Tributes flow for 'brightest star' Barry Humphries

"For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone," the prime minister wrote on Twitter on Saturday night after news of Humphries' death broke.

"But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry. A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift.

"May he rest in peace."

British comedian Ricky Gervais paid tribute on Twitter writing "Farewell, Barry Humphries, you comedy genius."

Television and stage star Jason Donovan said Australia had lost one of its greatest.

"Funny, literate and fiercely intelligent," he tweeted, alongside a picture of his younger self with Humphries.

"Barry Humphries was quite simply an entertaining genius.

"The characters he created brought laughter to millions."

Australian comedian Rove McManus said Humphries had left an indelible legacy.

"From Dame Edna to Sir Les Patterson to Sandy Stone, his characters left an indelible legacy on the history of Australian comedy,' he said on Twitter.

Another British comedian, Matt Lucas, described Humphries as "the greatest".

"Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest," Lucas tweeted, sharing a picture of them together.

Australian Comedian Sean Micallef simply said "no one made me laugh as much or for so many years."

Fellow Australian comedian Marty Fields said: "The greatest improv comic Australia has ever produced has passed away tonight. A God of comedy. What a massive loss."

Writer and journalist Phillip Adams, who co-produced the critically panned but hugely popular 1972 comedy film The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, based on one of Humphries' characters, said Humphries was the cleverest person he had ever known.

"I've known you since 1956 and we did lots of things together - including three significant films - parting company because of political differences," Adams posted on Twitter.

Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Humphries would be treasured forever.

"Australia has lost its finest cultural raconteur, its most brilliant satirist, and its greatest cultural comedian with the passing of the witty and wonderful Barry Humphries AO CBE," he said on Twitter.

"He will forever be a treasured Australian icon."

NSW Premier Chris Minns said Humphries "set the world's stages and screens alight".

"The all-time most successful solo theatrical performer, anywhere in the world - Barry was a legend," Mr Minns said.

"Defining Aussie creativity and performance for generations. Vale Barry Humphries."

British television host and columnist Piers Morgan also paid tribute.

"One of the funniest people I've ever met," he wrote on Twitter.

"A wondrously intelligent, entertaining, daring, provocative, mischievous comedy genius.

"As hilarious in private as he was as the iconic Dame Edna. What a life, what a character. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry."

Australian Associated Press