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Leila Navidi / Las Vegas Sun
LAS VEGAS - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2009 - Wayne Newton appears on the red carpet as a handler reaches for him to move on during the grand opening night of Wayne Newton’s “Once Before I Go” at the Tropicana in Las Vegas Wednesday, October 28, 2009. LEILA NAVIDI / LAS VEGAS SUN
Published Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010 | 6:01 p.m.
Updated Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010 | 8:46 a.m.
A Life in the Limelight
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diggLegendary Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton talks the past 50 years as "Mr. Las Vegas."
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This is the kind of month it has been for Wayne Newton: Sheriff's officers and moving vans showing up to Casa de Shenandoah to haul away his personal belongings are the least of his concerns.
Newton wasn't around this morning, at about 9, when Clark County Sheriff's civil-process deputies and moving vans turned up at his famed 40-acre ranch and estate on the corner of Sunset and Pecos roads. According to his sister-in-law Tricia McCrone, who also works as his publicist, Newton was in St. Louis with his ill daughter Erin.
Two weeks ago Erin Newton, at the time pregnant in the third trimester, suffered liver, kidney and respiratory failure and delivered a baby boy via cesarean section. During delivery she fell into a coma and was in that state until last weekend. Doctors are not certain what specific condition Erin Newton is suffering from, but McCrone said they are consistent with HELLP syndrome, a condition that attacks the kidneys and liver, which is set in motion during pregnancy.
Newton had cancelled many of his February appearances at the Tropicana during his daughter's illness — McCrone said he missed all but two or three shows to fly to and from St. Louis, where the 33-year-old Erin Newton lives. Erin is the adopted daughter of Newton and his first wife, Elaine. They divorced in 1985. Wayne and Kathleen Newton have a 7-year-old daughter, Lauren.
Over the weekend, doctors told Newton it was unlikely Erin Newton would recover from her comatose condition, news that McCrone says sent the longtime Las Vegas entertainer into an emotional tailspin. "He sobbed all night," said McCrone, who is visiting friends in Boston and was largely unaware of the activity today at Shenandoah.
Erin Newton unexpectedly awoke from the two-week coma Monday, immediately asking for water. Newton and the medical staff were stunned. She is still hospitalized, and Newton reportedly was with her today when personnel arrived at his estate on behalf of his former pilot Monty Ward, trying to seize property to execute on a judgment that totaled more than $500,000 in past-due wages. Newton's wife, Kathleen, was in town today but not at the house at the time of the law enforcement activity. Officers likely were denied entry by a Newton property manager, McCrone said.
Newton and his family have been hit with bad news, personally, professionally and legally, at least since December. Mary McCrone, the oldest sibling among Wayne's wife, Kathleen, and Tricia McCrone, died suddenly Dec. 26 in Los Angeles at age 46 of heart failure. That family tragedy came just six days after Newton family friend Brittany Murphy, who had joined Newton on USO tours of the Middle East and for fundraising events, had also died.
This month, a lawsuit was filed against Newton in Clark County District Court in Las Vegas by speedway magnate and onetime Newton friend Bruton Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, charging that Newton is delinquent on a $3.35 million loan Smith had personally guaranteed. As a result, Smith is seeking foreclosure of Shenandoah, one of the city's signature properties. Newton also still is entangled in a $32,000 lawsuit for hay delivered to the ranch for his dozens of Arabian horses, an action that dates to 2009, and earlier this month an airport near Detroit claimed Newton owes more than $60,000 in storage fees after he abandoned a $2 million plane there more than three years ago. The craft reportedly is being eaten away by mold and is useless except for scrap.
As the family's personal problems have mounted, it is not certain who is charged with handling Newton's legal affairs. Kathleen Newton, an attorney, typically fills that role, but has been occupied mostly by the illness to Erin Newton and related family concerns.
At the Tropicana, Newton has cut back some members of his orchestra in a tweaking of his stage show and also has dropped the bus prop and young man who portrays him as a youth. Friday performances were deleted from his schedule a few weeks ago, but there are no plans to cut the run of "Once Before I Go," which is scheduled to run through the end of April at Tiffany Theatre.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats.
CORRECTION: Content-Disposition: form-data; name="send_to_groups" 10 | (February 28, 2010)
Man what a drag. I hope all the haters out there will lay off of Mr. Newton and pray for his well being, and that of his family members. Money can always be made, Lives only get one run. God be with you Wayne Newton!
God Bless Wayne and family ... a better day is on the way !
It is sad to see such an great entertainment legend and instrumental talent wind up in so much financial trouble. The first time I saw Wayne Newton perform was at the Stork Club in NY in the ealy 1960's. I wasn't much older than he was.
