Dame Edna & Ben Affleck - May 2001

Dame Edna chats with Jay and Ben about fame, career, and family in this hilarious appearance from 2001

[@mrmoviemanic1]

R.I.P to one of the most important and amazing people in comedy. You'll never be forgotten Dame Edna/Barry Humphries. Thank you for everything and be at peace.

[@Rhythmattica]

Absolutely... I laughed at all the innuendo.. sarcasm, and social scorn brought here by Bazza.. But it also really shows how the US audience , or hosts , AT THE TIME just didnt get it... Hopefully, after the US version of the Office, those Yanks that misinterpreted it all, can actually get a handle on what Barry did , with all his characters..

[@bartman898]

I like how she looks into the camera and takes over the show.

[@markwhitman9542]

'Tis her modus operandi!

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Yeah, there's always that moment 😊

[@Kimllg88]

@@ChubbyChecker182 The Takeover Moment!

[@Kimllg88]

@@ChubbyChecker182 RIP Barry bloody genius

[@htimsid]

It was almost a tradition that the Parkinson show closed with Edna's farewell "...and my special guest, Michael Parkinson!".

[@thefantasyreview8709]

Dame Edna is a legend. She's like an Aussie Borat. When she talks about "Little Tom" - they are both like "we're not touching that".

[@vova47]

That one trick pony Borat couldn't hold a candle to the formidable Dame Edna.

[@hippeastrum]

RIP Barry Humphries. Legend.

[@mrmoviemanic1]

Absolutely.

[@toddyarton2001]

Barry is the smartest one in the room always

[@Rhythmattica]

And if there is a room in the sky, there too ! Or the smartest in the pits...... ;)

[@benjaminfalzon4622]

Who else was in the room with Barry? A herd of goats?🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@originaldeftom]

I'd call it fiercely articulate!!

[@tomitstube]

the way he bounced back and forth between the two, a brilliant raconteur.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

A bit humorous, but your comment is dripping with hyperbole. Relax.

[@swingmanic]

Just like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Skippy, Barry Humphries (Dame Edna/Sir Les Patterson) will live in the hearts and minds of people the world over!..The man was a true legend!!..R.I.P Barry.

[@beaconterraoneonline]

Barry Humprhies is a genius.

[@godzooke]

Ben and Jay aren't quite on the same page as Dame Edna. Comedy legend. I can see why Joan Rivers and Edna (aka Barry Humphries) were lifelong friend

[@kristyhawes]

I didn't know joan rivers was friends with dame edna

[@jochenstossberg5427]

Barry and Joan were very good friends and watching them together trying to upstage the other is very funny. He was always very gracious with other really funny people. He'd give them room to be funny too - and the result was the best of both of them. Joan did the same.

[@camerong5513]

not in the same league and incredibly hostile. Justice that they're forgotten yet the Dame remains a (self styled ) icon and legend

[@giggles7179]

Barry Humphries' real talent was making everyone around Dame Edna fall under her spell and completely forget they're speaking with a male comedian. Even with that iconic lavender hair and the harlequin-on-acid glasses she called her "face furniture," she had the instant respect usually reserved for elderly women. More importantly, you could really tell what celebrities were true gentlemen by how they treated and interacted with Dame Edna. She was an extraordinary creation.

[@frankhendricks5918]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face..

[@giggles7179]

@@frankhendricks5918 It has, darling. Thank you for that.

[@frankhendricks5918]

@@giggles7179 You are welcome..where are you from..

[@frankhendricks5918]

@@giggles7179 How are you doing pretty ?

[@billhosko7723]

@@frankhendricks5918 di ot

[@Hugatree1]

Ben Affleck always manages to look uncomfortable even in the presence of the Great Dame Edna

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Yeah, so?

[@htimsid]

Here he doesn't seem so much uncomfortable (certainly witty enough) as, perhaps, a little under the influence of something.

