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King Charles' final message to Barry Humphries hours before he died

<p>In a touching tribute to the late comedian Barry Humphries, the King has sent a personal message to be read out at the state memorial. The King, who shared a close friendship with the legendary comedian, expressed his deep sadness following Humphries' passing at the age of 89.</p> <p>The King, at 75, was not just a monarch but a friend who spoke to Humphries mere hours before his passing on April 22. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson at the time conveyed the King's profound sadness and mentioned that he was privately reaching out to Mr Humphries' family.</p> <p>Charles' connection with Humphries extended beyond formalities. The duo's friendship was a source of joy and laughter, exemplified by Humphries' memorable performance as Dame Edna at the 2013 Royal Variety Performance. </p> <p>Lord Archer, a close friend of Humphries, has also revealed that the King attended many of the comedian's shows, even bringing his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, backstage when they were young boys.</p> <p>The Australian newspaper also revealed recently that Charles sent Humphries an email just hours before his passing, with film director Bruce Beresford sharing the story:</p> <p>"Barry said, 'Well, I always admired him. We always got on well and I really liked his company and enjoyed being with him'," <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Mr Beresdord told the newspaper. </span>"Barry was one of those people, he had a great capacity for friendship. He was so interested in people."</p> <p>Now, years later, the state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House promises to be a fitting tribute to Humphries as family, friends and fans gather to celebrate the comedian's illustrious career. The Australian Chamber Orchestra, a favourite of Humphries, will perform, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings. The presence of Humphries' widow, Lizzie Spender, and his children at the memorial underscores the profound impact he had on those closest to him.</p> <p>Humphries' association with royalty was not limited to the King; he was a mainstay at royal performances, meeting Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana at various events. The comedian's contributions were acknowledged with a CBE by the late Queen in 2007, and he continued to be a familiar face at royal gatherings, including a delightful encounter with Queen Camilla at The Oldie of the Year Awards in 2021.</p> <p>The state memorial, with its mix of laughter, music and shared memories, will undoubtedly be a fitting tribute to a man who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Video of Dame Edna's antics with the King and Queen Consort resurfaces

<p>As <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/tributes-flow-for-barry-humphries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tributes</a> start pouring in for Barry Humphries following his death, a viral video of the comedian making King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla lose their composure has resurfaced.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Aussie entertainer, whose persona included Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson has met the royals on countless occasions, but this one meeting had left a lasting impression.</p> <p dir="ltr">Performing as Dame Edna Everage in the 2013 Royal Variety Performance, Humphries posted a clip of the interaction onto his Dame Edna Everage Facebook page in 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Me with Prince Charles and Camilla at the Royal Variety Show. I absolutely ADORE them!” he captioned the clip, which has now been viewed over 10 million times.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the clip, Dame Edna, who was dressed head to toe in scarlet sequins, her trademark wisteria hair and oversized glasses, bustled into the royal box unannounced.</p> <p dir="ltr">The royal duo immediately burst into laughter at the sight of Dame Edna who acted like she didn’t see them until Charles pointed a finger at her to which she blew a kiss back.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dame Edna, who was enjoying the attention she received from the roaring crowd, sat next to the royal couple and broke protocol by grasping Camilla’s arm.</p> <p dir="ltr">At this point, Charles completely lost it as he audibly guffawed at Dame Edna’s antics.</p> <p dir="ltr">A lackey then walks into the box, taps Dame Edna on the shoulder and whispers into her ear causing her face to drop.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m so sorry,” she said remorsefully as she stood up to leave, as the King and Queen lost themselves in a fit of giggles.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’ve found me a better seat,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDameEdnaOfficial%2Fvideos%2F740650273031100%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">Fans have commented on the video sending their tributes to Barry Humphries.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is brilliant. What a legend! She'll be missed,” wrote one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There will never be another Barry Humphries . You are the best of us! May you rest in peace!😢” wrote another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Will be missed!! Had endless laughs, so enjoyable to watch. R.i.p,” commented a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">The monarch has also issued a <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/tributes-flow-for-barry-humphries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement </a>saying that he was "saddened" by the entertainer’s death.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

TV

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Barry Humphries morbid hospital jokes revealed

