Скачать или смотреть Barry Humphries - Life and Death: A Biography

Barry Humphries was an Australian comedian, actor, author, and satirist who was widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential figures in Australian entertainment. Born in Melbourne in 1934, Humphries grew up in a wealthy family and attended Melbourne Grammar School. He was exposed to the world of theater at a young age and developed a love of performing, which he later pursued as a career. He began his career in the 1950s as a comedian in local clubs and theaters, performing a range of characters and routines that showcased his quick wit and irreverent humor.

Humphries gained wider recognition in the 1960s, thanks to his appearances on Australian television shows like "In Melbourne Tonight." He also began to develop several iconic characters that would become synonymous with his name, including Dame Edna Everage, a suburban housewife and socialite, and Sir Les Patterson, a crude and vulgar Australian cultural attaché. Humphries' characters were characterized by their wit, humor, and satirical edge, and quickly gained a following both in Australia and internationally.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Humphries' career continued to flourish, and he became a regular on television shows in Australia and the UK. He also began to tour extensively, performing his one-man shows to sold-out audiences around the world. Humphries' shows were known for their irreverent humor, sharp satire, and witty observations on politics, culture, and society.

In addition to his work as a performer, Humphries also wrote several books, including an autobiography, "My Life as Me," and a memoir about his parents, "Handling Edna." He was also honored with numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including an Order of Australia in 1982, a Commander of the British Empire in 2007, and an Australian of the Year award in 2000.

Despite his success, Humphries remained a controversial figure throughout his career, with some critics accusing him of perpetuating negative stereotypes about Australian culture and society. However, he was also praised for his contributions to Australian comedy and for his role in shaping Australian cultural identity. In later years, Humphries became more politically engaged, speaking out on issues like climate change and the treatment of refugees. In 2020, he announced his retirement from performing due to health reasons, bringing an end to a career that spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark on Australian entertainment.

Humphries died at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, on 22 April 2023 aged 89 following complications from hip surgery.[64] He had suffered a fall in February.