Dame Edna's most hilarious antics of all time

Dame Edna Everage first appeared in this world in 1955 and became one of the most legendary comics to have ever graced this earth. From wicked backhanded compliments to celebrities, fights with her own creator and trolling the royal family, she had one of the most absurd and delightful careers of all time.

Edna started out as a “dowdy Australian housewife… wrist deep in gray cleaning water” who blossomed into a mega-rich “gigastar.” She always reminded people of her humble origins and social consciousness. Her life was so interesting, she even published an autobiography in 2010 ‘My Gorgeous Life.’

Dame Edna was created by Australian comedian Barry Humphries, who passed away at the age of 89 in April 2023. He is remembered as an entertainer who gave rise to iconic personalities like Dame Edna. However, in 2018, he also came under fire for what some considered to be transphobic comments.

Amid the controversy, Edna distanced herself from Humphries. She said she had fired him years earlier, but that he refused to leave and continues to live vicariously through her. “The poor thing is losing the plot.. and deserves our pity, not our disapproval,” she said on social media. What?! Here are some of her other best moments!

Image: 60 Minutes Australia

In an interview alongside Tom Jones, Edna admitted to having some cosmetic surgery done, but not quite as much as others, looking at the singer. Then, she turns to him with a glorious backhanded compliment: “But the thing is, you are still recognizable.” She later said, “I’ve had a little tightening here and there, nowhere that you can see.”

Image: Parkinson, BBC

After popping a nametag on Cher, as with all other guests, so she doesn't forget her name, Edna questions Cher on her "reputation for wearing rather flimsy and provocative numbers." Then they talk about wigs. Dame Edna said she'd be interested, but "I am very lucky I was born this color," she said, referring to her lilac hair. Edna also discussed her mother escaping from her "high security twilight home."

The Dame Edna Experience (1991), ITV

In an interview with fellow comedy legend, Dame Edna compliments Rivers in the way she knows best. “When I go to Beverly Hills, she always takes me under her wing… well, not wings, you haven’t got wings. What do you call those little bits of skin under your arm?”

The Dame Edna Experience (1987), ITV

Dame Edna joked around, also backhanded, about the “gender games” k.d. lang was playing on the Vanity Fair cover where Cindy Crawford was shaving her face. “I wonder whether I should play gender games. What do I have to do? Stand up at the toilet? I don’t think I’d make a very convincing man, k.d.” said Edna.

Image: The Dame Edna Treatment (2007), ITV

While Edna usually stole the show, she did allow her guests to get in some good lines. One of the best was conversing with Robin Willimas about how she was offered a film role in the ‘Dead Mega Stars Society.’ He replied: “Carpe per diem: seize the cheque.”

Image: Dame Edna’s Hollywood (1992), WNCB TV4

Speaking on the Phil Donahue Show (she called him “Phillip”), Dame Edna said everyone likes her because she’s “an ordinary housewife, not some empty-headed glamour-puss.” Shortly after receiving a compliment on her glasses, she said she calls them “her face furniture” and has a pair for every frock she owns.

Image: “The Phil Donahue Show,” Multimedia Entertainment, 1993

When on ‘The View’ discussing bullying, Dame Edna admitted the truth: “I was the school bully! I had a wonderful time!” She said she bullied “little, insignificant people” because it helps her self-esteem. One example was her bridesmaid Madge.

In 2013, she interrupted a fine evening between Camila and Prince Charles at the theater. After smiling and waving, security tapped her on the shoulder. “They’ve found me a better seat, I’m sorry,” she said as she left.

Royal Variety Performance 2013, ITV

Giving her fellow dame Judi Dench some beauty advice, she says: “You better write this down, Judi,” although she notes Dench is better than “poor old Maggie (Smith).” The big advice? Hemorrhoid cream. “It tightens everything up, not just what it’s meant to tighten up.”

Image: Parkinson, ITV

During her talk with Liza, Edna realizes her eyelashes are false. A relief because she beat a pair senseless with a rolled-up copy of the Financial Times earlier. When offered a pair from the singer, Edna asks: “are these rushed to you when they’re still warm?”

The Dame Edna Experience: Liza Minnelli (1989)

After Chevy Chase says he plays poker with a group of guys like Steve Martin, "Johnny" and Neil Simon, Edna describes her "high powered" women's weekly Twister game. "You play it on a water-proof mat, a bit like an incontinence sheet." She says she plays with Madge, Gloria Steinem, Barbara Walters and Goldie Hawn.

Image: Dame Edna’s Hollywood, WNCB TV4

Speaking of getting older, Dame Edna said, “she was approaching 60… from the wrong way.” But she was still full of “juices” and "desires.” “My gynecologist looked up this morning, and he said to me: he said I was still capable of breastfeeding.”

While Dame Edna helped satirize the cult of celebrity, snobbery, false modesty and prudishness, Humphries also had other inventions. There was also, for instance, the gentle Sandy Stone to see how much boredom the audience could take. And,, of course, the belching, boorish Sir Les Patterson (pictured), who was Dame Edna’s total opposite.