<p>Beloved Aussie comedian Barry Humphries was renowned for his jokes and cheeky commentary, and it seems he held onto his humour until the very end.</p> <p>Longtime friend of the jokester, author Kathy Lette, said his comedic flare had everyone laughing, although his jokes were rather grim.</p> <p>Speaking to <em>The Project</em>, Lette, who was Humphries’ UK neighbour for 26 years, mentioned one of her recent visits to the late performer in hospital.</p> <p>“Barry didn’t have a skerrick of self pity so when you’d visit him in hospital his one concern was you felt at ease and that he was making the nurses laugh,” she said.</p> <p>“So the last time I saw him in hospital he was joking about how the grim reaper had been walking up and down the hospital corridors at night saying, ‘He didn’t collect me this time.’</p> <p>“And he joked with the nurses, saying ‘How many did he collect?’ and I said to him, ‘As you’re here they probably died laughing.’ Then he made jokes about what the grim reaper was wearing and what a terrible outfit he has, how it was the original hoodie.</p> <p>“ … Being in hospital visiting Barry I almost had to be hospitalised from hilarity.”</p> <p>Lette shared she was shocked by his death as she had expected him to pull through.</p> <p>“It’s been such a horrible ordeal. We honestly thought he was going to rally.”</p> <p>Humphries <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/tributes-flow-for-barry-humphries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died aged 89 on April 22</a> at Sydney’s St Vincent Hospital in Darlinghurst following health issues caused by a broken hip. He was surrounded by his wife Lizzie and daughters Emily and Tessa.</p> <p>He was infamous for his comedy characters like Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.</p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described him as “the brightest star in the galaxy” and King Charles said he was “saddened” by the news of his death.</p> <p>“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,” the statement read.</p> <p>“With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be.</p> <p>“His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.</p> <p>“Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of Art in all its forms. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many.</p> <p>“His passing leaves a void in so many lives.</p> <p>“The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Tributes flow for Barry Humphries

<p>Barry Humphries has passed away at the age of 89. </p> <p>The iconic entertainer had been suffering health complications after undergoing extensive surgery to repair a broken hip. </p> <p>Humphries, who was well known for his characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, died on Saturday in Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, while surrounded by his closest friends and family. </p> <p>A statement from his publicist confirmed the news, as they wrote, "It is with great sadness that we announce that Barry Humphries passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia today. He was surrounded by his family."</p> <p>"He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit."</p> <p>"With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be. His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted.</p> <p>"Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of Art in all its forms. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives."</p> <p>The news of the comedian and satirist's passing prompted a wave of tributes from all corners of the globe, with King Charles leading the charge.</p> <p>Monarch said he was "saddened" by the death of the entertainer, with a royal family spokesman telling<a title="www.dailytelegraph.com.au" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/saddened-king-charles-reacts-to-barry-humphries-death/news-story/3809ff73d23c41d9e5c36f5c4fd84089" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="3809ff73d23c41d9e5c36f5c4fd84089" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev"> News Corporation,</a> “His Majesty is writing privately to Mr Humphries’ family as we speak.”</p> <p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Humphries, writing on Twitter, “For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone.”</p> <p>“But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry."</p> <p>“A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace.”</p> <p>Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared his memories of the entertainer, writing, “RIP Barry Humphries – one of the greatest ever Australians – and a comic genius who used his exuberant alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, to say the otherwise unsayable. What a loss."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">What an honour to share a moment with the genius Barry Humphries. One of the funniest experiences of my life. RIP kind sir. <a href="https://t.co/WWcCoQvbCS">pic.twitter.com/WWcCoQvbCS</a></p> <p>— Guy Pearce (@TheGuyPearce) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGuyPearce/status/1649858881831436288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">In my late teens I was taken to a Barry Humphries performance. It was my very first exposure to live theatre. I remember so clearly the electricity, the collective sense of anticipation. He was extraordinary. He lit a creative fuse in me that night. Thanks Barry for the laughs.</p> <p>— Eric Bana (@EricBana67) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricBana67/status/1649921224028610560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably. It was a delight to call him my friend.<br />I've been in Australia and was with him only 3 days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end.<br />My love goes out to Lizzie and all the family. <a href="https://t.co/G5aJfLiVkK">pic.twitter.com/G5aJfLiVkK</a></p> <p>— Rob Brydon (@RobBrydon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobBrydon/status/1649742241047379969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Born in Melbourne in 1934, Barry Humphries had a passion for the arts from a young age. </p> <p>He became immersed in the Melbourne Theatre Company, where he created the first incarnation of what would become his best-known character, Edna Everage.</p> <p>Humphries then moved to London in 1959 and became consumed by a series of productions in the West End. </p> <p>After also finding success in the box office with two films, Edna was made a Dame by the then-prime minister Gough Whitlam, prompting the legend of the gaudy housewife to grow.</p> <p>Humphries' characters earned him an Olivier Award as well as a Tony Award. </p> <p>He went on to create characters such as Sandy Stone, and the ever-irreverent Sir Les Patterson, and toured with these characters until just one year before his passing. </p> <p>Barry is survived by his wife Lizzie, his children Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert, and 10 beloved grandchildren.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Barry Humphries' family gathers as health worsens