Then came my love affair with Las vegas for the nex 30 years - and I saw Wayne perform many times - and play many instruments - in a show that was longer than the bosses wanted him to play. But he wanted to please the audience. And for all he has done Las Vegas showrooms, and the entertainment industry, he deserves great credit.
Even on the two occasions I was at a charity event at his home, he was always gracious. He talked to me and everyone else too. He was fun to be with, and to know.
So, for all he has been to Las Vegas, and the world, I believe he deserves a lot of credit. He has made many lives a little better, if for just one night at a time. May God bless you, Wayne, and give you the ability to work things out. "Thank you," Mr. Las Vegas - for all those wonderful nights. I wish you well.
You gotta feel for the guy...I don't care who you are
I remember Wayne visiting us in Vietnam and his contribution to his time with the U.S.O. Despite his financial shortcomings (We all have had those) his character was, and is, impeccable. I wish him well.
I'm sadden...Their in my prayers for sure...
Pray a rich man steps up (or woman) and pays the bills until Wayne can get back. He's been a huge reason for Las Vegas being what it is.
Step up somebody.
Great to see some compassion for Wayne.
God bless him and his family. How tragic.
When it rains, it really does pour.
Bizarre,
I would have thought the guy would be rolling in dough. What did he do with all of it?
Or is he just bad at paying bills or worse - money management in general.
Good luck to you Mr. Newton. Money can always be made and you know how to do it, but family is most important. It is good to hear that your daughter woke up and I wish for her continued recovery. You have always been a good guy in my eyes and have done a great job for Las Vegas and Nevada as a whole.
Prayers are with him and his family. Sometimes money doesn't mean a damn thing and neither does fame. It all boils down to what is important and that is family.
Money doesnt bring you happiness and debt doesnt bring dispair. Life happens to everyone no matter wealth, color or beliefs. At the end of the day all you really own is friends and family. Cherish.
Its sad that his daughter is ill. But that has nothing to do with Newton being a dead-beat in regards to his financial contracts and dealings.
He doesnt get a pass just because he has an ill family member.
@ manaboutown and modd - I believe the heading of this article is talking about Mr. Newton's daughter; not his finances. THAT was in another article. If you guys think he is a dead-beat, that is your choice. However, What does your comment mean: "he doesnt get a pass because he has an ill family member."?
what kind of a pass, and for what?
Do we trash the man because his daughter is reported sick in a newspaper article? How much does anyone know about Wayne Newton to be able to comment on his reported inability to remain solvent - and pay his bills? I suggest nothing.
His skills as an entertainer are what most people know about the man - and includes millions of fans over 50 years. If you wnat to trash someone, don't do it when when he is down.
What could anyone find out about any of us that would mattter - whether it was news or not. It is a matter of being civil; not inflicting harm.
If you want to vent on something, try a news column tht talks about Las Vegas having the most mortgage failures in the nation. About all the DEAD-BEATS that are walking away from their homes because they are "underwater."
Are subprime home buyers in foreclosure saints? Did they lie to get their cheap mortgates? Do you think mortgage lenders had subprime buyers interests at heart? Absolutely not!
So there are enough problems go around in any arena. But I don't think it useful or proper to get personal about Wayne's finances, on the tail- end of a story about his sick daughter.
If any of us could do as much good, or bring as much pleasure to people in our lifetimes, as Wayne did - I would hope people would say nice things about you too.
But for this one story about his daughter - lets give the guy a break. He hasn't had many lately. Maybe he can explain his shortcomings, but he does not have to tell the general public about that. It is a private matter. He just happens to be news because of who he was and is. And being in the news does not make him fair-game for being slandered either. He is just like any other entertainer that has gone broke; perhaps ill advised, loose with money, or is over extended. WHO CARES?
There are millions of people who are making the papers everyday because of their financial sins in Wall Street, Banking, etc., across the country.
Lets more sympathic in his hour of need, and show some compassion for the illiness of his daughter.
"There is time enough for counting when the dealings done."
I wish him well but you can't live beyond your means. What about all the people that he owes money don't they have lives and bills to be paid?
To Socrates-In Name only,
The first two paragraphs are about the Sheriff coming to his house to collect on a judgement.
So for you to say his finances were in another article shows that you didnt even read the article. I suggest you read articles before you pontificate on them with far too many words, most of which I found too boring to bother with.
No matter what has happened financially, I wish him the best. Thanks for all the years of great entertainment!
This story applies to his family life. I wish I had a family and could change my financial situation too. Those of you who believe your invincible,...nothing family or financially related will happen to you,...just wait, the country is in a depression,...your problems could be right around the corner too.
