Legendary comedian Barry Humphries was rushed to the hospital on Thursday after suffering a medical emergency.
The 89-year-old Aussie entertainer and comedian, who is best known for his television alter ego Dame Edna Everage, was in an “unresponsive state” when he arrived at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney according to ABC Radio Sydney.
A representative for the comedian, however, has since told Daily Mail Australia that the ABC report citing an unnamed source was incorrect and that Barry was already responsive and cracking jokes with his family.
“I can confirm that reports that Mr Humphries is unresponsive are incorrect. He’s stable,” the representative said after the comedian’s family rushed to his hospital bed.
According to the reports, Barry’s four children, including his formerly estranged daughter Emily, are all by his side as his recovery continues.
The health scare comes after Humphries was admitted to the hospital for hip surgery after he tripped and fell while reaching for a book at his home. It is believed that the comedian was now readmitted to the hospital after suffering post-surgery complications.
“Things are tough, and all we can do at this point in time is to basically give a big shout out to Barry Humphries and say, ‘Australia loves you and we will always be grateful for everything you have given us,’” commentator Peter Ford said.
“Barry has a fighting spirit and he’s not going to give up easily.”
Meanwhile, Humphries reached out to his fans with a cheerful statement shared by his representative.
“Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and best wishes he has received but he would like more and more,” the message said.
Confirming that her husband was “doing fine” was also Humphries’ wife Elizabeth Spender.
Our thoughts are with Barry and the family during this challenging time.