Bert Newton remembered as 'giant of the industry' and 'ultimate entertainer' - ABC News

The Australian entertainment industry is paying tribute to Gold Logie-winning television star Bert Newton, who has died aged 83 in his hometown of Melbourne.

Key points:

• Newton graced the nation's screens for more than 60 years and had roles at all four major networks
• He is being remembered as "the ultimate entertainer" and an Australian icon
• Veteran broadcaster John Burgess said Newton would leave an immeasurable void behind

The charismatic host had a career spanning more than six decades, dating back to the early days of Australian broadcasting.

The Nine Network, with which Newton — affectionately known as "Moonface" — was longest associated, confirmed the news, which sparked a widespread response from high-profile entertainers and politicians.

Fitzroy-born Newton started in the radio business at the age of 12 and scaled the heights of Australian entertainment on stage and screen.

Alongside Graham Kennedy and US-born Don Lane, he was part of a trio known as the kings of Australian television.

His TV credits 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, seen here in 2006, worked in television for the Seven, Nine and Ten networks.(AAP: Joe Castro)

On stage, he played roles in the musicals Wicked, Annie, Grease, and as narrator in The Rocky Horror Show.

Nine's Director of Television Michael Healy described Newton as a "giant of our industry, entertaining generations of Australians across our television screens".

"He brought unbridled joy and laughter into our homes as part of so many programs, partnerships and formats," Mr Healy said.

"He was loved by us all at Nine and we wish Patti, Lauren, Matt and their families our sincere condolences at this sad time."

Veteran broadcaster John "Burgo" Burgess said Newton was an icon who would leave an "immeasurable" void behind.

Comedian Adam Hills said it was "sad news for any Australian", adding that Australian television would not be where it is now without the larger-than-life entertainer.

"Bert Newton was the ultimate entertainer. Australian TV wouldn’t be what it is without Bert," Hills tweeted.

"It’s up to us all to take what he taught us, and keep his spirit alive. Enormous love to his family. Take a bow, Bert. You deserve the applause."

Bert Newton dressed up as the Fat Controller to entertain children in Melbourne in 2015.(AAP: Tracey Nearmy)

TV presenter Rove McManus also paid tribute, saying he had "lost a mentor and a friend" as Australia "lost an icon".

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Stand-up comedian Denise Scott said Newton had made fun of himself years ago to raise money for a friend who was dying of cancer, describing him as "the best".

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Former SBS, Channel 9, and Channel 10 news presenter George Donikian wrote on Facebook that his former colleague was a genuinely funny guy and "a generous performer who supported all those he believed in".

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Actor and singer Jason Donovan described family friend Newton as a hugely passionate supporter of Australian talent, adding he was in awe of "his talent, his versatility [and] quick wit".

Stage performer and musician David Campbell described Newton's death as "the end of an era", posting a photo of Newton with his former sidekick Graham Kennedy.

Kennedy died in 2005 at the age of 71.

Australia's political leaders also paid tribute to Newton, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying from his trip to the G20 summit in Rome that there "will never be another like him".

"Bert came into our homes and made himself very welcome. He was a regular guest and we always looked forward to his next visit," Mr Morrison said.

"Bert could give and take a joke. He could laugh at himself, and I'm sure that's what made Australians warm to him as much as we did."

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten noted Newton's legendary status as a "world-class entertainer" in their shared home of Melbourne and current Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said his heart went out to Newton's family.

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Health Minister Greg Hunt also tweeted, saying Newton lit up Australian screens with laughter and joy for decades, and was "a key part of the continuing evolution of the silver screen".

Newton is survived by his wife Patti and two children, Lauren and Matthew.

Patti's Instagram feed is a stream of tributes doting on her children, grandchildren, and her long-lasting devotion to "the love of my life", Bert.

Just six days ago, she posted a photo of Newton with their grandchildren, captioning it: "That's what happiness is."

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiYGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTEwLTMwL2JlcnQtbmV3dG9uLXJlbWVtYmVyZWQtYXMtZ2lhbnQtb2YtdGhlLWluZHVzdHJ5LzEwMDU4MzI5ONIBKGh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvYXJ0aWNsZS8xMDA1ODMyOTg?oc=5

2021-10-30 11:15:20Z
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