As for Wayne Newton,...somewhere along the way his finances have run amok,...we don't know why,...and its really not our business. He has his issues and so do we. That said he is a great entertainer and showman. I've seen him twice,...oddly enough once in Chicago, once in Branson but never in Vegas. He's a pro,...nothing can take that away from him.
Hopefully he pulls through his setbacks, his daughter recovers, and his finances get are straightened out soon. Its a tough world these days for those with and without family and money. 401k's have turned into 201k's overnight and many people in all aspects of life are hurting. I'm sure Wayne doesn't like the situation he finds himself in anymore than I like mine, but as they say, there are better days ahead.
I hope they,...whomever they are prove to be right for all of us.
Wayne isn't the only entertainer to encounter financial hardship! Several encountered it unkowingly due to bad management and CPA's. Those that call him a dead-beat may think he has millions in the bank and spent it foolishly and they refuse to give a logical thought that most of his money is in investments. Investments that went bad! Some never gave it a thought that perhaps he has paid many medical bills for his daughter and if so who knows for how long and the amount! If my daughter was ill and couldn't pay for medical you can bet I'd be paying her medical expenses and tell my creditors where to go if need be! To the few bashers did you ever think that the management and CPA's he entrusted didn't pay his bills like they were supposed to be doing. I'm certain that it isn't Mr. Newton or his wife that set down and write out the checks for bills!
Mr. Newton has given so much to Vegas and the world. It's sorry to see him having so many personal problems. So many entertainers trust their finances to someone and end up like he has. My prayers are with him and his family! Danke Shoen Wayne for all you have given to us.
Hang in there Wayne! Stay strong!!
Wishing Mr. Newton and his family the best at this trying time. To say he's synonymous with Vegas is an understatement.
no one is trashing him for his personal challenges and tragedies -- but for his failure to pay financial obligations....he (& family members) have lived a luxurious lifestyle for many decades. he has filed for BK protection before too!
he should not be allowed to skate scott free when others must pay creditors (or ggive up the perks)..
The man needs to stop cancelling engagements and start working. The old fool has a 7 year old that is suffering because of his irresponsibility. There is unfortunately nothing that can be done for this older daughter, so he really needs to consentrate on the "current" child now. Next thing you know he will be in the welfare lines too, just because he spends and doesn't pay. GROW-UP you jerk.
The article may be reporting his daughters illness but it also takes strong note regarding yet another bankruptcy for this guy again. Didn't we read this same story 11 years ago and then 12 years before that. I don't get it. How can this guy repeat the same bad behavior of burning his suppliers and employees like this. Makes anyone wonder why anyone would continue to supply him hay or want to work for him at all when this is his MO. I wonder if the bankruptcy court allows him to have more the 100 bucks in the bank. This same old story about Wayne stinks yet again.
TO ERIN: Your old friends and classmates from your Gorman days wish you a speedy recovery. We hope your baby makes it! The very concept of life without your infectious laughter and love of life is unthinkable. We wish you and your family only the best.
What is happening to Wayne is an all too familiar story around town, foreclosures, health problems, bad stuff happening to good people.
Yes Wayne has had a financial problem before, yes Wayne has had his belongings seized before, but the main reason we hear about him and not the other thousands of people here who can't meet their bills for whatever reason is because he is "Mr. Las Vegas." Telling the story of some average Joe who got foreclosed upon doesn't sell newspapers.
I pray for Wayne and family, and for all those who are suffering in these tough times.
We all need to take just a minute and remember this man who has done a lot for Las Vegas, and pray for circumstances to take on a dramatic shift. He IS one of ours and the least we can do is wish him and his family well!
If the multi-millionaire board members, ceo's and others who own the LV casinos had any class, they'd get together and ALL chip in to pay off Newton's bills --- the house, the plane, the hay. After all, he helped put LV on the map as a destination and, indirectly, made it possible for all these casino moguls to become gazillionaires. Of course, it would take some class and elan to do what I suggested. Probably 50 or so of these casino millionaires, donating $10K apiece, could end this farce which, by the way, does not augur well for LV's image right now. It'd be the best $10K investment these moguls ever made. Which is why I don't think they have the vision or foresight to do it.
To mr23whatever,
Wayne was paid plenty to perform and the casinos owe him nothing. But Wayne apparently owes others plenty, maybe he should show CLASS, as you say, and pay what he owes. I am sure his pilot has bills of his own that he could pay, when he collects from the Waynster.
My mom, pushing 80 yrs old was here a few years back, we went to see Wayne when the Stardust was still up. We sat at a table right on an aisle that Wayne came across as he performed. He stopped in front of my mom and hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Needless to say Mom was in seventh heaven. He got on the top of my "good prople" list that day.