<p>Barry Humphries has taken the time to thank his supporters - and to offer them some much-sought after reassurance - in the wake of his readmission to hospital. </p> <p>The 89-year-old’s family issued a statement updating everyone on the comic’s “serious condition”, and while the message was heartfelt, it came right along with a laugh - in typical Humphries style. </p> <p>“Barry would like to thank everybody for the support and best wishes he has received,” the message read, before noting that “he would like more and more.” </p> <p>His fans and friends, of course, were quick to answer the call, flooding social media with another wave of love and support for the star. </p> <p>“Sending fondest best wishes to my old friend!” one friend wrote. “Take baby steps Barry and don’t argue with the doctors!”</p> <p>“People throw the term “living legend” about fairly freely, but in Barry’s case, it’s true! What a guy!” declared one fan. </p> <p>“Good onya Baz! A true Aussie!” said another, on behalf of them all. “Wishing you all the best and a quick recovery.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: This statement has just come in from the family of Barry Humphries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/10NewsFirst?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#10NewsFirst</a> <a href="https://t.co/3dX1YYlgil">pic.twitter.com/3dX1YYlgil</a></p> <p>— Angela Bishop OAM (@AngelaBishop) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelaBishop/status/1648596207437230081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The update on his health comes after Peter Ford, Humphries’ friend, shared that the comic - better known for his alter ego, Dame Edna Everage - was in a “serious condition” during an appearance on <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>He later shared a clip from the episode on social media, writing that Barry “is being kept comfortable. He’s surrounded by family.” </p> <p>And while Ford noted that “Barry won’t give up easily”, there are concerns that the Australia icon’s health is deteriorating, with his family rushing to be at his side. </p> <p>Ford explained that “ABC radio in Sydney have now reported Barry has gone into an unresponsive state.</p> <p>“It does tally up with information I was given yesterday that Barry’s pain was beginning to increase so in turn they began to give him more morphine, which certainly keeps you comfortable, is a nice way of putting it.”</p> <p>“As we have been reporting all week, Barry has been in an increasingly perilous state of health, all these complications from the fall, the hip replacement, pneumonia … as I told you, his children were told in the beginning it would be advisable if they wanted to come see him to do so … and they are all there right now, along with his wife Lizzie.”</p> <p>And it seems that his children have followed that advice, with his sons - Oscar and Ruper - coming over from London to be with him, alongside their sister, Emily. </p> <p>The latter came as a shock to many, as Humphries and his daughter had been estranged for two decades - with the two reportedly only making amends at his bedside. </p> <p>According to Ford, “he also did reconcile with his daughter who he has not spoken to for over 20 years. They had a bedside meeting and that’s a good thing that that’s happened. </p> <p>“Largely, now it’s just a waiting game … It is a really serious situation. </p> <p>“I don’t expect there’s going to be a good outcome.”</p> <p>However, Humphries' publicist Wendy Day has since denied reports that the beloved comedian was "unresponsive", telling AAP that his condition was unchanged and that he was resting under the care of his doctors. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Barry Humphries suffers agonising fall

