Nine tribute: Bert Newton: Let Me Entertain You

Nine has scheduled a tribute to Bert Newton tonight to screen tonight following the death of the Television icon.

Bert Newton: Let Me Entertain You will screen tonight following The Block.

7pm The Block.
8:35pm Bert Newton: Let Me Entertain You
10pm 60 Minutes
11pm Nine News Late

Legend of Australian television, Bert Newton, passed away last night, aged 83, after a long health battle.

His magnificent life and unparalleled contribution to Australian showbusiness will be celebrated tonight at 8.35pm when Channel 9 and 9Now broadcast Bert Newton: Let Me Entertain You.

The impact that Bert had on the Australian television landscape will never be felt again and tonight we take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the illustrious entertainer’s most memorable moments.

Tracy Grimshaw, Hamish Blake, Eddie McGuire and Shaun Micallef will share with us their reflections of the man whose star shone so brightly on Channel 9 for more than 60 years.

Michael Healy, Nine’s Director of Television, said: “Bert Newton was 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. He was loved by us all at Nine and we wish Patti, Lauren, Matt and their families our sincere condolences at this sad time.”

Since the dawn of television in Australia, Bert Newton, with his twin talents as a natural comedian and compere, was a favourite with the viewing public, visiting celebrities and critics alike.

During a visit to Australia in 1983, legendary American star, the late Bob Hope said of Bert, “Personally, he is a fine man. Professionally, he is one of the best television performers I’ve ever seen.”

His remarkable career has been recognised by an incredible collection of awards including 18 TV Week Logie Awards, of which four are Gold Logies. He also hosted the ceremony a record 19 times.

Bert’s dedicated professionalism was acknowledged with an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 1979, for services to the Performing Arts.

Born on July 23, 1938 in North Fitzroy, Bert was one of six children. He was very close to his mother, Gladys, who died in 1981. His father, Joseph, served in World War II, returning when Bert was seven years old and died in 1950 when Bert was eleven.

That same year Bert went along to the Melbourne 3XY radio studios to watch a broadcast of the Peter’s Ice Cream Peter’s Pals program and was captivated by the magic of entertainment.

He made his radio debut shortly after on the same 3XY show. When he left school, St. Joseph’s Marist Brothers in North Fitzroy, Bert was given a full-time job with 3XY as a turntable operator. Impressed by his talent and enthusiasm, the management put him on air as an announcer. He was just 15 years of age.

Bert attracted the attention of the Seven Network in its first days of broadcasting and was signed up to compere The Late Show joining his good friend, the late Noel Ferrier. Bert’s opposition was Graham Kennedy in the same timeslot on the 9Network. In March 1959 they ceased being rivals and teamed up on Channel Nine.

It was the start of an historic partnership that viewers were to love when the inimitable team fronted In Melbourne Tonight. No one who saw Kennedy and Newton on IMT could ever forget their brand of humour and entertainment and Bert became one of Australia’s favourite sons with his impeccable sense of timing and his natural warm humour.

Bert later went on to team up with Don Lane to host the highest rating national tonight show in Australia’s history, The Don Lane Show. Their unique and award-winning partnership entertained a massive audience from 1975 to 1983.

In 1976 Bert became compere of the 9Network’s New Faces program, which was on air for 22 years. This show was a particular favourite of Bert’s and he was always very proud of the show and its success.

In 1986, Bert joined Radio 3DB Melbourne as General Manager and on-air announcer. He remained there for two years, being the last on-air personality to be heard on the pioneering radio station, which ceased operating in April 1988.

1989 Bert returned to the Seven Network to host the daily program, The Bert Newton Show.

In 1991 Bert starred in the theatre production of The Wizard of Oz. In the title role, he received rave reviews across the country.

Shortly after, Network Ten signed Bert for Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton which aired from 1992 until 2005, becoming one of the longest running and most successful daytime shows on Australian television.

In 1996 Bert starred as Cogsworth in the Disney stage production of Beauty and the Beast, for which he won a Mo Award.

Bert took to the stage again in 1999 in the lavish production of The Sound of Music, playing the role of Uncle Max.

2001 saw Bert reprise his role as The Wizard of Oz in the musical of the same name. He has also played the role of Franz Liebkind in Mel Brooks’ award-winning musical The Producers across Australia.

In February 2006, Bert returned to the 9Network after 20 years to host Bert’s Family Feud and the top-rating 20 to 1.

Two years later, in November 2008, Bert took on the role of The Wizard in the stage spectacular, Wicked.

In July 2012, he joined the Melbourne cast of Annie, taking over the role of President Roosevelt.

The following year he returned to the stage in Grease the Musical, playing the role of disc jockey Vince Fontaine.

In 2015 he narrated the Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Bert is survived by his wife, entertainer Patti Newton, whom he married on 9 November 1974, his two children, Matthew and Lauren, and six grandchildren.