Dame Edna is one of those instantly recognizable stars who causes great guffaws. Not because she looks funny — maybe a little bizarre — but because she is genuinely funny. We caught up with the estimable Dame by phone recently at her home in Switzerland. James Colt Harrison: There seems to be a lack of glamour in show business today. Dame Edna: I’ll tell you this, Jimmy. I have done a lot of these talk shows — Jay Leno, in particular — and I’m sitting there wearing the most beautiful frock. And on comes some fellow who is a pop star or movie star wearing dirty jeans and a sort of stubble on his chin looking a fright. And they slouch and slump on the couch. It’s a form of arrogance. They were dragged up with no manners and no taste, and they’re full of their own importance and say, “Why should I dress up for this? I’m making plenty of money.”? I would consider it a compliment to me if your beautiful readers went to as much trouble as I do to dress up. JCH: Well, my readers live in La Jolla, a wealthy and beautiful beach town. There are lots of Rolls Royces here. You will love it. Dame Edna: How lovely! Maybe we can go get a coffee and you can show me the beach. Can you give me any dirt or gossip about La Jollans? JCH: What have you heard about La Jolla? Dame Edna: I was talking to Steven Spielberg, and he told me that during the Jurassic period Australia was connected to La Jolla. In some caves outside Sydney, they have found some fossilized women just like you might find shopping on Girard Street in La Jolla. JCH: I can’t begin to list all the awards you have won. Even the Queen gave you something! Dame Edna: I stay with her when I’m in London. She’s adorable, and she has a lovely sense of humor, James. JCH: What is your ethnic mix? Dame Edna: I only recently found out I’m half an Aborigine. One day I bought a boomerang at an airport. I threw it. It never came back. If I had been an Aboriginal, it would have come back. So, I’m only half Aborigine because I’ve never seen it again. JCH: What do you have that appeals to American audiences? Dame Edna: They are relieved I’m not British. That means I’m not snobbish. I’m more rough-hewn like American culture. I speak the truth and I do not believe in political correctness. JCH: Americans love Australians and have taken many of the stars to their bosoms. Dame Edna: I taught many of them. I have a little acting school in Melbourne called Dame Edna’s Academy of Drama, or DEAD for short. Mr. and Mrs. Newton-John knocked on my kitchen door and asked if I would give their little Olivia some singing lessons. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson brought me their stunted little son Mel for drama lessons. He hasn’t grown beyond the age of 15. Then from there it was Hugh Jackman, Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe. He was very difficult and bad-mannered. He has not changed. I try to instill refinement into my pupils. I taught Nicole Kidman everything she knows. JCH: Have you met our new President Obama? Dame Edna: No. I have only really communicated with Michelle. I’m helping her with her wardrobe. She wants everything I’ve got, except sleeveless.” JCH: Do you have a large staff? Dame Edna: You know, I don’t have a large entourage. I travel with my gynecologist. JCH: What is your reaction to what people wear on planes? Dame Edna: Ooh! You know what I absolutely can’t stand are those pants that stop midcalf for men. It’s those horrible cargo shorts. Then they wear great big baggy T-shirts and they wear little caps pointing backwards. One time at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool I fell in love with seersucker jackets. I met the inventors, Mr. Seer and Mr. Sucker. They were a couple. JCH: What is the essence of your show? Dame Edna: I bring the glamour, the glitter and mostly the laughter that is so needed now. I found an audience in your country about 10 years ago by accident. I’d done a show in London, and it was not what I had hoped for. It was a bit ambitious, if you like. I said I’d reached a watershed and I didn’t even know what a watershed was! I called up my friend Joan Rivers. Is she still alive? I think she’s alive — well, anyway, I asked what I should do next, and she said, “Go to San Francisco! Book yourself for two weeks and they will love you.” I stayed for four months, went to Broadway and won a Tony Award! And I thank Joan Rivers on the pages of your La Jolla Village News. “Dame Edna Live: My First Last Tour” plays at the Civic Theatre June 2 through 7. Call (619) 570-1100 or (619) 220-TIXS for tickets.