Who was Barry Humphries Married to? Did He Have Children?
by Sakthi | Updated Apr 24, 2023
Who is Barry Humphries?
Barry Humphries was an Australian entertainer who made a name for himself as a comedian, actor, author, satirist, and drag artist. Born in Kew, Melbourne, on February 17, 1934, Humphries grew up in an artistic household, and from an early age, he showed a talent for performance.
After completing his education at Melbourne Grammar School and the University of Melbourne, Humphries began his career in the entertainment industry. He made his mark as a satirist, performing in comedy clubs and writing for various publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald and Punch magazine.
In the 1950s, Humphries began to create characters that would become iconic figures in Australian culture. The first of these was Barry McKenzie, a stereotypical Aussie larrikin who appeared in a series of books, films, and television shows. Humphries also created the character of Edna Everage, a Melbourne housewife who became the larger-than-life Dame Edna Everage.
Humphries' career was not limited to his work as a performer. He also wrote several books, including "A Nice Night's Entertainment," a memoir of his early years in the entertainment industry. He also wrote a series of plays, including "The Roly Poly Show," which featured Dame Edna and other characters.
Barry Humphries' legacy as a performer, satirist, and writer is one that will be remembered for generations to come. His characters and humour have become a part of Australian culture, and his impact on the entertainment industry will be felt for years to come.
Who was Barry Humphries Married to?
Barry Humphries was married four times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Brenda Wright, whom he married in 1955. The couple had two daughters, Tessa and Emily, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1957. In 1959, Humphries married Rosalind Tong, a theatrical producer. They had one son, Oscar, but the marriage also ended in divorce in 1970.
Humphries' third marriage was to Diane Millstead, a costume designer who worked on many of his shows. They married in 1979 and had a son, Rupert, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1989. Finally, in 1990, Humphries married Elizabeth Spender, the daughter of the Australian poet Sir Stephen Spender. The couple remained married until Humphries' death in 2023.
Although he had several marriages throughout his life, Humphries was known to be a private person and did not often discuss his personal life in public.
Did Barry Humphries Have Children?
Yes, Barry Humphries had four children throughout his life. He had two daughters, Tessa and Emily, with his first wife, Brenda Wright, whom he married in 1955. Humphries had two sons, Oscar and Rupert, with his second wife, Rosalind Tong, and his third wife, Diane Millstead, respectively.
His children have pursued their own careers outside of the entertainment industry. Tessa is a successful novelist, while Emily is a documentary filmmaker. Oscar is a filmmaker and actor, while Rupert is a sculptor and artist. Humphries was known to be a devoted father, and he was proud of his children's achievements. He once said in an interview, "My children are my most important achievement. They are my life's work."
Barry Humphries Career Achievements
Barry Humphries had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, with achievements across a variety of mediums. As a comedian, Humphries was known for his sharp wit and irreverent humour. He created several memorable characters, most notably the outrageous Dame Edna Everage, who became a beloved figure in Australia and beyond.
Humphries' work as a comedian earned him several awards, including a Logie Award in 1971 and a British Academy Television Award in 2003. He also appeared in several stage productions, including the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor." He received critical acclaim for his performances, earning several awards, including a Helpmann Award in 2007 for his performance in "Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance!"
In addition to his work in entertainment, Humphries was a prominent figure in Australian culture, and his contributions to the arts were recognised with several awards and honours. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1982, a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2007, and was awarded a special Tony Award in 2000 for his contributions to the theatre.
Overall, Barry Humphries' career achievements are a testament to his talent, dedication, and ability to connect with audiences around the world.
Who was Barry Humphries Married to: FAQs
Barry Humphries was an Australian comedian, actor, author, and satirist.
Humphries' most famous character was Dame Edna Everage, a drag queen persona who became a beloved figure in Australia and beyond.
Humphries won several awards for his work as a comedian, including a Logie Award in 1971 and a British Academy Television Award in 2003.
Humphries was awarded a special Tony Award in 2000 for his contributions to the theatre.
Humphries' memoir was titled "A Nice Night's Entertainment."