‘Never stops laughing’: Rowan Dean reflects on friendship with Barry Humphries amid comedian’s poor health diagnosis

Sky News Australia’s Rowan Dean has reflected on his friendship with Barry Humphries amid a deterioration in the iconic comedian’s health.

The 89-year-old, most famous for his on-stage and television alter egos Dame Edna and Sir Les Patterson, tripped on a rug while grabbing a book in February.

He underwent hip replacement surgery at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital but has since been sent to another unit in the hospital following complications.

Mr Dean, who co-hosts Outsiders, described Humphries as the “greatest comedic talent ever” and said he remains in high spirits despite the circumstances.

“The great thing about Barry Humphries is if anyone is going to laugh ill health in the face, it’s Barry Humphries,” he said.

“Barry Humphries never stops laughing and cracking jokes, even if he is as ill as he currently is, he will still be cracking jokes and he will still be laughing.

“And he has always got a wicked sense of humour. I’m sure some of the nurses are amused by the twinkle in Barry Humphries’ eyes and the irrepressible grin.”

Humphries’ illustrious career has spanned seven decades, which Mr Dean described as “phenomenal”.

“It goes back to Melbourne in 1955. He was, or is, a colossus of comedy in Britain – he conquered Britain in the 60s and 70s,” he said.

“In the 80s and 90s he conquered Broadway; he conquered the West End. He is a titan of musical comedy; live performances and he did movies.”

Mr Dean also blasted the state of the comedy in the “age of wokeness” and took aim at the Melbourne Comedy Festival which dropped Humphries’ name from its major award over comments made about transgender people.

Along with Peter Cook, Humphries first launched the festival back in 1987.

“And what thanks do they get in the age of wokeness, which we live in,” Mr Dean said.

“Barry Humphries was cancelled by the Melbourne Comedy Festival – the very festival he himself set up. That’s the state of comedy today.”

Humphries had revealed to the Sydney Morning Herald in late March the physiotherapy sessions he was undertaking as part of his recovery had been “very painful”.

But he remained positive he would be back to entertain his fans soon. Humphries was planning another one man show for later this year.