[@camerong5513]

@@Frankincensedjb123 umm, he's a public figure. His behaviour is pathetic

[@rodentcafeteria]

Dame Edna had a way of taking over an interview, then bounce around from one topic to the next, all the while getting a good zinger (or two) on the host or whoever happens to be nearby. He can't be insulted if it makes you laugh.

[@chrispaw1]

She simply takes over interviews and the host rarely gets a word in, she did it so well with Michael Parkinson so many times, famously.

[@haydencooper_]

It is incredible how the host often fades into the background and Edna becomes front and centre. She becomes the host as she interviews the guests around her. She always does a better job too 😄

[@jochenstossberg5427]

The trick to making his performance work was to make it clear that you got the jokes. Then to let him go! No choice really!

[@Toracube]

Edna’s been on Jay a few times and Jay always enjoyed her. Ben looked awkward…

[@paulmorton3259]

It’s funny how reserved the American audience seems to be where’s as us brits were always howling with laughter 😂

[@barrysteven5964]

I know. I'm not sure the Americans knew how to take him. Brits and Aussies have a similar sense of humour.

[@VooDooMaGicMan81]

Don't find him remotely funny and I'm English.

[@haroldcastlerock744]

We didn’t want to miss a word she said! America (I can speak for all of us) had our heart ripped out with Barry’s passing. Barry Humphries was adored here.

[@alexrobinson3385]

I was thinking the same!

[@buelan.6525]

I’m native Californian and I adore him, particularly his show. In fact, I was following him because I was so disappointed when COVID hit because he had moved to San Francisco and was going to start performing here. I saw the video of him visiting his hometown in Australia just before his fall. Shortly after, a friend (who also loves his humor) sent me the news of his death. I’m heartbroken and was so looking forward to him coming back. I loved his brain - so quick.

[@ZoeAlleyne]

Goodnight Possum. May your memory be a blessing.

[@giggles7179]

For all his experience hosting this show, Jay Leno had absolutely no idea he was speaking with - or listening to, rather - one of the most seasoned and beloved talk show guests everywhere else in the world. If you think you're interviewing Edna, you quickly learn she's stolen the keys and taken over the drivers seat entirely.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

You don't think Leno knew? Give me a break. 😂😅😆

[@giggles7179]

@@Frankincensedjb123 Let me clarify as I think you might be under the misconception I said Leno wasn't aware of the fact that she was a man in sequins. If that's the case, it was definitely a misconception. What I was referring to was the influence Dame Edna has virtually everywhere else in the world. American pop culture has always lived in an entertainment bubble and The "old guard" that hosted these talk shows for years were often thrown a curveball when somebody so out-of-the-norm was booked on their show only to hand them their own asses if they dared underestimate them. Dame Edna was even more an anomaly than others like Divine or RuPaul that became icons - she was a heterosexual man. To have that distinction while portraying such a complex persona would throw anyone for a loop, making them unsure whether you can talk to them like any other guy or if it was more appropriate to treat the guest as the older woman who throws out double entendres like a bartender slings out coasters.

[@slashdisco]

@@giggles7179Dude, I worship Dame Edna, but you're wrong about Jay Leno. He knew exactly who she was, as did Ben Affleck and all of the US audience. To claim otherwise is to deny the fact that Dame Edna had been a huge star in America for at LEAST 10 years by this point - Dame Edna's Hollywood (1991) had attracted A-list stars and been a massive success on all sides of the pond. This is quite apart from her international stand-up, other chat show gigs, and even her recurrent dramatic appearances as "Claire Otoms" on the hit show Ally McBeal. Dame Edna was a household name in America by this point, so to claim Jay Leno had no idea who he was speaking to is naive at best.

[@htimsid]

Oh please. Jay knew exactly what he was dealing with and knew how to play along and participate.

[@gilbydog7350]

Just amazing humour, and so quick witted. Ben and Dame Edna on the same show were a great pair.

[@michaelwynne7513]

The humour is a tad too sophisticated and subtle for the terminally literal west coast mind-set.

