Barry Humphries tribute: Rob Brydon and Ricky Gervais pay heartfelt tribute to the 'comedy genius'

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Tributes have poured in following the news of Barry Humphries’ death.

The legend of Australian comedy died at the age of 89 in a Sydney hospital on Saturday (April 22), surrounded by his loved ones.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Melbourne-born entertainer had been admitted to a Sydney hospital with “serious health problems” following complications with recent hip replacement surgery.

In a statement announcing his death, his family said that “he was completely himself to the end, never losing his brilliant mind, his peerless intelligence and generosity of spirit”.

Following the news, social media was flooded with tributes from public figures and fellow comedians remembering their iconic characters, including Humphreys and Dame Edna Everage.

Ricky Gervais bid Humphries a “farewell” and praised the “comedy genius” on Twitter.

Gavin and Stacey Star Rob Brydon shared a photo of himself and Humphries, writing alongside the picture: “RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me infinitely. It was a pleasure to call him my friend.

Brydon told fans that he was in Australia with Humphreys “only three days ago”.

“He was making me laugh like always. His talent shone through till the end,” wrote the actor. “My love goes out to Lizzie and the entire family.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remembered Humphreys as “a great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-a-kind”.

Albanese wrote: “He was both a gift and a gift”.

East good morning uk Presenter Piers Morgan similarly paid tribute to “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met”.

“As hilarious in private as she was the iconic Dame Edna,” Morgan wrote on Twitter. “What a life, what a character.”

“You will be mourned, Barry Humphreys,” wrote Carol Wardman, who said that in the short time she met Humphreys, she noticed that his eyes were “bright wit and full of mischief.”

Matt Lucas said: “I wonder if all geniuses are as cute as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest.

the former Great British Bake Off The host accompanied his words with a photo of himself and Humphries smiling together.

Comedian Jimmy Carr – who is currently in Australia – wrote: “This evening doing a little bittersweet gigs in Australia, Barry Humphries is past and nobody will be as good at mob work again.”