Barry Humphries Defends Angela Lansbury: Fans 'Can be Like Fighting Off Mosquitos'

Barry Humphries has come to Angela Lansbury's side.

Following the news that the DRIVING MISS DAISY lead and Tony-winner had a minor altercation with a fan last week, Humphries, otherwise known as his character 'Dame Edna', spoke with Adelaide's The Advertiser yesterday, offering up his thoughts - and he's right there with her.

"As a friend of Angela Lansbury, I entirely sympathise with what happened to her," he said. "...There are times when you are wandering with your own thoughts and [fans] stop you for an autograph or a photo and it can be like fighting off mosquitos."

Last week, an unnamed fan wrote to The Advertiser's 'Confidential' section, claiming that Lansbury was "rude" because she declined to pose for a photo outside of her hotel.

"When I saw her the other night in Adelaide, it was the second time I had been to the show," Humphries said. "She stopped the car to sign autographs at the stage door and made everyone very happy."

DRIVING MISS DAISY is currently playing in Adelaide until tomorrow.

Humphries has appeared on the West End in Housewife! Superstar!!, Maggie May and Oliver! (also on Broadway). His playwriting credits include Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance, All About Me, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour and Housewife! Superstar!!, for which he worked as composer/lyricist.