Barry Humphries
Birth Place: AUSTRALIA
Latest News on Barry Humphries:
Meow Meow Joins Ramin Karimloo in SWEENEY TODD at Birmingham Rep (Feb 17, 2026)
Fiery Angel's 25th Anniversary Cabaret raises £30k for Second Stage Charity (Nov 7, 2025)
MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS Musical Continues Development With Drew & Dane Productions (Jul 23, 2025)
Meow Meow Joins Ramin Karimloo in SWEENEY TODD at Birmingham Rep (Feb 17, 2026)
Fiery Angel's 25th Anniversary Cabaret raises £30k for Second Stage Charity (Nov 7, 2025)
MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS Musical Continues Development With Drew & Dane Productions (Jul 23, 2025)
BIO
John Barry Humphries AO CBE (born 17 February 1934) is an Australian actor, artist, author, comedian and satirist. He is best known for writing and playing his on-stage and television alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. He is also a film producer and script writer, a star of London's West End musical theatre, a writer, and a landscape painter. For his delivery of dadaist and absurdist humour to millions, biographer Anne Pender described Humphries in 2010 as not only "the most significant theatrical figure of our time … [but] the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin".
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1963
Mr. Sowerberry
Fagin (Understudy)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
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Writing
Conceiver
Lyricist
Playwright
Lyricist
Playwright
Playwright
Creator
Playwright
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Movies
Bedazzled
[ 1967 ] Envy
[ 1967 ] Envy
The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom
[ 1968 ] Art dealer
[ 1968 ] Art dealer
The Adventures of Barry McKenzie
[ 1972 ] Aunt Edna Everage, Hoot, Dr DeLamphrey
[ 1972 ] Aunt Edna Everage, Hoot, Dr DeLamphrey
Barry McKenzie Holds His Own
[ 1974 ] Aunt Edna Everage, Dr. Meyer Delamphrey, Offensive Buck-toothed Englishman
[ 1974 ] Aunt Edna Everage, Dr. Meyer Delamphrey, Offensive Buck-toothed Englishman
It's Not the Size That Counts
[ 1974 ] Dr. Anderson, Australian TV Lady
[ 1974 ] Dr. Anderson, Australian TV Lady
The Great MacArthy
[ 1975 ] Colonel Ball-Miller
[ 1975 ] Colonel Ball-Miller
Side by Side
[ 1975 ] Rodney
[ 1975 ] Rodney
The Getting of Wisdom
[ 1977 ] Rev. Strachey
[ 1977 ] Rev. Strachey
Shock Treatment
[ 1981 ] Bert Schnick
[ 1981 ] Bert Schnick
Howling III
[ 1987 ] Dame Edna Everage - Academy Award Presenter
[ 1987 ] Dame Edna Everage - Academy Award Presenter
Les Patterson Saves the World
[ 1987 ] Sir Les Patterson, Dame Edna Everage Sir Les Patterson/Dame Edna Everage
[ 1987 ] Sir Les Patterson, Dame Edna Everage Sir Les Patterson/Dame Edna Everage
Immortal Beloved
[ 1994 ] Clemens Metternich
[ 1994 ] Clemens Metternich
Napoleon
[ 1995 ] Kangaroo , Dame Edna Everage
[ 1995 ] Kangaroo , Dame Edna Everage
Pterodactyl Woman from Beverly Hills
[ 1996 ] Bert, Lady Shopper, Manager
[ 1996 ] Bert, Lady Shopper, Manager
The Leading Man
[ 1996 ] Humphrey Beal
[ 1996 ] Humphrey Beal
Welcome to Woop Woop
[ 1997 ] Blind Wally
[ 1997 ] Blind Wally
Spice World
[ 1997 ] Kevin McMaxford
[ 1997 ] Kevin McMaxford
Les Patterson and the Great Chinese Takeaway
[ 1997 ] Les Patterson
[ 1997 ] Les Patterson
Nicholas Nickleby
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Crummles, Mr. Leadville Dame Edna Everage
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Crummles, Mr. Leadville Dame Edna Everage
Finding Nemo
[ 2003 ] Bruce
[ 2003 ] Bruce
Salvation
[ 2008 ] Client
[ 2008 ] Client
Mary and Max
[ 2009 ] Narrator
[ 2009 ] Narrator
Kath & Kimderella
[ 2012 ] Dame Edna
[ 2012 ] Dame Edna
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
[ 2012 ] Great Goblin
[ 2012 ] Great Goblin
Justin and the Knights of Valour
[ 2013 ] Braulio
[ 2013 ] Braulio
Blinky Bill the Movie
[ 2015 ] Wombo
[ 2015 ] Wombo
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie
[ 2016 ] Charlie, Dame Edna
[ 2016 ] Charlie, Dame Edna
TV Shows
Ally McBeal
Claire Otoms
Claire Otoms
Dame Edna's Hollywood
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna's Neighbourhood Watch
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
Loose Women
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
Not Only... But Also
In 'Poets Cornered'
In 'Poets Cornered'
Parkinson
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
The Barry Humphries Show
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
The View
Dame Edna
Dame Edna
Awards and Nominations
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Special Awards
Barry Humphries, The Royal Tour
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Solo Performance
Barry Humphries, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour
Olivier Awards - 1987 - The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement
Barry HumphriesBack With A Vengeance
winner
Olivier Awards - 1979 - Comedy Performance of the Year
Barry HumphriesA Night With Dame Edna
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Unique Theatrical Experience
Barry Humphries, Housewife! Superstar!
