One of Barry Humphries’ oldest friends has remembered the ups and downs of life he shared with the great performer, including getting sober.

Emeritus Professor of History and Politics at Griffith University Ross Fitzgerald told Millsy and Karl on 6PR Breakfast they attended Alcoholics Anonymous together, a fact which he credits for the success of his career.

“We were very sick with alcoholism,” Professor Fitzgerald said.

“If we didn’t stop in 1970, we wouldn’t have made it to 1971.”

Press PLAY to hear Professor Fitzgerald’s memories of Barry Humphries

Image: Getty/Lisa Maree Williams