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Tributes flow in for Bert Newton following his death at age 83

Celebrities who knew and worked with TV icon Bert Newton have shared heartwarming tributes, along with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Ally FosterAlly Foster
@allyjfoster
3 min read
October 31, 2021 - 8:54AM
Bert Newton dies age 83 years

Social media has been flooded with tributes for Australian TV legend Bert Newton following the news of his death on Saturday night.

The 83-year-old’s death comes after a long health battle, with Newton having his leg amputated earlier this year due to a life threatening infection.

The veteran performer died while undergoing palliative care at a private clinic in Melbourne.

Journalist Peter Ford told news.com.au that Patti Newton, Bert’s beloved wife of 46 years, asked him to confirm the sad news on his family’s behalf.

RELATED: Bert Newton’s incredible TV career

Bert Newton has died aged 83. Picture: David Caird
Bert Newton has died aged 83. Picture: David Caird

“I have very sad news,” Ford tweeted on Saturday evening.

“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.”

Tributes quickly began flowing in for the beloved Aussie icon.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a statement saying “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, I’m sure that’s what made Australians warm to him as much as we did.

“Australians also understood his steadfast love of Patti, and her steadfast strength.

“To Patti and the family, Jen and I send our love, and we send the country’s love as well.”

Rove McManus said he had lost “a mentor and a friend”.

Aussie singer and Today Extra host, David Campbell said Newton would be remembered as the “ultimate showman.

“The end of an era. RIP Bert Newton. We all grew up with him. He loved this industry and supported so many of us,” he wrote on Facebook.

“My thoughts go out to Patti and his kids. Thank you Bert. I was just a young singer and he always had me on his show. It was an absolute honour.”

Actress Denise Scott shared a heartwarming story of what Newton did to help raise money at a fundraiser for Melbourne comedian Lynda Gibson when she was dying of cancer.

Former Wheel of Fortune host “Baby John” Burgess said Newton’s loss was “immeasurable”.

Former Neighbours star Jason Donovan also paid tribute to a man he called an “absolute legend”.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the 83-year-old was “part of the very fabric of our television landscape”.

Tributes have been flowing in for Newton. Picture: Instagram
Tributes have been flowing in for Newton. Picture: Instagram

Comedian Adam Hills said Australian TV “won’t be the same 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,” he wrote.

Nine’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, said Newton was a “giant of our industry” who entertained generations of Australians.

“He brought unbridled joy and laughter into our homes as part of so many programs, partnerships & formats,” Mr Healy said in a statement.

Australian TV presenter, Jo Beth Taylor, said she would “cherish the times” she and Newton spent together.

Network 10’s Entertainment Editor and Studio 10 co-host, Angela Bishop, said he was “truly irreplaceable”.

“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,” she wrote on Twitter.

“Sending deepest condolences to his beloved Patti, Lauren, Matthew and his treasured grandkids. Vale.”

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said Australia had “lost an icon”.

“Vale Bert Newton. My heart goes out to his family who have lost a husband, a father and friend. And to Australia who have lost an icon,” he said.

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Originally published as Tributes flow in for Bert Newton following his death at age 83

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/tributes-flow-in-for-bert-newton-following-his-death-at-age-83/news-story/bc717a59b06c8b3c1bb4bec8c33e2291