Australian actor
Began as a radio announcer in his early years, and worked with the late Vernon Jackson.
Father of actor Matthew Newton and Lauren Newton.
Was for many years the host of Australias top TV award programme, "The Logies Award Show" and once, famously (in 1973), was upstaged by hopelessly drunk American actor Michael Cole , best-known for his role in the American TV series, "The Mod Squad" .
Shared a lengthy kiss with Rove McManus during the Australia Unites telethon to raise money for the World Vision Tsunami appeal in January 2005. A caller pledged to donate $10,000 if Rove & Bert kissed on air, which they did, to the amusement of the celebrities in attendance at Melbournes Telstra Dome, and the millions watching on live television.
Was admitted to the hospital on June 8, 2005, suffering from a virus. Several step-ins were asked to take over "Good Morning Australia" until he recovered. It was the first time in the 14 years the show has been on air, that Bert has ever had a day off hosting "Good Morning Australia".
Was injured at the 2006 Australian TV Week Logie Awards when he slipped on some gold-coloured confetti and fell off the stage. He suffered a sprained hand, a bruised nose & forehead, and a sore knee. TV viewers did not see Bert fall, as the show had ended when the accident took place.
He was awarded the MBE in the 1979 Queens Birthday Honours List for his services to the performing arts.
Father-in-law of Matt Welsh.
Grandfather of Sam Albert Newton Welsh, born on January 19, 2008.
(December 2005) Will now be seen hosting "Berts Family Feud" on the Nine network - which is the network Bert spent most of his television career - it also was the network where he was the first man to appear naked on Australian Television in the 1970s.
