In the gentle twilight of another Gstaad day, we assembled to honour Barry Humphries, a man whose brilliance eclipsed even the celestial skies. Seventeen years ago, I wrote an article for Gstaad Life about my friend Dame Edna, entitled “The Dame Falls for Gstaad.” And I find myself contemplating the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to encounter him.

Born in Melbourne in 1934, Humphries was a multifaceted individual – actor, satirist, comedian – yet these labels scarcely capture his essence. He gained worldwide fame for his alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. Dame Edna, the self-proclaimed “Housewife Superstar,” became an international phenomenon, her lilac hair and cateye glasses as memorable as her incisive humour. Sadly, he passed away due to complications from hip surgery, but his legacy endures.

In Gstaad, Barry was more than an occasional resident; he was a cornerstone of our community. His presence transcended his celebrity, offering a genuine warmth and humility that was uniquely his own. He possessed the rare gift of toggling between razor-sharp wit and profound wisdom, revealing a deep grasp of human nature. Here, away from the spotlight, he made everyone feel like the star of the show.

I’ve been searching my memory for amusing anecdotes or clever quips to share. I can vividly see him walking down the street past the Rosenblatt antique shop in Gstaad towards me as we talk; I remember what he was wearing when I last saw him outside of the Palace; I remember everyone there at the last dinner party I saw him at when he was happily chatting with Claudine Pereira. I could not remember anything profound he said. This is not to say he hasn’t said it, but something more important struck me. These seemingly trivial days in Gstaad were nearly two decades ago. Why did I remember them so vividly? It is the same reason I remember the entire walk I took with Claudine and our dogs the last time we saw her or the last hug I got from Deborah Mimran and what she was wearing. Some people make you feel so good or so profoundly change your mood for the better that it just commits the entire day to memory. I cannot imagine something spoken that could be as profound as that. Every time I interacted with Barry, I left feeling happier for it. From what I know, he had that effect on almost everyone. What an amazing thing to leave behind and to put forward into the world.

Despite not remembering the particulars of our conversations, I was able to turn to our past interview in Gstaad Life to see his words; I remembered that Barry once said, “Gstaad has a very good vibration; it must have something to do with these cosmic rays. It’s a very special little place.”

So many of us whose families and friends are scattered globally struggle with the question: Where is home? For those of us lucky enough to have grown up, even partially, in our small little mountain town, the answer is always unequivocal: Gstaad. It’s our quaint, cherished hometown. While we may not be the most relatable group, and though our numbers may be small, even we deserve a sanctuary to call home. Let’s open our arms to all the Barrys of the world, those individuals who elevate the spirits of those around them. And let’s set aside any notions of altering or tarnishing the natural beauty of Gstaad.

Gstaad is a melting pot, diverse in race, nationality, religion, language, and even income. The more I travel, the more I understand why people from all over the world are captivated by our unique home. Gstaad is a sanctuary for all of us, whether we have one home or many. While Barry entertains the heavens, let’s preserve this irreplaceable haven. Kindness and compassion should be our guiding principles, along with some restraint on new developments.

As we pay homage, let’s not focus on the void he leaves. Instead, let’s celebrate his life by emulating his virtues: by listening more intently, laughing more freely, and being kinder to one another. Though Barry’s light has dimmed, the joy and fellowship he brought into our lives will forever be his legacy. Rest in peace, Barry Humphries. Your laughter and love will resonate in our hearts and across the hills of Gstaad for generations to come.

ALEXANDRA STORAGE