Wayne Newton, born Carson Wayne Newton on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, is an American singer and actor known as Mr. Las Vegas.
He has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over six decades, particularly in Las Vegas.
Newton started his singing career at a young age and rose to fame with hits like Danke Schoen and Red Roses for a Blue Lady.
He is recognized for his performances in Las Vegas and on television variety shows.
Newton is also involved in philanthropic work, supporting the U.S. military through USO tours.
Despite legal challenges in the past, including disputes with the media and bankruptcy declarations, Newton has maintained his status as a beloved entertainer.
Currently, he continues to perform and tour, with an extended residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino marking his 65th anniversary as a performer in Las Vegas.
Age, height and weight
Newton is 81 years old, born on April 3, 1942.
His height is 1.87 meters (6 feet 1 inch)2, and his weight is 90 kilograms (198 pounds).
Ethnicity and nationality
Newton is of White descent.
He has stated that his parents were both of half Native American ancestry, with his father being of Powhatan and his mother being of Cherokee descent.
Parents and siblings
Newton was born to Evelyn Marie “Smith” (née Plasters) and Patrick Newton, who was an auto mechanic.
His father was of Irish-Powhatan descent.
Newton’s mother is half Cherokee, and his father is half Patawomeck.
He has an older brother named Jerry, with whom he performed as the Rascals in Rhythm.
Additionally, Newton’s parents are listed as “White” on official documents like the 1940 U.S. Census and their marriage record.
Wayne Newton wife and children
Newton’s wife is Kathleen McCrone, a civil and criminal litigation lawyer whom he met at one of his Las Vegas performances in 1991.
They got engaged after two years of dating and married in April 1994 at Newton’s former Casa de Shenandoah estate in Nevada.
Kathleen has been a significant support to Wayne, encouraging him to return to the Las Vegas show business after a hiatus.
They have two daughters together; Erin, born during Wayne’s first marriage to Elaine Okamura and Lauren, born in 2002 with Kathleen through a surrogate mother.
Erin is the adopted daughter of Wayne Newton and his first wife, Elaine.
She faced health challenges, including liver, kidney, and respiratory failure during pregnancy, leading to a coma.
Fortunately, she unexpectedly woke from the coma after two weeks. Wayne and Kathleen also have a daughter named Lauren.
Career
Newton began his professional singing career at the age of 6 and was inspired by artists like Kitty Wells and Hank Williams.
He and his older brother, Jerry, toured with a Grand Ole Opry traveling show.Â
Newton’s talent extended to playing 13 instruments, including the piano, banjo, and guitar.
Plagued by asthma, his family moved to Phoenix for a better climate.
In 1959, at the age of 17, Newton performed in Las Vegas at the Fremont Hotel & Casino with his brother.
In the early 1960s, Bobby Darin mentored Newton and helped launch his solo career.
Newton achieved success with hits like Danke Schoen and Red Roses for a Blue Lady.
Despite later dropping off the music charts, he thrived as an entertainer in Las Vegas and on television variety shows.
Known as Mr. Las Vegas, he became one of the city’s highest-paid performers.
Throughout his career, Newton faced legal challenges, including allegations of ties to organized crime and financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy declarations.
Despite these challenges, he continued to perform and tour extensively.
Newton also engaged in philanthropic work, supporting the U.S. military through USO tours.
Net worth
As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $50 million.
Despite facing financial challenges and bankruptcy in the past, Newton has managed to maintain a significant level of wealth through his successful career in music and entertainment.
His long-standing involvement in the industry, with over six decades of experience, has been a key factor in accumulating his wealth.
Newton’s career includes over 30,000 live performances in Las Vegas, where he earned the nickname Mr. Las Vegas for his contributions to the entertainment scene.
Additionally, Newton has diversified his income sources through real estate investments, endorsements, and partnerships.
He owns valuable properties like the Casa de Shenandoah estate in Las Vegas.
Despite legal issues and financial troubles, Newton’s resilience and determination have played a crucial role in maintaining his financial stability and success.
His philanthropic efforts and engagement with a wider audience through modern technologies have also contributed to his enduring legacy as an iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
