How Bert Newton went from being a shy, working class kid to the king of showbiz

From a shy, working class kid to the king of showbiz: How Bert Newton came to be

Words: Anthony Piovesan Producer: Louise Starkey

Bert Newton’s glittering performing career has spanned generations since the late 1950s and the joy he brought to Australian living rooms will be remembered by millions.

The 83-year-old, who died at his home on October 30 after having his leg amputated in May, was honoured by his friends and family at a funeral service at St Patrick's Cathedral on November 12.

Daniel Andrews New Faces | 1983

The king of showbiz started his career in the entertainment industry when he was just 15 years old — being hired as a junior announcer on Melbourne radio station 3XY in 1952.

He quickly moved to the next stage in his career, becoming the presenter of a program recorded on the street, called Melbourne Speaks .

The man with a "twinkle in his eye" then moved into television — hosting The Late Show , before making his debut on In Melbourne Today in 1959.

Bert soon joined sister show In Melbourne Tonight , becoming a regular alongside the King of Television, Graham Kennedy.

In early 1960 he hosted The Bert Newton Sho w , and the duo appeared weekly on The Graham Kennedy Show on Channel 9.

After a short stint back on radio, Bert returned to television when he was in 1975 show The Don Lane Show as sidekick "barrel boy" to Don Lane that earned him the title of "Moonface".

The father-of-two, grandfather-of-six and wife to Patti also hosted game show Ford Superquiz , talent show New Faces , Tonight with Bert Newton , Good Morning Australia , Bert’s Family Feud , 20 To 1 and What A Year. Keith Urban New Faces | 1983 Video: Channel 9

Bert even reprised his role as Logies host in 2006 when he co-hosted with former Gold Logie winners Lisa McCune, Georgie Parker, Ray Martin and Daryl Somers. He hosted the show solo in 2010. In fact he went on to host the show more than 20 times. Video: Channel 9 Bert Newton TV Week Logie Awards | 2018

Bert was named the number one Australian television star of the past 50 years in 2006 during the 50 Years 50 Stars special on Channel 9.

He also added a number of starring roles in musical theatre to his resume, including in Beauty And The Beast (1995), The Sound Of Music (1999), The Producers (2012), Grease (2013) and Wicked (2009), where he played the role of the Wizard.

Bert leaves behind son Matthew, 43, wife of 47 years Patti and daughter Lauren, 40 — along with her six children and husband Matt Welsh.