Figures in the Australian entertainment industries have taken to social media to pay tribute to Australian entertainment legend, Bert Newton who passed away over the weekend at age 83.
Newton died on Saturday, 30th October while in palliative care at a private clinic in Melbourne. He had been in care since having his leg amputated earlier in the year due to a life-threatening infection.
The four-time gold Logie award-winning entertainer was an irreplaceable figure in Australian entertainment, who worked across the industry for six-decades. A household name for decades, Newton appeared on a number of television networks across his career, but his longest relationship was with The Nine Network. They confirmed the news of his death over the weekend.
His credits in television include In Melbourne Tonight, The Graham Kennedy Show, The Don Lane Show, Good Morning Australia, New Faces, Bert’s Family Feud, and 20 to 1.
“Bert Newton was a giant of our industry, entertaining generations of Australians across our television screens,” said Nine’s director of television Michael Healy in a statement.
“He brought unbridled joy and laughter into our homes as part of so many programs, partnerships and formats.”
Newton, Graham Kennedy and Don Lane were part of a trio that was affectionately known as the kings of Australian television.
He was an avid stage-performer too, appearing on stage with Wicked, Annie, Grease, and more.
Newton is survived by his wife of over 46 years, Patti, his two children Matthew and Lauren, and grandchildren.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announced earlier today that Newton is due to be honoured at a state funeral.
“Bert Newton was an icon, a larrikin and a born entertainer. We have never known TV without Bert – he was there from the beginning,” Andrews said.
“Above all his achievements, he was a family man and his greatest partnership was with his wife of almost 50 years, Patti. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, their children and their grandchildren.”
“We will all have an opportunity to honour his memory, his talent and his achievements at a state funeral. Details will be shared in the coming days.”
A number of figures in Australian entertainment have taken to social media to pay tribute to Newton, offering up memories and their condolences. Check out some of those tributes below.
A one-man history of Australian entertainment…
We take a look back at the extraordinary life and career of TV and radio icon Bert Newton. #9News
IN PICTURES: https://t.co/jVx9KqzuOB pic.twitter.com/ZtYae0rlVj
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) October 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/Anthony_Wiggle/status/1454417181484064769?s=20
In a world full of change, Patti and Bert remain one of Australia’s enduring love stories ❤️
Bert Newton was the kindest and most nurturing person that I’ve come across in my career.
A true gentleman and such a great Australian talent! #bertnewton pic.twitter.com/R9apgDBNms
— Marcia Hines (@TheMarciaHines) October 30, 2021
I have very sad news ….
Showbiz icon Bert Newton has died at age 83.
It was remarkable career on TV, stage & radio. Sadly he didn’t get the last chapter he deserved. He was a great mentor & friend to me.
Condolences to Patti,Lauren,Matthew & extended family.— Peter Ford (@mrpford) October 30, 2021
This wonderful bloke always had the door open at “good morning Australia” for music, he always asked the names of the band and treated us with respect. RIP to an amazing showman ,Bert Newton we love ya?? pic.twitter.com/a8WQyNbDM4
— Troy Cassar-Daley (@troycassardaley) October 30, 2021
What a loss. There was no one quite like the great Bert Newton. To have lost him at 83 is still too soon, because he’s truly irreplaceable. Brilliant, cheeky, generous, kind. Sending deepest condolences to his beloved Patti, Lauren, Matthew and his treasured grandkids. Vale. ?
— Angela Bishop OAM (@AngelaBishop) October 30, 2021
Bert Newton was the best.Years ago when my friend&comedy colleague Lynda Gibson was dying of cancer we had a fundraising comedy ‘roast’ for her.Bert turned up @ HiFi bar in Melb&paid homage by removing his ‘rumoured’ toupee & revealing his total baldness. It meant the world to us
— Denise Scott (@_denisescott) October 30, 2021
Noo Bert Newton. He was always so friendly & hilarious. One day at an 11 am media screening of a film he sat next to me & Rove. He pulled out some champagne & handed me two glasses. He said ‘that’s for you, that’s for Rove and fuck the rest of them.’ RIP Bert, champers in heaven!
— Dave O'Neil (@itsdaveoneil) October 30, 2021
Sorry to hear of the death of Bert Newton. We were work colleagues on Network Ten mornings for years. I was often the fall guy , his quick wit amazing. What a legend. My deepest sympathy to Patty and the family.
— Paul Bongiorno (@PaulBongiorno) October 30, 2021
