The biggest names in the Australian entertainment industry turned out on Friday morning to farewell TV royalty Bert Newton.
Bert’s widow Patti, his Lauren and their grandkids, as well as friends and former showbusiness colleagues filled St Patrick’s Cathedral to honour his legacy.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrew took to the stage, honouring Bert as a “great entertainer,” while longtime friend and fellow TV personality Eddie McGuire remembered Bert as “our greatest memory of the golden years of television.”
“Australia has lost an icon and his family has lost a soulmate,” he said.
Following a lengthy health battle, the Australian television icon passed away on October 30, four months his leg was amputated due to a toe infection.
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Patti threw the cameras a sweet wave as she arrived at the cathedral with her daughter Lauren, son-in-law Matt Welsh and six grandchildren in tow.
Bert and Patti’s son Matthew, however, wasn’t able to fly back to Melbourne from his home in New York City in time for the service, but his mother has denied there was a rift between the father and son. It’s been confirmed that a personal message from Matthew will be read at the funeral in honour of his father.
Read on to see which celebrity well-wishers turned out to farewell the beloved Aussie icon.
For more on the life and legacy of Bert Newton, read more below
Nearly 47 years of bliss: Bert Newton and Patti Newton’s love story in pictures
Keeping up with the Newtons! Bert and Patti Newton’s best family photos
Australian TV royalty: A glimpse at Bert Newton’s career through the years
Farewell to a TV legend: Tributes flood in for Bert Newton after his tragic passing
Patti Newton and her granddaughter were pictured arriving at Bert’s funeral at about 9am this morning. Patti appeared to blow the camera a kiss as she headed into the cathedral.
Patti chatted with fellow mourners as she arrives at St Patrick’s Cathedral this morning.
Bert and Patti’s daughter Lauren waited outside with her young children before heading into the service.
Patti, her daughter Lauren and her grandchildren looked sombre as they sat in the front row’s pughs.
Patti held her granddaughter close as she broke down outside the cathedral.
Molly Meldrum gave Patti a kiss on the hand after the moving service.
Patti wept as she exited the cathedral with Bert’s coffin, her daughter and grandchildren by her side.
The family said their final farewells as Bert’s coffin was taken away.
Comedian Any Lee turned out to pay his respects to the late TV icon.
Danni Minogue Bert Newton Good Morning Australia, 1992 tribute
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was among 500 mourners to file into St Patrick’s Cathedral.
“He had a great sense of humour and he understood, probably better than most, self-deprecating humour, which is a real Australian trait, and he had it down to a tee,” Scott said of Bert after his passing.
Australian music critic, journalist, record producer and musical entrepreneur Ian Alexander “Molly” Meldrum wore his trademark cowboy hat into the service.
Radio host Chrissie Swan and comedian Sam Pang arrived together to the cathedral.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and his wife Catherine chatted to Scott Morrison as they waited for the service to start.
The Victorian Premier addressed 500 mourners who packed into the cathedral on the rainy Melbourne morning.
“He was always there, omnipresent, on our screens and in our homes. To Australia, Bert wasn’t just a man on a screen or an actor on a stage – he was someone we all felt we knew,” he said.
“Families were drawn in by Bert’s warmth and inviting ease, he was more than talent, he was trust. His story is the story of Australian television.”
TV personality and Bert’s close friend, Eddie McGuire, gave a heartfelt eulogy saying Bert helped him “handle the spotlight with grace and dignity in class”.
“My right life is richer having him as a mate,” he told the service. “Rove MacManus said I have lost a friend and Australia has lost an icon and his family has lost a soulmate.”
Patti blew hew loved ones a kiss after the funeral came to a close.
Former radio and television voice-over artist Pete Smith and his wife Jackie were among the first mourners to arrive at the funeral service.
Media personality, radio and television identity Philip Brady paid his respects to Bert.
Barrister and the current governor of Victoria Linda Marion Dessau arrived to pay her respects.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese was also in attendance.
“Vale Bert Newton,” the Labor leader wrote on Twitter following Bert’s passing. “My heart goes out to his family who have lost a husband, a father and friend. And to Australia who have lost an icon.”
Anthony Callea sung his power ballad The Prayer accompanied by longtime musical director John Foreman.
Eddie was later seen leaving the cathedral following his emotional eulogy for Bert.
Rhonda Burchmore spoke at the service of Bert always being there for his loved ones with encouragement.
Television presenter Peter Hitchener looked sombre as he made his way into the service.
Patti broke down in tears after the service as Bert’s casket was taken away.
Patti chatted to Labor leader Anthony Albanese after the state funeral came to a close.
Singer Sylvie Paladino, who performed at the service, was among the 500 mourners who attended Bert’s state funeral.
Former Australian politician Peter Costello arrived to the service looking downcast.
Triple Gold Logie award-winning TV presenter Daryl Somers appeared to be in good spirits.
Writer and Melbourne radio commentator John-Michael Howson chatted to the media outside after the service concluded.
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