Barry Humphries Announces Plans to Retire 'Dame Edna'

According to the Sydney Telegraph, Barry Humphries who is best-known as the beloved Dame Edna will soon retire the famous character. Humphries told the Telegraph: "Look, the fact of the matter is that I'm beginning to feel a bit senior. I love it and it's healthy for me. It's the best aerobics you could do, leaping around on stage, but it's gruelling when there are other things to do."

He continued, "I've got a contract to write another book, there are places I want to go, things I want to do (including) more painting. Edna will crop up on television, I guess, but not in a live show."

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Dame Edna is probably the most popular and gifted woman in the world today: housewife, investigative journalist, social anthropologist, talk show host, swami, children's book illustrator, spin doctor, Megastar and Icon. With Olivia Newton-John, Kylie Minogue and Nicole Kidman, Dame Edna is one of a remarkable succession of female stars to emerge from Australia. Dame Edna is a widow with three grown children. She spends her time visiting world leaders and jet-setting between her homes in Los Angeles, London, Syndey, Switzerland and Martha's Vineyard. She is the Founder and Governor of Friends of the Prostate and the creator of the World Prostate Olympics.

On television she has appeared in the UK special "A Night on Mt. Edna" and her talk show "The Dame Edna Experience." Her last critically acclaimed Broadway show "Dame Edna: The Royal Tour" received the Tony® award for Live Theatrical Event. She is also a celebrated author, having penned three books including My Gorgeous Life, which is currently being adapted for the stage and screen.