Bert Newton funeral as it happened: Australia’s entertainment industry pays tribute to TV icon

An emotional Patti Newton sobbed as she and her daughter Lauren led Bert Newton’s casket out of St Patrick’s Cathedral after a public service to farewell the TV legend.

The Melbourne weather was appropriately glum as more than 500 mourners bid farewell to the man affectionately known as “Old Moonface”.

Patti and Lauren Newton lead Bert Newton’s casket out of St Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday. Credit: Simon Schluter

Throughout the service, an assortment of political heavyweights and celebrities paid tribute to Bert. Victorian Premier Dan Andrews reminded us that “Bert’s story is the story of Australian television,” while Eddie McGuire noted how honoured he was that Bert had famously named his toupee “Eddie”.

“I couldn’t believe he knew who I was,” joked McGuire.

The most moving moments came when a long-time family friend Pete Smith read out eulogies on behalf of Newton’s children, Matthew and Lauren.

“Everyone knows he was a great entertainer,” wrote Matthew, “but what people don’t know is that he would be there in the tough times too – no one knows that more than me.”

Lauren paid tribute to the man she called “the greatest dad in the world” and spoke glowingly of how Newton came into his own as a grandfather, his grandchildren becoming his most beloved audience.

Patti saying a final farewell to her beloved husband. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“He was my kids’ most captive audience, he even got the job of introducing them and I wondered if they knew how lucky they were,” wrote Lauren. “He even put his good voice on like he was hosting the Logies. I knew it was one of his favourite gigs ever.”

While much of the service drew focus to his long life on stage, on screen and on the radio, his proudest role was that of husband to Patti.

“Saying goodbye has been heartbreaking for us all, especially Mum,” wrote Lauren. “They love one another so much and I know he waited until she left the room to take his last breath, because while she was with him he couldn’t have gone.”

Newton’s grandchildren released white doves at the end of the funeral service. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The service also included a moving performance of The Prayer by Anthony Callea, who was accompanied by John Foreman – a regular on Good Morning Australia and a long-time friend of Newton’s – on the piano.

As the formalities came to a close, white doves were released by Newton’s grandchildren outside the cathedral.

Bert Newton’s long-time friend and colleague Philip Brady has read out a traditional Irish blessing that was one of Bert’s favourites.

Brady worked with Newton on almost every TV project since the 1950s, and was his producer on Radio 3UZ’s morning show in the early 1980s.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

Peter Smith read out a moving eulogy written by Bert and Patti’s daughter, Lauren. The words had many in St Patrick’s Cathedral in tears, as Lauren recalled the less public side of Bert.

“I’m not sure where to begin, or if I could ever put into words how much I love my dad. From the love I felt as a child, to watching him with my own children, he made us feel so special and always brought laughter and fun to everything we did,” she said. “I always felt lucky I had two dads: one on TV and one at home.

“Family always came first for Dad, and he included us in everything he did. He and mum were a team and he wanted us to be involved in everything. He made me feel very special and I knew I could always count on him.

Lauren Newton, second from left, with her children and mum, Patti. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“When my car broke down on the freeway and had to be towed, Dad raced to be by my side with a Diet Coke in hand for us both. That was him, he was always there when I needed him, he was always interested in everything I did.

“He was the greatest father I could’ve wished for.”

Lauren also spoke glowingly about Bert as a grandfather, and how much he relished time with his grandchildren, his most beloved audience.

“We had so many special times together, and I am so glad he got the chance to know my children. They loved Poppy so much, and his love for them was clear to see. He would spend hours playing games with them, his favourite game being hospitals and hotels.

“Mum and I wondered why he liked that game the best, then we realised it was because all he had to do was lie on the bed and rest.

“He was my kids’ most captive audience. He even got the job of introducing them on stage when they played, and I wondered if they knew how lucky they were. He even put his good voice on, like he was doing the Logies.

“I knew it was one of his favourite gigs ever.”

Bert Newton surrounded by his grandchildren in hospital.Credit: Instagram

“The last year has been tough, and we can’t imagine life without him. I will hold close those memories of sitting with Dad, watching the kids play around the fishpond and singing songs with him.”

Lauren ended her tribute by shining a spotlight on how, even in death, Bert put his wife, Patti, first.

“Saying goodbye has been heartbreaking for us all, especially Mum. They love one another so much and I know he waited until she left the room to take his last breath because while she was with him he couldn’t have gone.

“My beautiful dad will be with us forever in our hearts and memories, but life will never be the same without him. I love you, Dad.”

Matthew Newton has paid tribute to his father from New York, where he remains due to the pandemic, via a eulogy read out by family friend and long-time Newton collaborator Peter Smith.

“I am very sorry that due to the pandemic I can’t be with you to celebrate,” he said. “Growing up, I never really watched Bambi or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I didn’t want to – what fascinated me were the movies that created the black and white glow from my dad’s office.

“A lot has been said about my dad’s sharp wit, but my two favourite lines weren’t said on TV, or even in front of an audience. Once was in a doctor’s office and there were only two people in the room – one was a doctor, the other was an 11-year-old me.”

While Matthew kept the line under wraps, he pointed to his father’s unrivalled ability to make people laugh.

“Dad wanted to pop the tension of an awkward situation, see another human being light up and laugh. It was a superpower and he always tried to use it for good.”

The Newtons: Bert and Patti with daughter Lauren and son Matthew in 1986.Credit: Getty

Matthew also touched upon how Bert wasn’t just a fun-time father, but also a man who could be relied upon when the going got tough.

“Everyone knows he was a great entertainer but what people don’t know is that he would be there in the tough times too – no one knows that more than me.

“Over the last 10 years, while I have lived abroad, Dad and I would play our conversational songs over Zoom and FaceTime, which allowed me to connect and reconnect with my whole family, especially Dad.

“Our final conversation was different from the usual and we both knew it. We just said how much we loved each other. During this wonderful chat my mother was pottering around in the background, adding her two cents in, as usual.

“At one point she took something into another room and the second she left, Dad leaned in and whispered, ‘I think she’s poisoning my food, Matthew.’

“We both laughed and laughed until we cried. Although given why we’re here today, Mum, perhaps I should’ve taken him more seriously.”

In summing up, Matthew honoured the enduring partnership and great love between his father and mother.

“You two were a team, are a team, and even though you’re not on stage together anymore, the show must go on. Dad was the ultimate host or compere – never presenter, a term he loathed.

“I’m going to really miss jamming with you, mate. Here’s looking at you, kid.”

Eddie McGuire has delivered a moving eulogy on stage at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

“I speak on behalf of those who worked with him, the consummate compere. To Graham Kennedy, he was Herbie, to Don Lane he was Moonface, to all of us he was our Bert.”

McGuire paid tribute to Bert’s “generosity of spirit.”

“He gave himself to make a show work, a segment pop, to give everything for his beloved audience.”

McGuire also recalled the long-buried anecdote of Newton visiting a man dying of HIV in a hospital ward and gifting him one of his beloved Gold Logies.

“It finally makes sense now to the family,” joked McGuire. “Bert had won 36 Logies, but Patti could only find 17.”

Eddie McGuire pays tribute to Bert Newton. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“Bert was a giant, among the givers of the world, he stands tallest. He has more than paid rent for the space he occupied on this planet.”

McGuire also touched on the special personal relationship he shared with Bert.

“Bert was such a legend to be acknowledged by him was to feel like you made it.

“When he named his toupee Eddie I was honoured and gratified. First, he knew who I was, second because I’d been part of his act and finally because it was pure Bert. He supported you on your best day, but also on your worst because Bert knew both.”

In a eulogy spanning more than five minutes, McGuire touched on the history of Australia’s greatest showman.

“He cut his 21st cake on TV and stayed there his entire life. Bert never stopped evolving, never stopped learning. He is the least jaded old-fashioned performer you would ever meet.”

