Emotion runs high as Bert Newtown is farewelled at state funeral in Melbourne

"Like a fireplace on a cold night, families would gather around their TV sets, drawn in by Bert's warmth and sustained by his inviting ease," he said.

"While he was first beamed into our homes in black and white, Bert was colour TV long before the technology arrived."

Lauren Newton at St Patricks Cathedral in Melbourne, Friday, November 12, 2021

Lauren Newton at St Patricks Cathedral in Melbourne, Friday, November 12, 2021 Source: AAP

Mr Andrews told those gathered they could be certain the entertainer's credits would "roll on and on and on".

Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended the mass, as did opposition leader Anthony Albanese.

Molly Meldrum and Daryl Somers were among dozens of TV and radio personalities at the service, as well as Glenn Robbins, Andy Lee, Peter Hitchener, Sam Newman and Denis Walter.

Bert Newton's children, Lauren and Matthew, wrote messages for the service. Matthew is in the United States and could not attend in person.

Eddie McGuire has also paid tribute, describing the entertainer's upbringing in the 1950s, having lost his father at 11.

"Seventy years ago, could that young boy have dreamt of what was in front of him?" he said.

The order of service is seen during the state funeral for Bert Newton at St Patricks Cathedral in Melbourne

The order of service is seen during the state funeral for Bert Newton at St Patricks Cathedral in Melbourne Source: AAP

Melbourne-born Newton started in radio aged 12 and scaled the heights of the Australian entertainment industry on stage and on screen.

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.

Newton is survived by Patti, his wife of more than 46 years, his children and grandchildren.

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