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Bert NewtonAustralian TV presenter
Date of Birth: 23.07.1938
Country:  Australia |
Content:
- Albert Newton: Australian Television Icon
- Television Beginnings
- Channel 9 and "In Melbourne Tonight"
- "Ford Superquiz" and Channel 10
- Personal Life
Albert Newton: Australian Television Icon
Early Life and Radio CareerAlbert Newton was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia, and attended St Joseph's Marist Brothers Roman Catholic College. Initially considering a vocation as a priest, he remained a devout Catholic throughout his life. Newton's first paid radio appearance came as a teenager in 1952, where he performed as a clown alongside future "Zig and Zag" comedian Doug McKenzie. He soon became a regular on a Sunday morning children's show with McKenzie and Stan Rofe. In 1954, at the age of 15, Newton became a junior announcer for radio station 3XY.
Television Beginnings
Newton's television debut came on Melbourne's HSV-7, where he hosted "The Late Show." He later worked closely with former manager Mason Jarrett to secure a role on a more prominent network. In 1959, Newton left HSV-7 for GTV-9 and was assigned to host "In Melbourne Tonight." A promotional appearance on the show alongside Graham Kennedy caught the attention of network executives, leading to regular appearances and eventual hosting duties.
Channel 9 and "In Melbourne Tonight"
Newton remained on Channel 9 from 1960 to 1992, initially as Don Lane's sidekick and later hosting his own show, "The Bert Newton Show." In 1976, he replaced Frank Wilson as host of the talent show "New Faces," which ran until 1985. Newton also returned to host a revival of the show in 1992, but it failed to achieve the same success.
"Ford Superquiz" and Channel 10
In 1981, Newton co-hosted the game show "Ford Superquiz" with his wife, Patti. In the mid-1990s, Newton moved to Channel 10 and hosted "Good Morning Australia," which reinvigorated his career. However, the show was canceled in 2005, prompting Newton's return to Channel 9.
Personal Life
Newton has faced rumors and speculation about his personal life, including allegations of homosexuality and living at his mother's house until the age of 36. Despite these rumors, he married fellow performer Patti McGrath in 1974 and they have two children, a son and a daughter.