[@chrisofmelbourne87]

Agree 1000%!

[@craigleeson3909]

The overbearing American Ego can't understand much. They aren't as great as they seem to think they are.

[@Lee-iy1mc]

😂

[@rhearosingana2821]

Ha, Ha, you can tell Ben Affleck never had the Dame Edna experience before…he has no idea he is sitting next to British Comedy Royalty ! Too funny to look back at this years later….love it ! 🤣

[@cottonweary5321]

​@@rhearosingana2821 *Australian

[@nickfenn7713]

Ben just doesn't get it, poor thing. Dame Edna wonderful

[@htimsid]

Did you watch the same video? As far as I see Ben follows (pretty much) what's going on. He's maybe just a little 'out of it' in general. What's the word, 'mellow'?

[@camerong5513]

he gets that the attention was taken from him, I think,. It's actually really annoying watching him fidget and slouch in the presence of a comic genius

[@camerong5513]

@@htimsid his demeanour is a turn off. The look of like boredom on his face , plus his constant fidgeting and frustrated slouching is at a 5 year old level of maturity

[@pleiadian13]

Knew him in the early 90’s. Loved him.

[@redfire20003]

Tip the balance of the show......................... She practically took over... :)

[@MJ-qb5ph]

Gee the audience is a bit slow on the uptake isn’t it?

[@alexrobinson3385]

I'm sad to say I never even knew Dame Edna existed until a few days ago! Boy am I sorry I missed out on years of comedy gold. I totally get his humor and love every second of it. Really wish I could have met him

[@jochenstossberg5427]

Then you've got a treasure trove of watching to do! Off the stage he was a very witty sophisticated, conservative man. Edna was always referred to as a separate. real person. Such as "Edna wouldn't like that' or 'I'll have to ask Edna.' Happy watching and glad you get the jokes. Some people never quite did. He was way more than just a drag act - he was a brilliant, scathing satirist really. Watch the show with Lauren Bacall. Tom Jones and Tony Curtis. Or Judy Dench and Sharon Osbourne. Hilarious!

[@blakemrolfsensanchez547]

She was in ally mcbeal too

[@penelopedevine8922]

Decades, actually. Dame Edna came into being in the mid 50s. Though she started out as just Edna.

[@elianehertsen5889]

I did see her on broadway in 1999- first row! Have been BINGING for a week on KZbin Dane Edna specials from the 80’s. ENJOY!!!!!!

[@moricantos]

i lost it when she called America "one of the world's best-kept secrets" lolol

[@dbg32]

Dame Edna actually had a decent set of pins.

[@charlottebowes7666]

It’s clear who’s in charge…😆💋

[@Tmanaz480]

My Grandmother was Dame Edna with a Southern US accent.

[@MJ-qb5ph]

My mother with a British accent!

[@jochenstossberg5427]

Those are great comments. That's when American audiences started to get the jokes.

[@SweetAngelBoy7777]

The fact that she is a character in this world is just amazing and brilliant. She's proper entertainment 🤣 👌 😂 I've known her since 2008, that was the year I came to Australia and wow she's funny as hell🥰😍

[@p.c.p.a11.11]

You mean 'he'......This is Barry Humphries -an Australian born genius..

[@Rhythmattica]

@@p.c.p.a11.11 "she is a character"

[@geraldinekearney542]

@@p.c.p.a11.11 Barry Humphries is the man, his character is Dame Edna (a female)

[@jochenstossberg5427]

The real reason why Edna's so funny is that she's perilously close to being real. As is Les Patterson. Almost a real Queenslander. Hilarious!!

[@cragerzz]

This humour is just to sophisticated for America especially on talk shows they don't understand when to pause for her lines m

[@JenShea]

I've never seen Dame Edna do her thing, and not love it! You were unique.