<p>Barry Humphries has shared a health update with fans after a broken hip left him in "agony".</p> <p>The 89-year-old comedian behind the character Dame Edna Everage had a drastic fall which saw him undergo surgery, and is recovering well with the help of "very painful" but regular physiotherapy. </p> <p>Dubbing himself "Bionic Bazza" after receiving a titanium hip as a result of his accident, Barry says he is recovering in a clinic in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. </p> <p>He is well on the road to recovery, and told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/there-s-nothing-like-a-dame-edna-for-barry-humphries-20230323-p5cuoo.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sydney Morning Herald</em></a> he is "adamant" he will be better for his one man show later this year. </p> <p>"I sit a lot in the show, and there's a bit of pacing... I don't think it's going to be a problem, but I do have to get on with my physio," he said.</p> <p>Barry described his incident as "the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are," as he recalled, "I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went." </p> <p>Humphries said he wanted to ease his fans' fears and assure them he's "on the mend" and his "trajectory is up", and also advised them to avoid breaking their hip if possible.</p> <p>"The medical bills were bloody enormous," he said.</p> <p>"I strongly advise not breaking your hip!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Reward in mystery murder of billionaire couple tops $52 million

<p>The deaths of Canadian billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman have been a mystery right from the start.</p> <p>On December 15, 2017, a realtor giving a tour of the couple's Toronto mansion around midday discovered their bodies, fully dressed, beside their indoor basement swimming pool.</p> <p>They were semi-seated side by side, with belts tied around their necks and attached to the railing of the indoor pool according to police. Barry Sherman was 75 and his wife Honey was 70.</p> <p>The story made headlines across the globe, as police called the deaths suspicious.</p> <p>Theories have swirled about who might have wanted to kill the founder of Canadian generic drug giant Apotex and his philanthropic wife – being one of Canada's richest couples.</p> <p>Investigators have worked to connect the dots however, five years later, no arrests have been made. On this week's anniversary of the killings, the Shermans' son offered an additional $25 million (A$37 million) for information leading to an arrest.</p> <p>The reward is now $52 million.</p> <p>"This week marks the five-year anniversary since my parents were murdered in their home. Every day since then has been a nightmare. I have been overwhelmed with pain, loss, and sorrow and these feelings only continuously compound," Jonathon Sherman said in a statement announcing the reward money.</p> <p>"Closure will not be possible until those responsible for this evil act are brought to justice," he added.</p> <p>The victims' prominence meant the case was high profile from the start. At the time of his death, Forbes estimated Barry was worth $4.5 billion.</p> <p>The Shermans' wealth, vast investments and philanthropy work saw them cross paths with Canada's business and political elites, their funeral was attended by thousands of people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Kathleen Wynne, premier of the province of Ontario.</p> <p>At the service an emotional Jonathon Sherman took the stage, with his three sisters, and slammed speculation that their parents died by suicide.</p> <p>Police later concluded someone had killed them, only six weeks after the bodies were found, Toronto police announced a review of evidence showed they were victims of a homicide, saying they believed the couple was targeted.</p> <p>With no forced signs of entry to the property, it's possible someone had a key, had access to the lockbox that held the keys or was known to the couple, Gomes said.</p> <p>In 2021, police asked for help identifying a shadowy suspect.</p> <p>After years of silence, police made a shocking announcement on the fourth anniversary of the couple's deaths last year, sharing a video of a shadowy person caught on security video walking on the snow-covered sidewalks in the couple's North York neighborhood.</p> <p>The Sherman children say the lack of answers adds to their grief. It's been five years since the murders and there have been no major developments. True crime podcasts have even have tried to unravel intrigue surrounding the deaths.</p> <p>In a statement to the CBC, her brother, Jonathon Sherman, echoed the same sentiment, saying the family will never get closure until the killer is brought to justice.</p> <p>The siblings reminded the public of the $52 million in reward money and pleaded for anyone with information to contact the Toronto Police Service.</p> <p><em>Image: AP</em></p>

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Restaurant owner praised for hiring policy that targets "oldies"

