21 Quotes by Barry Humphries

Barry Humphries is an Australian comedian, satirist, and actor who has entertained audiences around the world with his distinctive characters and irreverent humor. Born in 1934, Humphries is best known for his alter ego, Dame Edna Everage, a larger-than-life, eccentric Australian housewife. Through Dame Edna, Humphries satirizes societal norms, gender roles, and celebrity culture with sharp wit and flamboyant antics. His ability to bring characters to life, combined with his impeccable comedic timing, has made him a beloved figure in the comedy world.

Humphries's career extends beyond Dame Edna, with his repertoire including other memorable characters such as Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone. He has also showcased his talent in theater, film, and television, further solidifying his status as a comedic legend. Barry Humphries's contributions to comedy and his ability to entertain and engage audiences with his larger-than-life characters have made him a cultural icon and an enduring source of laughter.

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Barry Humphries Quotes


Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century. (Meaning)

Australia is an outdoor country. People only go inside to use the toilet. And that's only a recent development.

To live in Australia permanently is rather like going to a party and dancing all night with one's mother.

I drift along, thinking about the past a great deal. The past is so reliable, so delightful, and the best place to live. I end up there quite often, you know; it's very comfortable and dependable.

It's an old Aboriginal word meaning 'Let's get together and have fun'. They gave us the word because they had no further need for it.

I have outlived most of my more athletic contemporaries who jogged, golfed and squashed themselves into coronary occlusion.
The truth is deafening, no matter how softly it is spoken.

New Zealand is a country of thirty thousand million sheep, three million of whom think they are human.

He's very, very well-known. I'd say he's world-famous in Melbourne.

I think a lot of people think that we [comedians] are nerveless people in the theatre, that we don't feel that kind of terror which traditionally anyone who has to do any public speaking feels. It's worse for actors, because our livelihood depends on it.

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My parents were very pleased that I was in the army. The fact that I hated it somehow pleased them even more.

My mother used to say that there are no strangers, only friends you haven't met yet. She's now in a maximum security twilight home in Australia

I've decided the secret of parenting is benevolent neglect.I put my family last. Because if you don't, if you put them first, they never thank you. You'll never get a word of thanks from them.

The whole point of art, aside from the aesthetic pleasure it yields, is that it provides a bridge to the past; that seductive land where we all find certainty and consolation. Nothing quite spans this gulf with such immediacy as the art of popular song.

Friendship is tested in the thick years of success rather than in the thin years of struggle.

If you can't laugh at yourself, you may be missing the colossal joke of the century.

Everyone had a Japanese maple, although after Pearl Harbor most of these were patriotically poisoned, ringbarked and extirpated.

Sport is a loathsome and dangerous pursuit.

If you have to explain satire to someone, you might as well give up.

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Sex is the most beautiful thing that can take place between a happily married man and his secretary.

The past is so reliable, so delightful and the best place to live.

― Barry Humphries Quotes

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Barry Humphries (Comedian) Life Highlights

  • Barry Humphries was born on February 17, 1934, in Melbourne, Australia.
  • He is an Australian comedian, actor, and writer.
  • Humphries is best known for his alter ego, "Dame Edna Everage," a flamboyant and satirical character.
  • Dame Edna Everage is an iconic figure, known for her distinctive appearance, oversized glasses, and flamboyant dresses.
  • Humphries also created other memorable characters, including the crude and politically incorrect "Sir Les Patterson."
  • He started his career in the 1950s as a comedian and cabaret performer in Australia.
  • Humphries gained international fame with the success of his characters, especially Dame Edna Everage.
  • Dame Edna's shows, often described as "gladiatorial comedy," were known for their witty banter and audience interactions.
  • Barry Humphries's performances were a mix of comedy, satire, and social commentary.
  • He appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing his comedic talent.
  • Humphries is also a respected writer and has authored several books, including an autobiography.
  • His characters, particularly Dame Edna, have become cultural icons and have left a lasting impact on comedy and popular culture.
  • Barry Humphries's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him numerous awards and accolades.
  • He is regarded as one of Australia's most beloved and influential comedians.
  • As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Barry Humphries continued to be active in the entertainment world, delighting audiences with his timeless humor.

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* The editor of this curated page made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any sayings, quotes, facts, dates, or key life events.

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Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.

 
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