Bert Newton, a TV legend and household name in Australia, has died at the age of 83, following years of health issues.
The death of the entertainer – who was a fixture on screens Down Under for more than 50 years – was announced on Saturday.
Close friend and journalist Peter Ford confirmed the sad news on social media.
‘I have very sad news …. Showbiz icon Bert Newton has died at age 83,’ Peter tweeted. ‘It was remarkable career on TV, stage & radio.
‘Sadly he didn’t get the last chapter he deserved. He was a great mentor & friend to me.
‘Condolences to Patti, Lauren, Matthew & extended family.’
Newton’s cause of death has not been shared.
Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison was one of the many names offering condolences to the late star.
He said: ‘Bert came into our homes and made himself very welcome. He was a regular guest and we always looked forward to his next visit,’ he said.
‘There was a familiarity that connected us to Bert, but it also connected us to each other. We could laugh together. That was his gift.
‘Australians also understood his steadfast love for Patti and her steadfast strength.
‘To Patti and the family, Jen and I send our love, and we send the country’s love as well.’
The news comes after Newton struggled with poor health in recent years.
His leg was amputated earlier this year after he suffered complications from an infected toe.
Patti told The Daily Telegraph in Australia at the time that her husband ‘felt he could not go through pain like he was going through for much longer,’ after the major operation.
He is survived by Patti, his children, Matthew and Lauren, and six grandchildren.
Last weekend, she shared an image of the pair’s grandchildren visiting Bert in a hospital bed
‘That’s what happiness is,’ the photo was captioned.
He was also named as an OBE in 1979 for his dedication and service to the performing arts.
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