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From the Archives, 1979: Ali and Newton’s infamous Logies moment
In 1979, Muhammad Ali was on hand to present Bert Newton with a long-awaited Gold Logie. It was there the world’s most famous man found himself the bemused co-star in one of the most infamous Logies clangers of them all.
By Brian Courtis
First published in The Age on March 17, 1979
Ali, Bert are the greatest
The Ali shuffle and some Bert Newton adlibs knocked out the star-studded audience in the final round of the 21st Logies Award presentations.
Muhammad Ali and Bert Newton at the 21st Logie Awards in 1979.Credit: Bruce Postle
Muhammad Ali was rushed to the Hilton Hotel from Tullamarine by police escort to present the Gold Logie for television’s most popular personality.
He received a standing ovation when he entered the room with an entourage of managers and security men, his wife Veronica, and the former British boxing champion, Joe Bugner.
There was one minor embarrassment for Bert Newton as he received his long-awaited, much deserved Gold Logie from Ali.
“I like the boy,” he joked, and there was a cold stare from the 37-year-old-champion. “Did you say boy or Roy?” Ali asked icily, as Newton’s television partner, Don Lane, nodded furiously in warning from his seat.
Newton quickly received the message, understood and saved himself with a verbal counter-punch.
It was Bert’s night from beginning to end. He won the award for the most popular male personality in Victoria and then finally took off the big one.
He dedicated his Gold Logie to his late sister Alice and offered tributes to his wife Patti and Don Lane — “the most generous man I’ve worked with”.
Lorraine Basis, Grace in the Channel 9 series, The Sullivans was tearful as site received the best actress Logie and Paul Cronin, her husband Dave in the show, was exuberant.
There was a standing ovation for Bill Bennett, who was named TV Reporter of the Year for his work on Willesee at Seven. He has only fact recovered from a serious road accident.
Robin Williams — Mork from the Channel 9 show, Mork and Mindy — almost out quipped Newton on stage and was one of the more popular guests. “Hi!” said Newton. “Not yet.” said Williams.
But Ali was the star. The fact that he had attended the show had not only the local Press aflutter. The New York Times and Variety were represented at this year’s Logies.
Ali was generally subdued after the presentation. We shook hands. A little talk? He looked cool and just said: “I loved your show. Great. But no more poems... no more questions That’s all.”