LEGENDARY Aussie star Barry Humphries’ health “worsened in the last week” ahead of his dash to hospital but he has “fighting spirit”.
The 89-year-old entertainer, known for his iconic Dame Edna Everage character, is reportedly in a “serious condition” following ongoing complications from a hip replacement surgery.
The comedian has been suffering from a months-long “agony” ordeal that followed the operation in February.
He has now been readmitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney as his “health has worsened in the last week,” according to Peter Ford, editor of entertainment at Sunrise.
“Barry won’t give up easily. Whether that’s a realistic goal, I don’t know,” he added.
His family recently scrambled to the hospital and are now reportedly at his bedside, including his estranged daughter, who flew over 10,000 miles to be with him.
The beloved comedian, who is headed for his 90th birthday, had no contact with his daughter for over two decades.
Ford released a statement on Twitter today that admitted: “at this moment Barry is a serious condition but being kept comfortable. He’s surrounded by family.”
The journalist updated concerned fans to tell them that the actor is in good spirits, yet he stated that there are “serious concerns” for his health.
“Things are tough. But Barry has a fighting spirit, and he won’t give up easily.
“[But] There are very serious concerns about what happens next … it is a very tough time at the moment,” he said
Humphries is adored by fans across the globe for his iconic Aussie character Dame Edna Everage who he has played for 70 years.
The character enabled the comedian to have a hilarious outlet and alter-ego for his razor sharp wit and ad-lib skills.
The Humphries family put out a statement on Wednesday that read: “Barry Humphries is currently in hospital receiving treatment for health issues.
“Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and good wishes he’s received, but would like more and more. He’d also like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at St Vincent’s Hospital.”
The star’s two sons, Oscar an Rupert, also jetted from London to Sydney on Monday after doctors advised them to be with him at this crucial time.
Humphries has been living in London for around 40 years alongside his wife, Lizzie Spencer, but was reportedly spending time in Sydney for the summer before the accident happened.
In March, the comedian revealed in an interview he was “in agony” after breaking his hip.
He explained to the Sunday Morning Herald: “It was the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are. I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went.”
At the time, Barry revealed he was recovering from the accident while undergoing physiotherapy, which he described as “very painful”.
However, he remained determined to “get back on my feet” and said that with his titanium hip people can call him “Bionic Bazza”.
He also complained that his medical bill “is bloody enormous,” joking: “I strongly advise not breaking your hip!”
But things suddenly took a turn for the worse when he started suffering from complications post hip surgery.
Ford also mentioned in a Sunrise report earlier today that the comedy legend had suffered from pneumonia at one point so “he’s really had the odds stacked against him all along”.
“But it’s not over till it’s over,” he added.
