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Happy 80th Bert!

TV's living legend forged a career as a 'second banana' but became the king of live TV hosting.

Happy Birthday to living legend Bert Newton, who turns 80 years old today.

The iconic variety performer celebrated quietly with family on the weekend, telling the Herald Sun,  “They say that life begins at 40. If that is the case I have had 40 pretty good years up until 80. It is a good feeling and it is particularly nice to be able to share it with the grandkids.

“I am so thrilled that I am here with them. One realises that at 80 years of age there is not too much chance of being at their 21st or whatever, but the important thing is they are with us to celebrate.

“It is wonderful to celebrate the milestone with the people I love.”

Newton’s TV resume is led by cleverly working as second-banana to Graham Kennedy and Don Lane at Nine, but he has also long-runs as host on New Faces plus Good Morning Australia for TEN.

There were also stints fronting his own variety shows, for Nine and Seven, Ford Superquiz, Family Feud and 20 to One.

Known for his quick wit and Live hosting skills, Bert is also synonymous with hosting the Logie Awards, mostly recently attracting some criticism for jokes during an appearance at the 60th event. Newton has since explained his comments were not meant to offend or tarnish reputations.

But while Bert has had more than his share of headlines, including for health scares & family dramas, he remains much-loved

There has also been Gold Logies, Hall of Fame, Order of Australia, Order of the British Empire awards, Centenary Medals, Mo Awards, Television Society of Australia awards, Australia Post stamps, stage & radio credits, and King of Moomba titles.

A decade ago at his 70th birthday thrown at GTV9 he told TV Tonight, “I think I’ve reached that stage where someone else has to suggest what I can do. And if I think I can do it, away we go.”

5 Responses

  1. I would think the vast majority of he’s viewer base over the last 50 years would not give a blink of a thought about his 2018 Logie appearance.

    1. I think that’s a little harsh! His comments were certainly tone deaf to the current climate. But with his body of work and longevity in the industry, I suspect when the time comes to start memorialising him that his 2018 Logies comments will barely rate a mention.

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