Australian comedian Barry Humphreys has died at the age of 89, a Sydney hospital spokesman said on Saturday, where the actor had been in the hospital for several days.

During his seven-decade career, Barry Humphries, a veteran of the stage and small screen, entertained several generations of viewers with such satirical characters as Dame Edna Everidge and Sir Les Patterson, reports DPA and Agerpres.

Barry Humphries died Saturday night, said David Factor, a spokesman for St. Vincent from Sydney.

“I can confirm that Barry Humphreys passed away this evening in Sydney at around 19:00 local time (11:00 GMT),” he said.

The actor was once again admitted to this hospital due to medical complications after the hip surgery he underwent last month.

In a statement from his family, published in the Sydney Morning Herald, he thanked the fans and medical staff at St. Vincent for their “support and well wishes.”

One of the greatest comedians of the British scene

Barry Humphries rose to prominence in UK comedy production after moving to London in 1959 and appearing in several West End shows such as Maggie May and Oliver!

He was one of the most important comedians on the British stage, alongside Dudley Moore, Alan Bennett and Spike Milligan.

In addition to the famous Dame Edina Everidge – a character used to satirize the cult of celebrity, class snobbery and puddiebondery, as well as to satirize politicians and fashion stars – Barry Humphries also created other characters that have become legendary in the British comedy industry, such as womanizer Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone, an elderly and childless man living in the suburbs of Melbourne, is considered “the most boring man in Australia”.