Videos
TV: Dame Edna Brings Farewell Tour to LA's Ahmanson Theatre
by Michael Sterling & Jordan Santacana - 2015-02-09 16:43:00
TV STAGE TUBE: Opening Night at PRISCILA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
by Robert Diamond - 2009-03-26 20:13:33
TV STAGE TUBE: PRISCILA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Begins Previews 3/10
by Eddie Varley - 2009-03-10 12:59:05
News
Meow Meow Joins Ramin Karimloo in SWEENEY TODD at Birmingham Rep
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026
Sweeney Todd has found its Mrs. Lovett! Actress, dancer, and cabaret performer Meow Meow will star alongside Ramin Karimloo, who takes on the role of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026
Sweeney Todd has found its Mrs. Lovett! Actress, dancer, and cabaret performer Meow Meow will star alongside Ramin Karimloo, who takes on the role of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Fiery Angel's 25th Anniversary Cabaret raises £30k for Second Stage Charity
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2025
On Thursday 6 November, theatre producers Fiery Angel celebrated their 25th anniversary. The cabaret at the Bloomsbury Ballroom also raised £30,000 for the new charity Second Stage.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2025
On Thursday 6 November, theatre producers Fiery Angel celebrated their 25th anniversary. The cabaret at the Bloomsbury Ballroom also raised £30,000 for the new charity Second Stage.
MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS Musical Continues Development With Drew & Dane Productions
by Stephi Wild - Jul 23, 2025
Drew & Dane Productions will be leading the development of Mr. Holland's Opus, a musical adaptation of the 1995 Oscar-nominated film, with book and lyrics by BD Wong and music by Wayne Barker.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 23, 2025
Drew & Dane Productions will be leading the development of Mr. Holland's Opus, a musical adaptation of the 1995 Oscar-nominated film, with book and lyrics by BD Wong and music by Wayne Barker.
Female Philanthropists Preserve Performing Arts History With Major Support For National Collection And New Museum
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2025
Arts Centre Melbourne has announced that three leading Melbourne female philanthropists – Susan Yates (Peter and Susan Yates Foundation), Virginia Boon (Harry and Virginia Boon Foundation), and Krystyna Campbell-Pretty have provided transformative donations of approximately $1 million each, committing to bringing the wonders of performing arts history back into the spotlight.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2025
Arts Centre Melbourne has announced that three leading Melbourne female philanthropists – Susan Yates (Peter and Susan Yates Foundation), Virginia Boon (Harry and Virginia Boon Foundation), and Krystyna Campbell-Pretty have provided transformative donations of approximately $1 million each, committing to bringing the wonders of performing arts history back into the spotlight.
Arts Centre Melbourne Will Open Australian Museum of Performing Arts in Iconic Hamer Hall
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2025
Arts Centre Melbourne announced it will open the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) within its iconic Hamer Hall in December 2025. Learn more about the venue here!
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2025
Arts Centre Melbourne announced it will open the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) within its iconic Hamer Hall in December 2025. Learn more about the venue here!
Meow Meow To Star In IT'S COME TO THIS At Soho Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 12, 2024
International singing sensation and purr-fect post-pandemic, post-post-modern Superstar Meow Meow has announcef a limited run of her show It's Come To This at Soho Theatre in May 2025, following her critically acclaimed global takeover.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 12, 2024
International singing sensation and purr-fect post-pandemic, post-post-modern Superstar Meow Meow has announcef a limited run of her show It's Come To This at Soho Theatre in May 2025, following her critically acclaimed global takeover.
