the cancer diagnosis would eventually ‘rob him of plans to stage one last concert tour – and end his life within six weeks’."

The publication reports that while Humphries' family has been offered state funerals from both New South Wales and Victoria, in the comedian's native Australia.

A private funeral service was held for the performer in the town of Bowral on Friday.