Barry Humphries' four marriages
Barry Humphries may have been famous for his alter-ego Dame Edna Everage – but she wasn't necessarily the most influential woman in his life behind the scenes.
"I wouldn't mind if there were no men in the world at all. I really do like women," the Australian entertainer, who died on Saturday aged 89, once declared.
Humphries was married four times, and it was evidently a case of 'fourth time lucky'.
READ MORE: 'Comic genius and beautiful soul': Stars remember Barry Humphries
Barry Humphries and wife Lizzie Spender in 2016. Getty
The comedian's first marriage was to Brenda Wright, a dancer, in 1955 when he was 21 and she was 19. It ended in divorce two years later.
The performer then tied the knot with Rosalind Tong, a former New Zealand Ballet dancer, in 1959.
The couple welcomed two daughters, Tessa and Emily, in 1963 and 1965 respectively, before their marriage ended in 1970.
Humphries with his second wife, Rosalind Tong, and their two daughters, Tessa and Emily. Getty
Humphries' third wife, artist Diane Millstead, is the mother of his two sons, Oscar and Rupert.
The couple were married in 1979 after Humphries had returned to the UK from Australia.
His fourth wife was Lizzie Spender, actor and daughter of British poet Sir Stephen Spender and concert pianist Natasha Spender.
"I got together with Lizzie some 33 years ago and we married in 1990," he told The Guardian.
"I have to thank Wife No 2 for two daughters and Wife No 3 for two sons."
In the same interview, Humphries acknowledged his struggle with alcoholism had had an influence on his relationships.
Humphries, as Dame Edna Everage, with Diane Millstead in 1979. The couple welcomed two sons. Mike Maloney/Mirrorpix/Getty Images
"Why has this last marriage endured? Oh, because I'm a bit smarter now," he said.
"The truth is I'm not a very easy person to be married to. For over 10 years of my life, I had a serious alcoholic illness, but I haven't touched a drop for almost 50 years."
Humphries is survived not only by Spender and his four children, but by 10 beloved grandchildren.
"I got together with Lizzie some 33 years ago and we married in 1990." The couple pictured in 1993. WireImage
In the statement confirming the comedian's death, Humphries' publicist described him as "a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many".
"His passing leaves a void in so many lives."
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