Bert and Patti Newton’s lasting love has been captured in a new Archibald portrait.
The showbiz couple’s enduring affection is encapsulated by Melbourne artist Margaret Dawson in her Archibald 2022 entry.
Bert Newton died aged 83 in October last year, following an extraordinary career that spanned decades.
The Australian entertainment legend had been undergoing palliative care at a private clinic in Melbourne after earlier having his leg amputated due to a life threatening infection.
In the painting, Mrs Newton poses as Bert smiles down on her from the moon.
The veteran performer — affectionately called Moonface — was a Logie Hall of Fame inductee, quadruple Gold Logie-winning entertainer and a radio, theatre and television personality and presenter.
Mrs Newton told the Herald Sun Bert knew about the artwork and liked the idea.
“I love that the moon is looking at me and it is Bert’s face,” she told the Herald Sun.
Newton was honoured at a state funeral and he is survived by Patti, their children Lauren and Matthew, and their extended family.
After his death, a “devastated” Mrs Newton addressed the media from outside their Hawthorn East home, revealing details of their final moments together.
“It’s very, very devastating. All our hearts are breaking because he was just the most wonderful man,” Mrs Newton said.
“He had such a fabulous attitude. And he gave us so much joy right up to the end.”
