‘Don’t judge Australia by the Australians’: Memorable quotes from Barry Humphries and his alter egos
The Australian comic has died at the age of 89 after years of performing on both stage and television
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barry Humphries spent seven decades making audiences laugh, by way of his timeless parody characters and his own unashamed wit.
The Australian comedian died on Saturday at the age of 89 after years of performing on both stage and television.
His characters ranged from the high camp of Dame Edna Everage to the sleaze of Aussie statesman Sir Les Patterson.
Here is a selection of Humphries’ quotes, both from and about his alter-egos.
On humour
“I was born with a priceless gift: the ability to laugh at the misfortunes of others.”
“I can laugh at myself; I think it’s one of the precious things Dame Nature gave me ... I think if you can’t laugh at yourself you might be missing the joke of the century.”
“I like anyone who can make me and an audience laugh.”
On political correctness
“Les Patterson can say things that are completely incorrect, and it’s a relief to express views which we privately hold but dare not publicly ventilate – otherwise we’d be history... our careers would be over.”
“In the early Sixties, I felt Edna had run out of steam. But no, she proved indestructible – and a very useful mouthpiece. She can say things, for instance about political correctness, that I couldn’t possibly express.”
“I love making an audience gasp. I don’t crave the sound of applause, I crave the sound of sharply indrawn breath. That’s a good sound.”
On Australia
“You mustn’t judge Australia by the Australians” – as Dame Edna.
“To live in Australia permanently is rather like going to a party and dancing all night with one’s mother” – Humphries.
On politics
“I have very little interest in politics, but my characters have insights which would have benefited the nation if they’d taken more notice of them.”
On sobriety
“For some people like me, it’s off the menu. It just doesn’t work. I have it in the house for other people. I could give you an absinthe if you want one. I brought upon myself some horrible events.”
On his fears
“I’m very scared of ghosts. I believe in them and I’m very wary of them. I don’t like to sleep in haunted places, and Australia’s very spooky. Ghosts are there.”
On old age and being in his eighties
“It is a good innings, and I don’t know what I attribute it to. But I don’t do exercise and I think that’s the answer.”
“Is there a follow-up to the CBE, and if so, how long does it take?”
On health
“I come from a family who have a great deal of prudishness about illness. If someone was very ill we’d say he hasn’t been very well lately, which means dying.”