Tributes flow for Bert Newton
Tributes are flowing following the news Australian TV and radio icon Bert Newton has died at age 83.
Newton had been battling complications since surgery to have his leg amputated in May and is survived by his wife Patti, children Lauren and Matthew and extended family.
As the news was confirmed on Saturday night, former colleagues and notable public figures shared their memories of Newton from his six-decade career, which spanned radio, theatre and television.
First with the news was journalist Peter Ford, who 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.
Today Extra host David Campbell described the TV icon's passing as the "absolute end of an era", touching on the role Newton had played in his own TV career: "Thank you for giving this young singer a chance on your show".
#BREAKING: Bert Newton, a legend of Australian TV and radio, has died at age 83.
Newton was a Logie Hall of Fame inductee, quadruple Gold Logie-winning entertainer and a radio, theatre and television personality and presenter.
MORE: https://t.co/yDZu6usyRd#9News pic.twitter.com/xqFRWRxQSi— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) October 30, 2021
2GB Drive host Jim Wilson recalled growing up with the "legendary" host, who he described as a "national treasure" in the media industry.
Fellow 2GB radio host Chris Smith remembered Newton's "incredible empathy for those doing it tough".
Doctor Doctor star Rodger Corser simply wrote, "What a legend of Aussie TV and entertainment".
Image: Instagram / David Campbell