Bert Newton

Albert Watson "Bert" Newton (born 23 July 1938), Australian television performer, was born in Fitzroy, an inner suburb of Melbourne.

Graham Kennedy & Don Lane

Newton began his television career at Melbourne's HSV-7, hosting The Late Show, but soon defected to GTV-9, where he was hired to host a daytime television program. After appearing in a live commercial on In Melbourne Tonight, alongside its host Graham Kennedy, he became a fixture on the show, which was the most popular program on Melbourne television. His partnership with Kennedy made Newton a household name.

Related Topics:
HSV-7 - GTV-9 - In Melbourne Tonight - Graham Kennedy

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In 1964 Newton was hospitalised after suffering a nervous breakdown. After leaving In Melbourne Tonight Newton briefly hosted his own program, The Bert Newton Show, recorded in Sydney for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This was not a success, and he later returned to working with Kennedy. When Kennedy and GTV-9 parted company, the station tested a number of possible replacements, including Newton, but an American import, Don Lane, was eventually hired. Newton continued as Lane's sidekick and "barrel boy." Lane christened him "Moonface", and the nickname stuck.

Related Topics:
1964 - Nervous breakdown - Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Don Lane

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• One of the most memroble events on the Don Lane Show, was when Bert Newton sent-up Demis Rossous + Denis Roussios came on stage while he was doing the act.

When The Don Lane Show ended Newton presented a quiz show, Ford Superquiz, produced by the Reg Grundy organisation for the Nine Network. Newton also presented a very successful radio programme on Melbourne radio station 3UZ (now Radio Sport 927).

Related Topics:
Reg Grundy - Nine Network - 3UZ

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