Comedian and drag show performer Barry Humphries has died. He was successful as “Dame Edna” – and was one of Lars-Åke “Babsan” Wilhelmsson’s biggest idols. – I loved “Dame Edna”, she was superb, he says to TV4 Nyheterna. During Saturday came the news that Barry Humphries, best known for “Dame Edna”, died after a period of illness. “He was completely himself all the way to the end and never lost his brilliant mind, unique wit and generosity,” his family said in a statement. As “Dame Edna”, Barry Humphries made a big success, among other things through his talk show which attracted big artists and actors. The comedian and drag show artist is now highly praised by Lars-Åke “Babsan” Wilhelmsson. – I received the sad news that he passed away a few days ago. I’ve had him as an idol for so long, he says to TV4 Nyheterna. Met backstage in Stockholm – I loved “Dame Edna”, she was superb. She is actually in a class of her own, says Lars-Åke Wilhelmsson, who took a lot of inspiration from the Australian comedian. – Both he and “Babsan” were more crazy aunts. The broad audience could take that humor to heart. He was very popular and everyone lined up when he called and booked guests. Wilhelmsson, who achieved success in Sweden as “Babsan”, says that he got to meet “Dame Edna” in connection with a performance at Cirkus in Stockholm. – Per Gessle and Björn Ulvaeus were also there. He didn’t take off his wig or loose nipples, but welcomed us and joked in his squeaky voice about Abba’s songs and Roxette’s success. Unfortunately, he probably didn’t know who I was, he says. Barry Humphries was 89 years old.
t4-general
“Dame Edna” is dead – praised by Babsan: “Had him as an idol for a long time”
