The multi-talents of entertainer Bert Newton have been on show to Australian audiences for 60 years.
Born in 1938, Newton, educated by the Marist Brothers at St Joseph’s in Melbourne, first entertained thoughts of becoming a Catholic priest before he was bitten by the showbiz bug when he was just 13.
He made his first radio appearance on a 3XY radio show called Scouting Around, and Newton has been kidding around ever since with his own TV shows, including In Melbourne Tonight, Good Morning Australia, New Faces and 20-1.
Newton co-hosted Ford Superquiz with his wife Patti, and was the perennial sidekick on The Don Lane Show for nine years in the 70s and 80s.
He has also hosted more Logie Awards – a record 18 – than anyone else and has also been nominated for numerous Logies, winning four Gold Logies.
Newton’s stage appearances include The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music and The Producers.
The first Melbourne-born king of Moomba in 1978, Newton was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1979 for his service to the performing arts. He was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 and made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006.
This person has made the short list for the title National Living Treasure, this title is conferred when someone accomplishes an outstanding achievement, swelling the country’s consciousness with admiration, pride and acknowledgement... be they scientists or sports stars; actors, artists or Indigenous activists; politicians, philanthropists or explorers, The National Trust’s 2012 nominees are a true cross section of our country’s finest.
Click here to see the full nomination list and vote for your favourite.