<p dir="ltr">Like many in the hospitality business, Barry Iddles was struggling to find staff to fill shifts at his restaurant 360Q in Queenscliff when he was struck by inspiration.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 67-year-old decided to put the call out to “oldies”, adding an invitation to retirees to come and work at his waterfront venue on the back of his winter postcards.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We sent out 42,000,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr"> “I put, ‘We’re recruiting – juniors, come and learn the skills of hospitality. Millennials, come and show us what you can do. And seniors and retirees, come back to the workforce for one or two shifts per week.’</p> <p dir="ltr">“I sent it out by mail and off we went. We had a great response.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He stressed that potential employees didn’t need a resume or hospitality experience and could just come in for a chat.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, Iddles has 12 staff working for him aged over 50, including former nurses and healthcare workers, a mechanic, small business owner and florist.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We've got two 74-year-olds, a 70-year-old, and then we've got [people aged] 57, 60, 64, 66 and 67," Mr Iddles said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee34f340-7fff-b24e-62b4-35aa29306b6d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">"There is a labour shortage and a labour crisis, [but] I don't have one. I have five too many staff at the moment. And I could actually open another venue to keep them all gainfully employed."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgNZSgSvoqP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgNZSgSvoqP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Barry Iddles (@barryiddles)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Iddles said most of his older staff at the 150-seat restaurant, which also includes outdoor dining and an upstairs function venue, work during functions and that there has been a major benefit to both older and junior workers working alongside each other.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s amazing, the interaction is absolutely incredible,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s good for their life skills – the oldest have got a great work ethic.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Since his story was shared by the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-15/defying-ageism-older-workers-fill-gaps-in-workforce/101651806" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em> on Tuesday, Iddles said his phone has been ringing non-stop and his hiring practice went viral.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Everyone wants to talk about hiring old people,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of Iddles’ employees, 67-year-old Kenton Savage, told the <em>ABC </em>he wanted to retire after selling his distribution business - but his plans went awry when it went bankrupt during the pandemic.</p> <p dir="ltr">Without super and amidst rising living costs, Savage and his wife had no choice but to find jobs.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The pension just didn't pay enough. So I looked around for a job and Barry was hiring," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think it just keeps me fit and healthy and happy. Being able to get out and about, it's really been good for me," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">73-year-old Susan Borton, another employee, said she applied to boost her confidence and contribute.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Covid made a lot of people depressed,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I know amongst the older ones, we’re all saying we’re actually finding it quite difficult to get out and about again. [Working] makes me feel better. And I love putting in, I love contributing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Council for Older Australians chief executive Ian Yates praised Iddles for his hiring practice.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Many older people will have experienced a lot of knock backs and not being taken seriously as prospective employees,” he told the <em>ABC</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The labour market is so tight, that employers are being forced to look at channels and groups that they wouldn’t normally look at, including older Australians.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/queenscliff-restaurant-360q-sees-huge-response-after-inviting-oldies-to-come-and-work/news-story/7e08f752c17bc86dd109581ef602b4c5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>, Iddles said others should adopt his policy too, and that it applies to both young and old.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Age discrimination can be quite bad, at both ends of the spectrum,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If I’ve got a 15-year-old coming for a job I’ll give them a job immediately. Too many people go, you’ve got no experience. But they actually want to work.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a great mix to have [employees ranging] from 15 to 75.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-83c437d2-7fff-df48-0cde-4b6e9ca845b2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Inside Brady Bunch star Barry Williams’ $10 million Malibu beach house

<p><em>The Brady Bunch</em> star Barry Williams has listed his 2808-square-foot Malibu beach house in the US for $US6.375 million ($NZD9.3 million), as he plans to part ways with his lavish abode.</p> <p>Located in a gated community, the three-bedroom, four-bathroom home comes complete with magnificent ocean views and also features an expansive outdoor deck to enjoy those summer nights on the beach.</p> <p>The open floor plan is surrounded with a wall of windows, bringing in plenty of natural light and fresh air.</p> <p>Also included is an extravagant stone fireplace and a spacious chef’s kitchen with state-of-the-art steel appliances.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 399.13793103448273px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823639/bb.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/94700db6fd15421ca13a57caa2b58187" /></p> <p>Heading towards the upstairs area of the home, the master suite comes with two private decks, a number of closets and another fireplace.</p> <p>The beach house is situated in one of only two beachfront streets in Malibu and was predominantly used as a holiday and weekend home for the 64-year-old.</p> <p>Williams, who played the eldest brother Greg Brady in the smash hit sitcom<span> </span><em>T</em><em>he </em><em>Brady Bunch</em>, built the house himself in 1974, with his brother Craig lending a helping hand.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to look inside Barry Williams’ Malibu beach house. </p>

TV

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Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb reveals secret turmoil

<p>Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb has spoken for the first time about a terrifying incident that occurred when he was just four years old, causing years of secret turmoil.</p> <p>In an interview with the UK’s Radio times, Gibb revealed that a man had tried to molest him in his youth, and specific details of what happened, “would be unpalatable”.</p> <p>The 70-year-old said, “I’ve never said this before, Jesus Christ, should I be saying it now?”</p> <p>“But there was a moment in time when a man tried to molest me when I was about four years old. He didn’t touch me, but other things happened, and happened to other kids.</p> <p>“And eventually they came and arrested him, and they woke me up during the night. Four years old and a policeman on your bed at four in the morning, interviewing you.”</p> <p>Gibb, who reached fame in the 70s as part of the iconic trio, is the last surviving member of the Bee Gees after his brothers Maurice and Robin passed away.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Now Playing: Tragedy by Bee Gees - Listen at <a href="https://t.co/inAKQ8VFcG">https://t.co/inAKQ8VFcG</a><br /> - Buy it <a href="https://t.co/nh6jpM55rw">https://t.co/nh6jpM55rw</a> <a href="https://t.co/rps6bvFQEJ">pic.twitter.com/rps6bvFQEJ</a></p> — HitMusic70s (@HitMusic70s) <a href="https://twitter.com/HitMusic70s/status/873057354308173825">June 9, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Gibb said he had “never told anybody” about his experience.</p> <p>“If that doesn’t teach you about life, nothing does. But it’s vivid for me still.”</p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Youtube / Bee Gees </em></p>

Music

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Singers band together for Bee Gees special

<p>International singers joined together with sole surviving Bee Gees member Barry Gibb for a Bee Gees special on CBS.</p> <p>The Stayin’ Alive special was taped in LA and was a Grammy salute that celebrated the legacy of the band in the form of a disco celebration.</p> <p>The Bee Gees who formed in 1958 won 15 Grammy awards and sold more than 220 million records worldwide before the deaths of Maurice in 2003 and Robin in 2012.</p> <p>The special which was taped on February 14 fell on the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Brothers Gibb.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="345" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35508/bee-gees_498x345.jpg" alt="Bee Gees (1)"/></p> <p>The special also marked the 40<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Saturday Night Fever which starred John Travolta but featured the Bee Gees on the soundtrack.</p> <p>“Something happens to me when I put on a white jacket trimmed with black,” Travolta said onstage.</p> <p>“I just have this involuntary urge to do this [doing Tony Manero's signature pointing move].” </p> <p>Celine Dion, whose husband Rene Angelil passed away last year, sang an emotional rendition of Immortality.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35506/celine_499x330.jpg" alt="Celine"/></p> <p>Celine. who stunned in a navy-blue Elie Saab gown, came into the audience to serenade Barry who was sitting in the front row.</p> <p>Music icons Stevie Wonder and John Legend performed together How Can You Mend A Broken Heart.</p> <p>Musicians who also appeared in the tribute include Keith Urban, Ed Sheeran, Tori Kelly and Kelsea Ballerini. Demi Lovato also appeared on the special to participate in the opening medley and her cover of If I Can’t Have You. </p> <p>On February 12 some of these singers appeared in a shorter tribute to the Bee Gees during the Grammy Awards.</p> <p><em>Image credit: CBS via Twitter</em></p>

Music

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Barry Manilow comes out as gay at 73

<p>Barry Manilow has revealed he's gay at the age of 73, and that he has been in a 39-year relationship.</p> <p>The singer has kept his personal life private for decades but in a new interview with People magazine, Manilow opened up about his sexuality and his relationship</p> <p>"I thought I would be disappointing [the fans] if they knew I was gay," he said. "So I never did anything."</p> <p>"When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful – strangers commenting, 'Great for you!' I'm just so grateful for it," he continued.</p> <p>Manilow has been in a relationship with his manager Garry Kief since the pair met in 1978.</p> <p>"I knew that this was it. I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that. He's the smartest person I've ever met in my life – and a great guy, too."</p> <p>The pair quietly married at their 53-acre estate in Palm Springs in 2014.</p> <p>Manilow told Entertainment Tonight he never planned to go public with his relationship</p> <p>"We've been together all these years. Everybody knows that we're a team. Everybody that I know knows. So it never really dawned on me to say anything about it. I mean, I'm a very private guy," he said.</p> <p>Manilow was previously married to Susan Deixler, admitting that while he loved her, he "was not ready for marriage."</p> <p>"I was out making music every night, sowing my wild oats – I was too young. I wasn't ready to settle down."</p>

