A stream of local celebrities turned out at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral to farewell television legend Bert Newton and support his beloved wife Patti.
Some of the biggest names in entertainment have headed out in the chilly Melbourne drizzle to farewell an icon of the industry today at Bert Newton’s state funeral.
Newton, whose entertainment career spanned eight decades, is being farewelled at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne this morning after the legendary showman died last month aged 83. Newton died in palliative care due to complications from a leg amputation earlier this year.
His beloved wife Patti was seen looking sombre walking into the Cathedral holding the hands of her grandchildren early in the day.
Wearing a sequined black jacket, the 76-year-old said nothing as she was led to the front of the room with her family, instead nodding to those in attendance.
The dimly lit cathedral quickly filled with mourners – among them family members, close friends, TV personalities and politicians.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese led the dignitaries, with television personalities Eddie McGuire, Rhonda Burchmore, Molly Meldrum, Daryl Somers and Sam Newman among other early arrivals.
Joining them was a cavalcade of stars including Sam Pang, Steve Vizard, Chrissie Swan, Andy Lee and partner Rebecca Harding.
One inside the church, Eddie McGuire, presented the eulogy before a heartfelt performance by Australian Idol star Anthony Callea.
Bert Newton’s son, Matthew, still played a part in his father’s state funeral, despite being unable to attend the service.
Bert and his wife Patti’s children, Matthew and Lauren, have written heartfelt messages which were read at the service.
Matthew is an actor and director who is currently based in New York, meaning he wasn’t able to attend the funeral in person.
Part of his touching tribute read: “Dad was the ultimate host or as he preferred to be called, compere, never presenter a term he loathed and if he was here today, he would be entertaining, moving, sincere and mischievous, expertly saying all the feelings of awkwardness and embarrassment, saving them from us. And that’s how he’d want this day to be, with a wink, not a tear.
“So with that in mind, I‘ll get out while the going’s good, and say to the man himself: Albert Watson Wilburforce Thomas Patrick Belmont Francis Archibald Kenneth John Aloisis Peter Newton, I‘m gonna really miss jamming with you, mate. Here’s looking at you, kid.”
Those who wish to pay tribute to Newton have been asked to consider making a donation to Villa Maria Catholic Homes, in lieu of floral tributes.
Originally published as Chrissie Swan, Andy Lee and Sam Pang attend Bert Newton’s state funeral
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