While many of us may think that celebrities have it easy, time and again, people have shown that that is not always the case. What might look swanky and luxurious from a fan’s point of view could be the complete opposite in reality. Many musicians and singers have had to cancel or postpone their tours from time to time, and movies have been shut down due to a lack of safety or funding at times as well. Fortunately, the entertainment industry lives on, and many people are able to continue living out their dreams.
Wayne Newton, better known as Mr. Las Vegas, is one of the most popular entertainers from the past 50 years. He is a shining star in Las Vegas, Nevada, performing there for many years and earning himself plenty of adoring fans and heartfelt titles along the way. Newton has also been called Mr. Entertainment and Mr. New Vegas.
However, even Newton was met with some challenges in the past couple of years surrounding his personal health and his ability to perform again. On top of going through some changes in his life, Newton has also undergone some changes in his appearance over the years. Through a few of his Instagram posts from the end of 2021 into the beginning of 2022, fans pointed out some differences in Newton’s appearance as he worked to make his way back to the stage in Las Vegas.
Newton, 81, has continued to show his fans that no amount of tough situations could stand in his way of performing for them and that he has no plans of slowing down any time soon. On top of that, he is enjoying as much time as possible with his adoring family.
Becoming An Icon
Newton was born on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia. According to the Associated Press, Newton dropped out of high school in 1959 to perform with his brother at a Las Vegas hotel. It’s clear it was where he was meant to be, as several decades later, the entertainer is now known as Mr. Las Vegas with hit songs such as “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast,” “Red Roses for a Blue Lady” and “Danke Schoen.”
Speaking with Review Journal, Newton talked about how he was given the name Mr. Las Vegas and what it means to him. He said:
“It came from a writer who came through Vegas to review a show. At the end of his review, he wrote: ‘Wayne Newton is truly Mr. Last Vegas.’ All of a sudden, I was doing shows in Chicago or Denver, and they would say, ‘Mr. Las Vegas opens tonight.’ That one really stuck – and I couldn’t be happier about it.”
Performing in front of crowds filled with adoring fans is something that means a lot to Newton, as all he wants is to make people smile. “It means a lot to me to see a smile come across someone’s face,” he said. “Maybe it’s someone who is going through a horrific problem. If I can bring any happiness to people going through something, I feel my existence is justified.”
Fortunately for some lucky fans, it seems like they had a chance to feel that sense of happiness through Newton’s Las Vegas residency. Newton officially made his return to the stage in January 2022 after facing some tough times in 2020 and 2021.
Performing Again
According to Travel Weekly, “Wayne: Up Close and Personal” was staged at the Flamingo Las Vegas. The performer first became a headliner there over 50 years ago. The concert series began on Jan. 24, 2022, and are continuing to run well until the end of 2023, according to Ticketmaster.
However, getting to this point was not an easy feat for Newton, despite being such an established entertainer. When he first announced the shows in September 2021 on Instagram, fans were ecstatic and raved about his appearance. One person said, “You have really lost that weight. Good for you. You look great!!!” Another commented, “So glad to see you going back to work and looking happy!” Another person said, “Dear Wayne, you sparkle like a diamond and stand the test of time.”
Sadly, he shared some devastating news in October 2021 and postponed the tour’s original dates, which were previously set to begin that same month. Newton explained:
“Due to my recent back injury, we will be temporarily postponing the launch of our new show at Flamingo Las Vegas. We’re disappointed, but look forward to presenting our all new edition of ‘Wayne – Up Close and Personal’ when I am fully recovered. We want to give you what you deserve and expect from us, the best show possible. Until then, stay safe and healthy and we’ll see you real soon.”
Fortunately, Newton announced in December 2021 that his back was recovered, and he was ready to tour again. It’s clear that even being 81 years old can’t stop Mr. Las Vegas from performing his heart out for as many fans as possible.
Newton’s life hasn’t always been perfect. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he filed for bankruptcy in 1992 to reorganize $20 million in debt. He financially recovered by 1999. However, the IRS filed a lawsuit against Newton for penalties, and he also had more than $60,000 in unpaid parking fees. Newton filed for bankruptcy again in 2010; however, the star has since bounced back and currently has an estimated net worth of $50 million.
Now, Newton is enjoying life performing music and spending time with his family. “I don’t see myself retiring,” he told Closer Weekly. “I’ve never been happier or felt better.”
In 2017, Newton wrote in a Facebook post about his wife, Kathleen, “I am a lucky man.” The pair have been married since April 1994 and have one daughter together, who was born in 2002. According to Closer Weekly, Newton and his wife renewed their vows for their 25th anniversary. Kathleen explained why they enjoy date nights at home:
“The reason we stay home on date nights is because otherwise I would be sitting there while he took pictures of signed autographs for people because he never says no. He feels they’re the people who have given us the life we’ve been able to live.”
Kathleen’s sister Tricia McCrone has shared adorable photos of Newton and Kathleen over the years, including one of the family at a sports game and another one celebrating the pair’s 27th anniversary.
As Newton celebrated his 81st birthday and 29th wedding anniversary in April 2023, McCrone shared another heartfelt post:
“🎉🎁🎊🎈Happy Birthday to the best brother-in-law in the world, @waynenewtonmrlv … Your talent, kindness and generosity are unparalleled and I am so blessed to call you family! I love you, Wayne!!! 🎁🎈🎉🎊”
There’s no doubt that this family loves one another dearly!
What do you think about Wayne Newton’s personal life and professional career? What is your favorite song of his? Let us know, and feel free to pass this along to your friends and family, too.
