Tributes have flowed in for TV personality, comedian and actor Bert Newton, who died last night aged 83.
Newton died in Melbourne following years of health complications. Back in May, he had his leg amputated after dealing with complications from an infected toe. Prior to that, he was hospitalised for pneumonia in 2017, and underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery in 2012.
On social media, comedian Shaun Micallef reflected on seeing Newton on screen when he was younger, only to work with him years later.
“Bert was the guy we would all talk about the next day at school after the Don Lane Show. He was the funny guy who hosted the Logies when I was growing up. 20 times,” he said.
“Years later I would host it once and I got to introduce him and it was a really big deal for me.”
Bert was the guy we would all talk about the next day at school after the Don Lane Show. He was the funny guy who hosted the Logies when I was growing up. 20 times. Years later I would host it once and I got to introduce him and it was a really big deal for me. Goodnight Bert.
— Shaun Micallef (@shaunmicallef) October 30, 2021
Fellow comedian and TV host Adam Hills described Newton as the “ultimate entertainer”.
“Australian TV wouldn’t be what it is without Bert. It’s up to us all to take what he taught us, and keep his spirit alive.”
This is such sad news for any Australian. Bert Newton was the ultimate entertainer. Australian TV wouldn’t be what it is without Bert. 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. https://t.co/FyE10m1Jdy
— Adam Hills (@adamhillscomedy) October 30, 2021
On Facebook, Jimmy Barnes shared archival footage of Newton promoting the singer’s 2005 album ‘Double Happiness’ during a segment on Good Morning Australia.
“Bert was the absolute professional. Was always a pleasure to talk with him. He’ll be dearly missed,” Barnes said.
Bert was the absolute professional. It was always a pleasure to talk with him. He’ll be dearly missed.
Posted by Jimmy Barnes on Saturday, October 30, 2021
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has also confirmed Newton will receive a state funeral, with details to be announced in the coming days.
“He lived his life on the silver screen – and we welcomed his wit and humour into our homes,” he said in a statement.
“As we reflect on his legacy in the coming days, we’ll all be reminded of his legendary partnerships with Graham Kennedy and Don Lane. For so many, those partnerships are as inseparable as they are memorable.”
View other tributes to Newton below:
I am sobbing and absolutely heartbroken that my darling friend Bert has passed. He was a loyal, wonderful & kind man who supported me my entire career through good and bad times. He was an absolute icon . There will never be another Bert. Rest In Peace darling man – I love you xx pic.twitter.com/WKk7SKh960
— Rhonda Burchmore (@rhondaburchmore) October 30, 2021
Vale Bert Newton, a true Melbourne legend, a true believer and a world class entertainer. #bertnewton pic.twitter.com/sVl8UlNOu6
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) October 30, 2021
This week just gets sadder with the passing of Aust. TV icon Bert Newton.I had the absolute honour of sharing a stage on occasion with Bert & was able to step back& watch a star at work.The void he leaves behind is immeasurable. Our condolences to Patti&family,RIP Bert. Jan&Burgo
— John Burgess (@thejohnburgess) October 30, 2021
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
Bert was always hugely generous with his time for our show and amazingly supportive of our fledgling careers. I’m lucky to have met and shared the airwaves with him. One of the greatest 📺 #RIPBert pic.twitter.com/b8hjsM4AEy
— Andy Lee (@andytomlee) October 31, 2021
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) October 30, 2021
Newton had a career on screen and on stage for more than 50 years, beginning as a teenage radio announcer in his hometown of Melbourne. Years later, he would go on to make a name for himself thanks to his collaborations with entertainers Don Lane and Graham Kennedy, who have both since passed away.
On screen, Newton was known for his work on The Graham Kennedy Show, The Don Lane Show, In Melbourne Tonight, Good Morning Australia, New Faces, Bert’s Family Feud and 20 to 1. He also hosted the Logies awards ceremony on multiple occasions.
Additionally, Newton participated in stage productions of Wicked, Annie, Grease and The Rocky Horror Show.