News

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Barry Jenner dies aged 75

<p>Actor Barry Jenner, star of <em>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</em>, <em>Dallas</em> and <em>Family Matters</em> has passed away at the age of 75 from acute myeloid leukaemia.</p> <p>Philadelphia-born Jenner began his career on daytime television, appearing in ‘70s soaps <em>Somerset</em> and <em>Another World</em> before landing his breakout role in <em>Dallas</em> as Dr Jerry Kenderson in 1984.</p> <p>After leaving <em>Dallas</em> in 1986, he appeared in 18 episodes of Lieutenant Murtaugh on hit sitcom <em>Family Matters</em>.</p> <p>Jenner is best known, however, for his role as Starfleet Admiral William Ross on <em>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</em>, which he played for seven seasons in the ‘90s.</p> <p>Our thoughts are with his wife, Suzanne Hunt-Jenner, stepsons Ashley and Christian and all others close to this celebrated actor. Rest in peace.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/patrick-swayze-widow-opens-up-about-her-one-marriage-regret/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Patrick Swayze’s widow opens up about her one marriage regret</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/jamie-olivers-family-take-first-full-family-photo-with-new-baby/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Jamie Oliver shows off baby son in new family photos</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/terri-irwin-heartbreaking-revelation/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Terri Irwin’s heartbreaking revelation about life after Steve</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

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Barry Du Bois reflects on five year anniversary of cancer battle

