Australian TV icon Bert Newton has died age 83 after having his leg amputated earlier this year due to an advanced toe infection.
Entertainment journalist Peter Ford broke the news on behalf of Patti Newton, Bert’s wife of 46 years, and his children Matthew and Lauren.
“Showbiz icon Bert Newton has died at age 83. It was remarkable career on TV, stage & radio,” Ford tweeted.
“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.”
According to news.com.au, Newton died after undergoing palliative care at a Melbourne private clinic.
Ford told the publication that Newton “didn’t get the last chapter he deserved having spent the past year in hospital during COVID and losing his leg.”
Ford continued on to pay tribute to Newton’s “outrageous and unpredictable character” calling him one of the “last of the brigade of the real TV stars.”
Newton was a quadruple Gold Logie-winning entertainer who was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame in 1988. He enjoyed an illustrious career as a TV presenter, radio personality and theatre performer.
Nine Network’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, described Newton as a “giant of our industry, entertaining generations of Australians across our television screens.”
“He brought unbridled joy and laughter into our homes as part of so many programs, partnerships and formats. He was loved by us all at Nine and we wish Patti, Lauren, Matt and their families our sincere condolences at this sad time,” Healy said.
Newton is survived by Patti, Matthew, Lauren and his six grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
For more on this topic, head over to the Film & TV Observer.
Check out a compilation from Bert Newton’s career:
