Bert Newton state funeral Melbourne

Bert Newton state funeral Melbourne
Bert Newton state funeral Melbourne

Stars of stage and screen have begun arriving at the state funeral for entertainment great Bert Newton, who died last month aged 83. 

The legendary Australian showman is being farewelled at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne, with the service commencing at 10am. 

After an entertainment career spanning eight decades, Newton was the last link between the dawn of Australian television and today's industry. 

Newton's wife of 47 years, Patti, accepted an offer by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews for a state funeral shortly after his death on October 30.

Patti waved and blew kisses to waiting television cameras when she arrived in a stretch limousine with daughter Lauren and her six grandchildren. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese led the dignitaries.

Television personalities Eddie McGuire, Molly Meldrum, Daryl Somers and Sam Newman were among other early arrivals in the light rain.  

The service, which is limited to 500 family, friends and former colleagues, is being live streamed on Channel 7, Channel 9 and Channel 10 as well as the Victorian Government website. 

Bert Newton's widow Patti waves as she arrives at her late husband Bert's funeral with one of her six grandchildren on Friday

Bert Newton's widow Patti waves as she arrives at her late husband Bert's funeral with one of her six grandchildren on Friday

Stars of stage and screen have begun arriving at the state funeral for entertainment great Bert Newton, who died last month aged 83. The legendary Australian showman is being farewelled at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne, with the service commencing at 10am

Stars of stage and screen have begun arriving at the state funeral for entertainment great Bert Newton, who died last month aged 83. The legendary Australian showman is being farewelled at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne, with the service commencing at 10am

A family photograph and one of Newton's Gold Logies were on display with other memorabilia the entertainment giant's state funeral in Melbourne

A family photograph and one of Newton's Gold Logies were on display with other memorabilia the entertainment giant's state funeral in Melbourne

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese led the dignitaries. Mr Morrison is pictured wearing an Australian flag face mask

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese led the dignitaries. Mr Morrison is pictured wearing an Australian flag face mask

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Mr Andrews has described Newton as 'an icon, a larrikin and a born entertainer'.

'We have never known TV without Bert - he was there from the beginning,' Mr Andrews said.

'Above all his achievements, he was a family man and his greatest partnership was with his wife of almost 50 years, Patti.

The man affectionately known as Moonface was a four-time Gold Logie winner and Logie Hall of Fame inductee.

Alongside Graham Kennedy and Don Lane, he was part of a trio known as the kings of Australian television.

A stalwart of Australian theatre, Newton performed in Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music, Annie, The Rocky Horror Show, Grease and Wicked.

Newtown suffered major health problems in the final year of his life, had a leg amputated in May due to a life-threatening infection, and Newton died in palliative care at a private clinic in Melbourne.

Eddie McGuire (left) and Sam Newman (right) came to farewell their old colleague and friend

Eddie McGuire (left) and Sam Newman (right) came to farewell their old colleague and friend

Former Countdown host and close Newton friend arrived in one of his trademark hats

Former Countdown host and close Newton friend arrived in one of his trademark hats

One of Bert Newton's six grandchildren gets ready to step out of a stretch limousine at her beloved grandfather's funeral

One of Bert Newton's six grandchildren gets ready to step out of a stretch limousine at her beloved grandfather's funeral

Newton's casket is pictured outside St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on Friday morning

Newton's casket is pictured outside St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on Friday morning 

Australian television legend Bert Newton died at the age of 83 on October 30

Australian television legend Bert Newton died at the age of 83 on October 30

Patti walked into the cathedral with Lauren but son Matt is in New York where he lives. Matt has written a message which will be read at the service. 

Channel 9 presenter McGuire was 'deeply honoured' to deliver a eulogy at Patti's request. 

Patti has been intimately involved in planning the funeral, choosing the hymns and prayers. Musical theatre legend Rhonda Burchmore will deliver a reading.

Newton's daughter Lauren has six children: Sam, 11, Eva, nine, Lola, six, Monty, two, Perla, 19 months, and newborn son, Alby.   

TV funnyman Andy Lee came to pay his respects to entertainment legend Bert Newton with partner Rebecca Harding

TV funnyman Andy Lee came to pay his respects to entertainment legend Bert Newton with partner Rebecca Harding

Singer Marina Prior arrives at the funeral

Entertainer Tonia Todman was among mourners

Singer Marina Prior and entertainer Tonia Todman were among the mourners

Newton's order of service commemorated the TV legend and listed the hymns and prayers chosen by his widow Patti

Newton's order of service commemorated the TV legend and listed the hymns and prayers chosen by his widow Patti 

The TV personality is survived by his wife Patti, his two kids and six grandchildren

The TV personality is survived by his wife Patti, his two kids and six grandchildren

Celebrity tributes poured in after Newton's death.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese shared his heartfelt condolences to Newton's family.

'My heart goes out to his family who have lost a husband, a father and friend. And to Australia who have lost an icon,' he tweeted.

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten described Newton as a

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