Graham Norton Australian Tour Adds New Dates
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 18, 2024
Beloved Irish comedian, actor, author and television host Graham Norton will embark on his first-ever live tour of Australia in March. Learn more about the tour and how to get tickets here!
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 18, 2024
Beloved Irish comedian, actor, author and television host Graham Norton will embark on his first-ever live tour of Australia in March. Learn more about the tour and how to get tickets here!
Australian Chamber Orchestra Brings The Ottoman Four Seasons to 92NY
by Stephi Wild - Sep 19, 2024
The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY), one of New York's leading cultural venues, will present Australian Chamber Orchestra: The Ottoman Four Seasons with Richard Tognetti, artistic director and violin; Joseph Tawadros, oud; James Tawadros, riq on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2pm on the David Geffen Stage at Kaufmann Concert Hall.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 19, 2024
The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY), one of New York's leading cultural venues, will present Australian Chamber Orchestra: The Ottoman Four Seasons with Richard Tognetti, artistic director and violin; Joseph Tawadros, oud; James Tawadros, riq on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2pm on the David Geffen Stage at Kaufmann Concert Hall.
Review: A TRIBUTE TO DAME EDNA: OVERDRESSED FOR THE APOCALYPSE at Triad Theater
by Lydia Singer - Sep 13, 2024
Michael J. Walters, an award-winning actor and singer, brings his considerable talent to the Triad Theater with his latest show, entitled A Tribute to Dame Edna: Overdressed for the Apocalypse. He straddles several styles, from stand-up comedy to song to impressions, to create a memorable evening. Catch it 9/21 and 9/22 at the Triad.
by Lydia Singer - Sep 13, 2024
Michael J. Walters, an award-winning actor and singer, brings his considerable talent to the Triad Theater with his latest show, entitled A Tribute to Dame Edna: Overdressed for the Apocalypse. He straddles several styles, from stand-up comedy to song to impressions, to create a memorable evening. Catch it 9/21 and 9/22 at the Triad.
Interview: Michael Walters Brings Brash, Funny Dame Edna to the Triad Theater
by Rebecca Kaplan - Aug 7, 2024
Cabaret singer Michael Walters, who has the distinction of being the longest-running Dame Edna tribute act in the world, is making his off-Broadway debut with the character on Saturday 9/7 at the Triad Theater. OVERDRESSED FOR THE APOCALYPSE features original songs and material, plus that special brand of Dame Edna humor.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Aug 7, 2024
Cabaret singer Michael Walters, who has the distinction of being the longest-running Dame Edna tribute act in the world, is making his off-Broadway debut with the character on Saturday 9/7 at the Triad Theater. OVERDRESSED FOR THE APOCALYPSE features original songs and material, plus that special brand of Dame Edna humor.
Her Majesty's Theatre Inducted into South Australia's Music Hall of Fame
by Stephi Wild - Jul 8, 2024
Adelaide’s iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre has delivered another stellar performance – being inducted into South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame! The stunning redeveloped theatre took out South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame 2024 Venue, awarded to different venues each year, recognising its rich musical heritage.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 8, 2024
Adelaide’s iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre has delivered another stellar performance – being inducted into South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame! The stunning redeveloped theatre took out South Australia’s Music Hall of Fame 2024 Venue, awarded to different venues each year, recognising its rich musical heritage.
Photos: Go Inside the Opening of the REAL TO REEL Exhibition, Paying Tribute To Leslie Jordan
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 30, 2024
This week, the Hollywood Museum’s Annual and LGBTQ+ Exhibit opening and Awards, Hollywood’s first LGBTQ+ Tribute/Exhibit and Awards, Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum) announced its 2024 salute to the LGBTQ+ community's contributions to the entertainment industry. Check out photos here!
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 30, 2024
This week, the Hollywood Museum’s Annual and LGBTQ+ Exhibit opening and Awards, Hollywood’s first LGBTQ+ Tribute/Exhibit and Awards, Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum) announced its 2024 salute to the LGBTQ+ community's contributions to the entertainment industry. Check out photos here!