[@anniebattaglia1929]

Barry Humphries Alias Dame Edith Edna …. My God I was so surprised that Jay Leno and Ben Affleck they looked so snobby they did not know what a treasure they had in their midst…. This was a legend right there in front of them and they looked so pathetic and didn’t seem to join in fully, with Dame Edna’s unbelievable sense of humour and talent …What a talent!!!! Amazing !!!!! He was magic !!! ….Barry Humphries commanded the stage he performed , he was a gift to us all and we are so lucky to have his videos so he’ll never be forgotten…. Rest In Peace Barry 🙏The world will miss you ,especially me …🙏🙏🙏🥰😍😜😻❤️

[@alanrix5344]

I have never understood why Jay Leno was so highly regarded .Personally I thought he was very ordinary

[@frankhendricks5918]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face..

[@camerong5513]

💯

[@camerong5513]

Affleck was downright offensive. I think it's envy. Funny, when the Dame was put next to a rival, another comic legend like Joan Rivers there was not a hint of jealousy, just sheer pleasure

[@Me-fo1kk]

If there was one thing about the dame ..never a dull moment

[@jochenstossberg5427]

He's hilarious, but they didn't quite 'get him' back them. They did eventually, but at first they thought he was just a drag act - but he wasn't at all. But some people just don't get the jokes at all and they never will. The satirical wit just goes right over their heads. This is satire. At his best he was brilliant. I met him once. A very sophisticated man off the stage.

[@TheIkaraCult]

The American audience havent got a clue but Edna's soldiering on admirabily!

[@stratfordbaby]

Rest in Peace Barry. A fantastic performance as always. Ben seemed at least semi-sober...

[@darling11111]

It’s sad Ben didn’t seem to get Dame Edna

[@thomashernandez8700]

I thought he was fine for a young str8 guy.

[@jcarterjoseph9066]

A star is born. This may just be the defining moment for the rest of her brilliant career. It's all there. And Joan Rivers introduced her to America.

[@htimsid]

Humphries' creation began in the '50s and popularity took off from the early 80s.

[@camerong5513]

lol , riiiiiiiiight. 50 years & in the millennium after her career in fact began. USA is not the entire world, buster

[@pitbull2005]

Ben Affleck looks so embarrassed!

[@yodude832]

"The Morning Murdoch". That should have been a laugh line. That studio audience is lagging severely on the whole segment.

[@chrispaw1]

The reason Dane Edna was so popular and successful here in the UK, more-so than anywhere else even Australia, is because we understand her humour so precisely. Its subtle but its satirical and we Brits do that better than anyone. Barry lived a lot of his life in London and Im in no doubt it was because of that, the way he fitted in with the British psyche. Terribly missed already and he’s not even buried yet….❤

[@andrewj44]

Barry Humphries and his characters were equally as popular in Australia. If there was any two countries who understood and shared the same sense of humour it's England and Australia. As an Australian though I'll happily admit that nobody does it better than the Poms.

[@chrispaw1]

@@andrewj44 England? I hope you mean the UK? They love him all over the UK not just England 😂

[@andrewj44]

Settle

[@leeriches8841]

@@andrewj44 The UK is more than just England, please.

[@andrewj44]

@@leeriches8841 no shit mate

[@Raina430]

All the commenters saying that Americans don’t get Dame Edna. You can try watching her with Conan O’Brien among many other interviewers. The audience response was great on that show. Greatest comedienne!

[@obrien6320]

She was wasted on this show. They didn't get most of her humor

[@1978TVP]

we the europeans know perfectly, u.s. society is dumb.

[@yodude832]

Bimbos flogging their latest project cut a little too close to the truth.

[@Adam-oy4ix]

Very telling when Edna did the Tom Cruise 'height' joke (Nicole not being able cry on his shoulder)....neither Ben or Jay wanted any part of that at all...

[@annahookings8140]

Dame the most talented there

[@Gman1044]

As a kid I listened to Barry Humphries LP records that my parents owned. Songs like Phyllis the Funnel Web Spider..

[@petermitchelmore2592]

Truly one of a kind.

[@thesunisout2858]

Love his quick wit.

