Vale Bert Newton
We remember the Australian TV legend in a special encore screening of Who Do You Think You Are?
“I feel even closer to my dad now because I know so much more about him. I realise now how lucky I am to have the family I have. Family is the one thing I’m totally sure of.”
– Bert Newton
As Australia mourns the loss of TV icon, Bert Newton, we remember the light and laughter he brought to the small screen, and beyond, for generations. The beloved entertainment legend featured in Season 11 of Who Do You Think You Are? to discover his own unique personal history. Bert was a showbiz icon whose love of family was every bit as notable as his body of work. SBS joins the nation in paying tribute to Bert with a special encore screening of his episode, tonight at 7:30pm on SBS.
Veteran entertainer, Bert never really got to know his father, Joe, who died when Bert was just 11 years old. Searching for answers to questions he was unable to ask his father, Bert discovers a patriotic, dedicated man who wanted nothing more than to serve his country. Unfortunately, the consequence of Joe’s years of service would change his, and his family’s life forever. Looking into his maternal side, Bert is determined to discover more about his grandmother’s life, whose strength of character reminds Bert of his own mother’s fortitude.
Bert Newton’s name will forever be synonymous with the history of Australian television. There was simply no one else like him. One of Australia’s premier masters of ceremony, his natural talents as a comedian and compere were evident since his beginnings in 1957.
Bert’s remarkable career has been recognised by the awarding of 18 Logies, including five Gold Logies. In 1988 he was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame. He holds the record for hosting the most number of Logie Awards. Bert made his radio debut at age 11 on 3XY and was a full-time announcer there by the time he was 15 years old. He has received three Pater Awards for his radio work, and in 1982 was awarded the inaugural Grand Pater. Bert received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 1979, and in 2006 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the entertainment industry as a presenter, actor, comedian, and through support for a range of medical research and charitable organisations.
From the early ‘60s to early ‘90s Bert was the face of night-time TV, The Late Show, In Melbourne Tonight, The Don Lane Show, New Faces, The Ford Superquiz, The Bert Newton Show, Tonight with Bert Newton. For 14 years, Bert was the host of morning television on Channel 10’s Good Morning Australia. Bert returned to the Nine Network in 2006, hosting prime time TV shows Bert’s Family Feud, 20 to 1, and What a Year.
Bert was also at home on the stage, performing lead roles in renowned Musicals, including Beauty and The Beast, The Producers, Sound of Music, Wicked, Annie and Grease the Musical.
Please join us as we remember an icon by following his journey into the past to discover just what made Bert completely original and unforgettable.
Who Do You Think You Are? is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for SBS.
