When it comes to Las Vegas legends, there’s one name that truly stands the test of time: Wayne Newton. Known as "Mr. Las Vegas," Wayne has been captivating audiences since he was just 15 years old. His charm, talent, and timeless classics like "Danke Schoen" and "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" have kept him at the top of his game for decades. But it wasn’t just his voice that made him a star—it was the lessons he learned from some of the biggest names in entertainment history.
Wayne Newton, now 77, opened up exclusively to Closer Weekly in the latest issue, currently available on newsstands. He shared some of the life-changing advice he picked up from his legendary friends, like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin. “The one thing that will make you happy is your ability to adjust to life,” Wayne told the magazine. “And you must be disciplined and treat every show like it’s your last one—because one day it will be!”
Even though Wayne recently underwent a back operation and hip replacement, he’s not slowing down anytime soon. We caught up with Wayne before his performance at Caesars Atlantic City’s 40th anniversary celebration. During our chat, he reminisced about his friendship with Lucille Ball, his role as a dad to his 17-year-old daughter Lauren, and how his marriage to attorney Kathleen McCrone has lasted for 25 years. So, let’s dive into our exclusive Q&A with the one and only Wayne Newton!
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Heading East: What Brought You to Atlantic City?
When Wayne’s boss in Las Vegas asked him what he was doing on a Saturday, Wayne didn’t hesitate. “We want you to do a show at Caesars,” his boss said. Wayne, ready for the challenge, replied, “Consider it done. Which room?” To his surprise, his boss responded, “Atlantic City!” Wayne laughed as he recalled the moment, saying he’s excited to reconnect with people he’s worked with throughout his illustrious career.
Learning from the Legends: Who Influenced You?
Wayne shared a fascinating story about a pivotal moment in his career when he starred in The Lucy Show as a country boy singing to animals. CBS wanted to create a series around this character, but before the final papers were signed, Wayne received a call from Lucille Ball herself. She asked Wayne if she and her husband could meet with him that night in Vegas.
When they arrived, Lucy revealed a name to Wayne: Jim Nabors. Wayne immediately thought of Gomer Pyle. Lucy then explained, “Unless you want to be this country boy for the rest of your life, turn this series down, because it will ruin your life.” Wayne reflected on this as one of the greatest examples of someone, especially someone as renowned as Lucy, caring deeply about another person’s future.
Bumps in the Road: Were There Times You Thought About Giving Up?
Wayne admitted there were many moments when he felt like giving up, especially around 1962. While performing at a lounge in Tahoe, he approached the entertainment director with a bold idea. He suggested that instead of playing the lounge, he could be an opening act in the main room for the same pay. The director’s response was less than encouraging. He slammed the table and declared, “You’ll never play our main room!”
Handling Rejection: How Did You Respond?
Wayne was taken aback by the director’s harsh words. Determined not to be discouraged, he told his manager that would be the last lounge he’d perform in. His manager found him a gig at a nightclub in Australia, where Wayne had an unexpected encounter with Jack Benny. Jack asked Wayne to be his opening act, even though their first performance was at the same venue where Wayne had been rejected. Wayne told Jack about the situation, and Jack stood by him, saying, “If they don’t want you, they don’t want me!” Thanks to Jack’s support, Wayne’s first main showroom performance in Nevada was at that very hotel, and he went on to perform with Jack for five years.
Acting Adventures: Any Favorite Roles?
Wayne fondly recalled his acting experiences, particularly his roles in James Bond’s Licence to Kill and Vegas Vacation. But the role that really stretched him as an actor was in North and South, Book II. The character was so different from Wayne’s usual persona, making it a truly transformative experience.
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