[@tadblackington1676]

RIP Dame Edna.

[@rivierapalms6485]

I don’t think they quite get the humour 😂 Such a comedian. RIP ❤

[@keefrasputin634]

Most Americans wouldn’t understand the Dame Edna cringe humour factor, it’s just not in their comedic vernacular. This almost requires an Aussie/British history understanding.

[@coradcor707]

It was awkward for Dame Edna with the position of the seating trying to talk to both of them. Adore Dame Edna 🌹

[@willyboy6126]

Ben looks so cute...and love Dame Edna!🤣

[@spoonetti]

Dame Edna is as funny, smart, glamorous and perfect as always. But Ben seems to be a bit unrelaxed and nervous. 😅

[@jochenstossberg5427]

It's only because he's not familiar with the character that's all. It's possible he'd never heard of Edna before being thrown in to the lions den.

[@najmikrisnawan189]

Ben looks so young.

[@13blackcatzzz]

Because he is young! 😂 He's been in the business over 30 years. Time flies!

[@leeriches8841]

Well this was 22 years ago after all!

[@weebrianful]

I just don't think they get it !

[@diegopitbull7580]

Not at all. The audience and especially Ben.

[@jeanettehasley7054]

I do, but Ben didn't appear to...and seemed to be edging toward rude

[@camerong5513]

@@jeanettehasley7054 downright rude. Absolute dufus of a guy . Looks narcissistic as AF

[@charlenemack7040]

I love this man I mean woman I mean man I mean woman

[@sharonalbanese8084]

Omg so brilliant, he should've just let her keep going.

[@frankhendricks5918]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face..

[@Bleuxman]

They’re not smart enough to keep up with her.

[@lambchop6278]

Different sense of humour.

[@janejohnstone5795]

Brit and Ausie...sense of humour different from American...

[@Wodenson]

Rip Barry, this world is duller without you ❤

[@mattdeans9873]

And I saw that show when it came here to Denver.

[@johnwinton2209]

One you can truly say is was a comedy genius.

[@destineydevereux4722]

They're sitting there with one of the greatest entertainers in the world and Ben somebody I don't recall, he's acting like a 60's highschool kid,,, Americans are out of the loop🇫🇷🥱💋

[@1978TVP]

we the europeans know perfectly, u.s. society is dumb.

[@dansmif]

I love how Ben couldn't keep his eyes off Edna's legs 😂

[@hallson2917]

R.I.P Dame Edna/Barry Humphries!

[@annahookings8140]

Brits and Australians get it, her brilliance except americans too loud to get it

[@pkune5158]

Dame edna was to quick for the americans

[@jochenstossberg5427]

Not true at all. Just too eccentric at the time. Edna always made some guests nervous, because they suddenly became aware that with the slightest encouragement - you'd become a victim of the jokes yourself.

[@cscms28]

saw Dame Edna twice in SF

[@slorter10]

Americans and their reaction always amaze!

[@Azureecosse]

Americans like their Humour with a punchline they cant relax if there is none they don't get smart humour.

[@janetclaireSays]

Dame Edna was the best!

[@Janster59]

Career before Family-yea!

[@jonathanfunnell4167]

IM GOING TO MISS BARRY HUMPHRIES

[@jaybe2908]

I would buy Bud Light if Dame Edna was promoting it

[@anthonymatthews3698]

Epic.

[@will-i-am-not]

Ben looks so uncomfortable

[@ellenmuseum]

Amazing satire of fame and celebrity

[@MrPaulwaters]

have another drink ben!

[@alexgorki]

[@timmo346]

anyone have the full clip of this interview?

[@jmpht854]

Goodness she's the only good thing on this show!

[@tomlebomb]

Interesting watch! I guess Dame Edna is not as popular or well known in the States, as Ben, Jay and the audience didn't seem upto speed with her usual silliness and shtick. Dame seemed to be trying a bit harder than usual as well methinks. Not as cosy as the regular Parkinson appearances lol

[@Allannah_Of_Rome]

Nah, she toned it down a lot for this audience, her Aussie crass was missing!! RIP....