Interview: Richard Tognetti and Satu Vänskä Return to Café Carlyle This Week
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 16, 2024
Violinist Richard Tognetti returns to Café Carlyle for a five-night residency from April 16 to 20, 2024. Tognetti, Principal Violin Satu Vänskä, violist Elizabeth Woolnough and cellist Eliza Sdraulig will perform music from JS Bach to Nick Drake, ito the Weimar Republic. We spoke with Tognetti and Vänskä about the show.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 16, 2024
Violinist Richard Tognetti returns to Café Carlyle for a five-night residency from April 16 to 20, 2024. Tognetti, Principal Violin Satu Vänskä, violist Elizabeth Woolnough and cellist Eliza Sdraulig will perform music from JS Bach to Nick Drake, ito the Weimar Republic. We spoke with Tognetti and Vänskä about the show.
Richard Tognetti Will Return to Cafe Carlyle Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2024
Australian violinist Richard Tognetti, Artistic Director of the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), will make his much-anticipated return to New York’s Café Carlyle for a five-night residency, April 16 - 20, 2024.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2024
Australian violinist Richard Tognetti, Artistic Director of the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), will make his much-anticipated return to New York’s Café Carlyle for a five-night residency, April 16 - 20, 2024.
A Night Of Laughter And Love ONE DAME FUNNY VALENTINE At Milburn Stone Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 1, 2024
Get ready to laugh, love, and celebrate Valentine's Day like never before with 'One Dame Funny Valentine' at Milburn Stone Theatre on Friday, February 16th, 2024. Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show kicks off at 8pm.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 1, 2024
Get ready to laugh, love, and celebrate Valentine's Day like never before with 'One Dame Funny Valentine' at Milburn Stone Theatre on Friday, February 16th, 2024. Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show kicks off at 8pm.
Video: Watch the Memorial Service for Barry Humphries at the Sydney Opera House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 26, 2023
A state memorial service was held on December 15th for world-renowned entertainer, author, actor and satirist Barry Humphries AC CBE.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 26, 2023
A state memorial service was held on December 15th for world-renowned entertainer, author, actor and satirist Barry Humphries AC CBE.
Dr. Jane Goodall To Launch Australia/New Zealand Tour In 2024
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 3, 2023
Dr Jane Goodall is coming to Australia and New Zealand for a tour in 2024. Don't miss the chance to hear from this renowned primatologist and conservationist.
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 3, 2023
Dr Jane Goodall is coming to Australia and New Zealand for a tour in 2024. Don't miss the chance to hear from this renowned primatologist and conservationist.
See Mark Nadler, Dame Edna, David Cale & More at Pangea in December
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2023
Get ready for an unforgettable December as Cale, Starlite, Clause, Dame Edna, Garniez, and Nadler bring their incredible talents to the stage. Don't miss out on these mesmerizing performances happening this month.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2023
Get ready for an unforgettable December as Cale, Starlite, Clause, Dame Edna, Garniez, and Nadler bring their incredible talents to the stage. Don't miss out on these mesmerizing performances happening this month.
Never Before Seen Artworks By Barry Humphries Now On Display At Adelaide Festival Centre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2023
Never before seen artworks by late Australian entertainer Barry Humphries AO CBE will be on display at Adelaide Festival Centre's Festival Theatre Galleries from this weekend, celebrating the artistic talents of Humphries.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2023
Never before seen artworks by late Australian entertainer Barry Humphries AO CBE will be on display at Adelaide Festival Centre's Festival Theatre Galleries from this weekend, celebrating the artistic talents of Humphries.
Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2023
Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2023
Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Barry Humphries been in?
Barry Humphries has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Barry Humphries been in?
Barry Humphries has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.
What was Barry Humphries's first West End show?
Barry Humphries's first West End show was Oliver! which opened in 1960
What awards has Barry Humphries been nominated for?
Special Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Royal Tour, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Dame Edna: The Royal Tour, The Observer Award for Outstanding Achievement (Olivier Awards) for Back With A Vengeance, Comedy Performance of the Year (Olivier Awards) for A Night With Dame Edna and Unique Theatrical Experience (Drama Desk Awards) for Housewife! Superstar!.
What awards has Barry Humphries won?
Barry Humphries has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won a Special Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Royal Tour. Additionally, he earned the Outstanding Solo Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for Dame Edna: The Royal Tour. Humphries also received the Comedy Performance of the Year award at the Olivier Awards for A Night With Dame Edna.
How many shows has Barry Humphries written?
Barry Humphries has written 5 shows including Housewife! Superstar!! (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), Dame Edna: The Royal Tour (Playwright), Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance (Conceiver), All About Me (Playwright), Eat Pray Love! (Creator).
Videos