“To watch Bert with the likes of Sammy Davis Jr. and Debbie Reynolds was to watch kindred spirits on live television.”

He also reflected upon Bert’s long-standing relationship with the Logies. “To watch Bert at the Logies was a highlight of the year, to watch him glide onto the stage like a dancer.”

He then read tributes from a long list of famous faces including Paul Hogan. Continuing, McGuire said Bert was “the first Melburnian to become the King of Moomba. He was a star on the wireless, he loved his footy, his Fitzroy, and his horses. He looked forward not back.

“In passing, he had been recognised by the Prime Minister, afforded a State Funeral by his state of Victoria.

“Showbusiness will never be the same, the young boy from Fitzroy who became a star, then a legend, then an institution and now our greatest memory of the golden years of television.

“Forever our Bert.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has taken to the stage to pay tribute to Bert Newton. Here’s an edited version of his speech.

“Bert Newton had the gift of faith and I can’t help but think he would be so honoured with full mass here at St Patrick’s cathedral.

Bert Newton was a great entertainer, and life itself was his stage. He was always there, omnipresent, on our screens and in our homes.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaking at Bert Newton’s funeral. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

To Australia, Bert wasn’t just a man on a screen or an actor on a stage – he was someone we all felt we knew.

Families were drawn in by Bert’s warmth and inviting ease, he was more than talent, he was trust.

His story is the story of Australian television.

When things went off script, when a show went off the rails Bert thrived. He was in his element, witty, cheek, and clever.

A master of his craft, but true to himself at the same time. A highly skilled and authentic entertainer, one people respected and revered.

He was a pioneer, an icon, a legend. But Bert’s story is so much more. A shy working-class kid from no apologies, no prisoners North Fitzroy, who loved trams and going to the pictures.

His life changed when the 7th Brunswick Boys Scouts took him to see his first live radio broadcast.

When Bert walked into the 3XY Spring Street studios, he was just trying to get his Scouts Badge but he had found his calling.

Every night for six months, but would come back to 3XY in awe.

“He was a pioneer, an icon, a legend. But Bert’s story is so much more,” said Premier Dan Andrews.Credit:

While his career spanned TV, radio and stage, Bert dedicated a lifetime to mentoring others, sharing his wisdom and experience, behind the scenes. To this day, his legacy endures in the young actors, broadcasters and entertainers he helped along the way.

But everyone knows when we think and speak of Bert Newton, we are reflecting on a double act: Bert’s partnership with Patti is a story for the ages.

Christmas 1974 and Bert flies from Melbourne to LA, and eventually on to New York to board a cruise ship. He is hoping the woman he loves but hasn’t seen for some time will accept this proposal of marriage.

She did just that.

Bert and Patti were partners in every way: husband and wife, parents and grandparents, best friend, entertainers, performers and soul mates.

He was a boy from North Fitzroy who made it all the way to the top, a man of unmatched talent, who led a life that was full. He entertained his audience because he respected his audience, he lived his values; compassion and kindness, generosity and empathy.

We are richer for his life and poorer for his passing.”

Bert was a longtime man of faith and a devout Catholic, so today’s funeral begins with a welcoming from Very Reverend Werner Utri, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral.

“I’d like to warmly welcome you here today, those in the cathedral and joining us from afar,” he said. “I’d like to begin by acknowledging those with us today, first and foremost his wife Patti, daughter Lauren, son-in-law Matt, and grandchildren.

“Bert’s son Matthew and wife Katherine were unable to join us as they are in New York.”

Reverend Utri also welcomed the political heavyweights in the room: Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as well as an assortment of ministers.

Reverend Utri then honoured the multi-faceted Bert Newton and “the many roles he played in our lives – husband, father, grandfather, colleague, friend, entertainer and as a man of faith.”

One of the biggest questions ahead of today’s service is around Matthew Newton. Would Bert and Patti’s son return from New York, where he has lived for several years now, to bid his father farewell in person?

A source close to the family has told me the answer is almost certainly no. “He has written a message, and Pete Smith will read that out,” she said.