[@kristyhawes]

Yeh the yanks dont really get it but when Parkinson interviewed was so good

[@dave_goldcrest]

Lovely to watch Dame Edna being interviewed though the American guest and host seem to struggle with the humour a bit. My dream as a middle aged queen is to become like Dame Edna and re-enact this with a rent-boy Ben Whatshisname lookalike.

[@franzfleischer3476]

Who on earth is the host? He's hopeless.

[@tiffanypayne2086]

Bens so awkward 😂❤

[@JadeCoker]

❤

[@Sweptundertherug]

They dont get ol Baz. He was too sophisticated for them.... lol topical

[@owengreene382]

His humour was tad to sophisticated, for the Ben and American audience. Our cleaver Barry, did the oldest trick on stage: taking command of the camera.

[@ngatihine6072]

She is a bit over their heads i think. England laugh a lot more.

[@amandarasmussen6975]

Almost lost on them - so funny

[@elvishasleftthebuilding9407]

Imagine there sitting the quick witted Mr. LateNight Johnny Carson 😊👍

[@matthewrobinson6986]

She seems to be rushing a bit.Ben just looks rude.

[@silversurfer8278]

Don't be too hard on him - he is just suffering from an afflecktation....

[@goodbarbenie5477]

People like slap-stick humour... It's the animations which gets them cracking up. But, to experience a few words of wisdom, humour to be would a better word...U have to understand English... Hahaa... As not many people do... Understanding the why fors and warbles of the King's English. Hah... That's why I just luved, my grandfather and father's sense of humour, extremely dry and witty. Both were Yorkshire men to the hilt. I also found some of my German friend on par with this sense of humour...very funni indeed. As the Olde Bard would say, William Shakespeare...Brevity is the soul of wit...or there abouts, the less said, the funnier it gets to be... Hahaa..

[@Cherryplanter]

What is all this talk about Dame Edna being dead. She won't hear of it! Being an experienced psychic she contacted me this evening to help set the record straight. She sends her love to all possums and points out that many of her longtime gynaecologists, among them Mr Iglesias Sr and Mr Markle, have examined her very carefully, and concluded that, just like so many women of to-day, she has strong female drives urges and juices.

[@tsmithmpls]

Ben's constant smirks to the camera are so annoying.

[@deborahcaleo558]

MAY 2023 JENNIFER EAT YOUR HEART OUT - LOL

[@27shocking]

Ben on the sauce

[@desiderius82]

Is it cold in here or is it just my nipples? Because I think Dame Edna's sense of humor does not resonate well with American audiences.

[@tjwash5118]

Americans don't understand that she has an act, it's not an interview. They often interrupt and interfere with the flow

[@aussiesurfer805]

yep … Americans also often struggle with dry wit or sarcasm … seems to fly right over most of their heads …

[@DippyHippie]

@@tjwash5118 I’m an American & I could watch Dame Edna endlessly! I LOVE HER!

[@bar10ml44]

Americans have no idea what humour is

[@rosiemackenzie5976]

Sooo funny...Ben can't figure out whether he should laugh or not I don't think he has ever shared the platform with anyony like her/him? - not your average guest thats for sure!

[@mrbee4life182]

Did Ben actually realize it's a bloke lmfao 🤣 mind u Barry does and has always make a very convincing woman dragged up no wonder Ben is confused he kept checking out her/his legs but Ben there are some things down there that would have made it very difficult to you know what mate 🤣🤣

[@lambchop6278]

Of course he knew!

[@chateaupig826]

The Americans never know WHAT they're going to get with us Aussies . They're expecting Hoges and out comes Norman Gunston or Dame Edna 😂

[@linrob1312]

Ben is a good sport...lol but reluctant to diss little Tom...😅

[@desmondjames9312]

Her politics and loyalty to Murdoch sickened me... But damn she was clever.