Wayne Newton is an American singer, actor, and entertainer who has a net worth of $50 million. Wayne Newton is best known for both his musical hits, such as “Danke Schoen” and “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast,” and for his sold-out Las Vegas performances, of which there have been over 30,000. He filed for bankruptcy in 1992 and again flirted with bankruptcy in 2010 but has since recovered financially.
Wayne Newton Early Life and Career
Wayne Newton was born Carson Wayne Newton on April 3, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia. He is the son of an auto mechanic, Patrick Newton, and Evelyn Marie Smith. Learning to play the piano, guitar, and steel guitar at the age of six, Wayne entered the entertainment industry during childhood while his father was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. When the family moved to Newark, Ohio, Newton began performing in clubs, fairs, and theaters along with his elder brother. The family moved to Phoenix in 1952 due to Newton’s severe asthma. He left North High School just before finishing his junior year. The brothers, known as the Rascals in Rhythm, toured with the Grand Ole Opry roadshows and on television specials like “Ozark Jubilee.” They then performed in front of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the spring of 1958, he was discovered by a Las Vegas booking agent when he was spotted on a local TV show, “Lew King Rangers Show.” The brothers performed for five years, doing six shows a day.
Wayne Newton Entertainment Career
Newton made his TV debut in 1962 when he performed on “The Jackie Gleason Show.” He also landed a role on the classic western TV series “Bonanza.” By 1963, Wayne had been signed to Capitol Records, and his first album, “Danke Schoen,” was released. The title track was immediately a massive hit and reached #13 on the “Billboard” charts. This became his signature song and was even used on the soundtrack for “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” in 1986.
Prominent entertainment icons at the time, like Lucille Ball, Bobby Darin, and Jack Benny, showed Newton their support when they were first starting out. Benny hired Newton as an opening act for his show, and subsequently, Wayne was given a headlining act at the Flamingo Hotel. In 1972, his recording of “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Far” sold over one million copies. Newton went on to replace the Beach Boys and The Grass Roots at the 1983 Independence Day celebration at the Washington Mall. James G. Watt, President Reagan’s Secretary of the Interior, had banned concerts by rock groups, citing that they encouraged drug and alcohol use and attracted the “wrong element.” Newton was a friend and supporter of Reagan and a contributor to the Republican Party. He was met on the Independence Day stage on the Mall on July 4, 1983, to mostly cheers but some boos as well.
Read More: Nikki Glaser Net Worth
Wayne Newton Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Throughout his career, Wayne Newton Net Worth has been actively involved in philanthropy and charitable causes. He has supported numerous organizations and initiatives, including those focused on children’s health, education, and animal welfare. Newton’s commitment to giving back to the community reflects his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment world.
One of his notable philanthropic efforts includes his support for the “Wayne Newton Foundation,” which aims to provide financial assistance to individuals and organizations in need. Newton’s charitable work has earned him recognition and admiration from both the public and his peers.
Wayne Newton Personal Life
Newton was married to Elaine Okamura from 1968 to 1985. They have one child, Erin Newton, born in 1976. Wayne married lawyer Kathleen McCrone in 1994. They have one daughter, Lauren Ashley Newton, born in 2002.
Wayne Newton Financial Problems
Newton filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1992 to reorganize $20 million of debt, most of which he spent while suing NBC for libel. He claimed the network had reported that he partnered with the Mafia to buy the Aladdin Hotel. Included in the bankruptcy was a $341,000 IRS tax lien. He had recovered financially by 1999. However, in August 2005, the IRS filed a lawsuit against Newton, claiming that he and his wife owed more than $1.8 million in taxes and penalties. In late 2009, officials at the Oakland County Airport in Waterford, Michigan, claimed that Wayne owed the airport more than $60,000 for unpaid parking fees after he abandoned a $2 million dollar private plane there more than three years prior. The monthly parking fee for the plane was $5,000. He never paid the fines, and the plane became filled with mold to the point where it was no longer viable as an aircraft.
Wayne Newton Casa de Shenandoah
From the 1960s until 2010, Wayne and his family lived at a 39-acre palatial estate in Paradise, Nevada, known as “Casa de Shenandoah.” At some point in the early 1960s, Wayne bought his first parcel of the property. In 1966, he bought five surrounding acres, ultimately expanding to just under 40 acres. In addition to the primary 11,000-square-foot mansion, which was completed in 1978, the property has seven additional houses. He reportedly spent $4 million constructing the primary house. That’s the same as around $15 million in today’s dollars. Newton designed the house himself, modeling it after the Tara plantation from “Gone with the Wind.” At his peak, Wayne lived on the property with his family (including his parents) and 70 servants/aides.
FAQs
What is Wayne Newton known for?
Wayne Newton is best known for his musical hits such as “Danke Schoen” and “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast,” as well as his long-running, sold-out performances in Las Vegas.
What is Wayne Newton’s net worth?
Wayne Newton’s net worth is approximately $50 million.
What significant financial challenges has Wayne Newton faced?
Wayne Newton filed for bankruptcy in 1992 and faced financial difficulties again in 2010, but he has since recovered. His financial troubles included a bankruptcy case due to $20 million in debt and a lawsuit from the IRS over unpaid taxes.
What is Casa de Shenandoah?
Casa de Shenandoah is Wayne Newton’s former 39-acre estate in Paradise, Nevada, featuring an 11,000-square-foot mansion and several additional houses. Newton lived there from the 1960s until 2010.
Conclusion
Wayne Newton is a prominent American singer and entertainer whose career spans several decades. Known for his signature hits like “Danke Schoen” and “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast,” Newton has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, particularly with his iconic performances in Las Vegas. Despite facing substantial financial challenges, including bankruptcy and tax issues, Newton has managed to recover and maintain a notable presence in the industry.
Read Next: Rod Blagojevich Net Worth