<p><em><strong>Barry Du Bois, the p</strong></em><em><strong>opular design and home rennovation expert on Australian lifestyle show, The Living Room , </strong></em><em><strong>took to Facebook on March 11 to reflect on the five year anniversary of his courageous cancer battle. Here he shares the incredible lessons he learnt from the life-changing experience.</strong></em></p> <p>Today is my five year anniversary and I wanted to say thank you.</p> <p>It was around Christmas 2010. One of those perfect summer days. I was down the south coast with my brother and nephew surfing one morning when I went under a right-hander and heard a terrific crack in my neck. Hearing the sound, especially under water, was surreal. I felt my neck freeze right up, pins and needles set in and I thought ‘Ah bugger, that’ll be a trip to the physio’.</p> <p>For the next three months I had an incredible headache I just couldn’t shake. March approached, and I was about to head off overseas, to India on our fifth attempt to have a child through surrogacy. My wife Leonie and I had been through a lot over the previous years, but at that stage we had our sights firmly set on the future.</p> <p>Despite my protests, my physio insisted I have an MRI before I left, to try and pinpoint why my neck was still so stiff and why that headache just wouldn’t go away despite treatment.</p> <p>While I was in India the headache became unbearable, and I was quite literally tearing my hair out. So on the day of my return to Sydney I went straight to get the results of the MRI, thinking I’d try and get in to see the physio straight afterwards to finally get this neck right.</p> <p>I was your typical bloke – I’d never really been one for doctors, pain and injury had always been more inconveniences than anything I worried too much about. I was strong, weighed about 115 kg and there wasn’t much I was scared of in this world. So on that morning of 11 March 2011, I headed into Bondi Junction to pick up the MRI images without much thought about it. After a long wait, I eventually saw a doctor I’d not met before, and she asked what the trouble was. I explained there wasn’t anything really wrong with me: I just had a headache and a stiff neck, my physio was all over it, I simply needed those MRI scans to work out how to free up my neck.</p> <p>Of course the doctor took my assurances with a grain of salt and said she would take a quick look anyway. She pulled an A4 sheet of paper out of an envelope. It seemed an uncomfortable amount of time before she looked up, and even then she looked me in the eye for just a second before staring back at the sheet. In hindsight, I think I was being a bit rude, huffing and puffing about the time she seemed to be taking with all of this. Another pause. She took a deep breath, slowly lifted her eyes to meet mine and leaned in towards me, putting her hand on my knee. She then asked me something I will never forget: ‘Barry, do you have family?’</p> <p>I forced a laugh – this must be a joke. ‘Sure I have, but what’s that got to do with anything – I just have a stiff neck and a headache?’</p> <p>‘Barry’, she continued, ‘It’s not good. I’m afraid it’s a lot worse than a headache: you have a very aggressive tumour at the base of your skull. It’s huge and it has basically eaten the top of your spine.’</p> <p>I remember every second of every hour of every day for weeks after that moment, in incredible detail. Not just what I did or said, but also the reactions and emotions of those around me. Holding my wife and trying to control her trembling when one specialist advised not to bother with surgery, the tumour was simply too aggressive. Feeling that I was going to let so many people down if I were to go now.</p> <p>It was as if I stepped outside my body that day, and watched everything going on from a distance. It was like a film in slow-motion, and I noticed the detail of absolutely everything. The fabric of the cushion on a chair I was sitting in while telling a friend, the exact time of day things happened … every hug, every conversation with mates and loved ones …</p> <p>It was hard for me to compute what was going on, and it was even harder still to watch people trying to contain themselves and to be brave in front of me, I still get upset when I think about that.</p> <p>A lot has happened since then. Titanium now holds my head on, and radiation and drugs help fight the disease that lives on in my body. My angels, Bennet and Arabella, where born after two more attempts at surrogacy, and raising these beautiful kids with Leonie is now my life’s greatest fulfilment; I am involved in a TV show where, along with three amazing friends, I get to bring fun and know-how to many people every week; to say I am happy is the understatement of the century and my gratitude knows no end.</p> <p>I see things so much more clearly these days. I see what’s important, what really makes a difference during our time on earth. And I hope I get to share that with as many people as possible so that they might experience the love and gratitude I am lucky to experience every day.</p> <p>Many people have given me a lot of love and help over these past five years – especially my family and loved ones. And for this I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.</p> <p>You can’t control everything in this world but there are things you can do to give yourself the best chance of happiness. Taking care of yourself and others, and always doing the best you can, are important.</p> <p>If you are down in the dumps, or feel you have seen better days, always remember that you are not alone; we all have a story and for most of us this story includes ups and downs, dark times as well as beautiful ones … you are the sum of every day and of all the experiences in your life, and if you invest in the people and things that make you happy it will pay incredible dividends.</p> <p>Every day as I stop to kiss my wife and babies goodbye I take a moment to reflect on just how good my sum is.</p> <p><strong><em>To get more updates from Barry, visit his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BarryDuBois/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Facebook page here.</span></a></em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/12/exercises-to-strengthen-your-willpower/">Simple exercises to strengthen your willpower</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/things-you-need-to-know-about-fear/">7 things you need to know about fear</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/how-to-stop-feeling-guilty/">How to stop feeling guilty</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Barry Manilow rushed to hospital

<p>Barry Manilow has been rushed back to hospital following complications from his oral surgery last Monday.</p> <p>The 72-year-old is now believed to be doing well after a second operation, but is under strict instruction not to speak or sing for 48 hours.</p> <p>“Following a triumphant sold out concert in Memphis, Barry Manilow was rushed back to Los Angeles due to complications from emergency oral surgery that Manilow had on Monday,” a statement read.</p> <p>Manilow is currently touring the United states for his ‘One Last Time-One Last Tour’ show. His concerts are being rescheduled with new dates to be announced shortly. </p> <p><em>Image credit: <span class="irc_ho">www.telegraph.co.uk<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/promotions/10330541/Barry-Manilow-tour-dates-confirmed-for-2014.html" class="_ZR irc_hol i3724"></a></span></em></p> <p><strong><span class="irc_ho">Related links:</span></strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><em><span><span><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/2015/10/john-lennons-son-sean/">John Lennon’s son is the spitting image of his father</a> </span></span></em></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/2015/11/best-george-harrison-songs/">The top 5 George Harrison songs of all time</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/2015/11/best-inxs-songs/">The top 5 INXS songs</a></strong></em></span></p>

News