I hope all the good Karma he has passed out to people for years will come back in his favor.He IS MR. LAS VEGAS! God be with you and your family Wayne!
Beautiful landscaped yard with the horse statutes and the use of rock for a stream running through the property. The one van that is shown in the video is hardly moving vans as in a large moving van trailer. To remove the furniture in that house would require more than just a van vehicle.
You know it is really sad about Erin and her baby. I pray she and the baby recover. However none of you people know Wayne Newton. If you do ask him where he was when his head of security and best friend of 40+ Years was dieing and needed him. Yes Michael Forch (Bear) became ill in 2005 and in 2006 Wayne and Kathleen cut off his insurance coverage and all moneys. No retirement nothing and wouldnt even return a phone call. Due to the fact that Bear was denied medical treatment for over a year, until he finally got disability and socal security. Was he able to get proper medical care he needed. Bear passed away Dec 2, 2009 And good old Wayne was MIA. It is funny how life works because while Wayne is going though all this, Bear would have never left his side. So not only does he not pay his bills he walks away from anyone that doesnt serve him any longer. Well Mr Newton KARMA is a Witch and she is coming for you.
I have been coming to Las Vegas for 33 yrs with my family and have planned every trip around Wayne's shows. We have known him for many years and he is nothing but a true gentleman and has given his whole life to the people of Las Vegas for 50 years now. I feel that Wayne put Las Vegas on the map back in the earlier days when everyone wanted to come see "Mr. Las Vegas". He is a very charming man that has entertained millions of people for years.
When I first started going to see him, it was two shows a night for six nights a week. They were always 2 hr. shows and sometimes longer. He always gives his all in every show and can have an audience captured with his charm and charisma like no other.
He has also travelled all over the world to perform for our U.S. Soldiers, whom he never fails to thank and mention in all of his shows.
We are in a depression people. My husband lost his job over a year ago, and his Mother has 4th stage breast cancer. The bills don't stop coming in. We of course, are in bad shape as well financially, just on a much smaller scale.
I truly wish that the place that Mr. Newton has put on the map so many years ago, could at least stand behind him, especailly with the hard personal problems he is having.
Erin, is the same age as my son, and to whomever it was that was so cruel and said that Wayne needs to forget her because she is in a coma and start working and worrying about his other child, is simply nothing but a very evil person.
Wayne, would never let any of his family suffer.
His youngest daughter is certainly not hurting for anything and his oldest daughter has been the light of his life for years.
He raised her and he will stay by her side as long as he is needed.
I just want Wayne, and his whole family, that is so supportive of him to know how truly sorry I am about all of this, and that my every thought and prayer is with the whole Newton family constantly.
Wayne, does not in any way deserve the comments that some of you are leaving on this board.
No one, but Wayne and his precious family know what is going on with his financial situation and it is no ones business but theirs.
To all of the ones that posted that they will be praying for Wayne and his family I truly appreciate it.
I know that right now Wayne's main concern is Erin pulling through this and prayer is very powerful so thank you to all of the people that are praying for Wayne and his family.
Please know Wayne, that my Mother and I are in constant prayer as I said, and know that we are hurting for you.. You know that we have lost Daddy, and my brother and sister so we know what it feels like to lose a loved one, but I know with all of the many people behind you that our prayers will be answered and Erin and the baby will pull through this!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
All our love,
Judy Youngblood Knight
I have been talking with a lot of friends who are aware of the hospital situation with Wayne Newton's daughter, Erin. So far, I count close to 100 people I know who are praying for his daughter's recovery, and the health of her baby.
Wayne, if you are aware of the support you are getting from most of the people in this column, you should know that there are, no doubt, many hundreds more who know you that are sending prayers your way for Erin's full recovery.
As an added note about the Tropicana Hotel and Casino - I and many of my friends would also like to say: "THANK YOU" to the management and owners of the TROPICANA HOTEL AND CASINO for keeping Wayne's show under contract - even amidst all of the absences that have been necessary for him to tend to his daughter.
For those who don't know it, the TROPICANA - while a corporation - is independently owned. So while "the show must go on" - I suspect their CEO and management understand Wayne's difficulty in trying balance performing his show, with the need to be with his daughter during her medical emergency.
This is one example of where the management of one Las Vegas hotel and casino is showing a BIG HEART (even if the economics of the show business might dictate closing the show.) And I would not be surprised if this kindness (contractual or not) will provide the Tropicana will rewarding dividends in the future.
If they are so inclined, I would ask my friends, and anyone reading this column, to patronize the TROPICANA (for showing compassion), and also to attend Wayne's show (to show support for the Tropicana's belief in him as an entertainer).
Hopefully, God will see fit to heal Erin Newton - quickly and fully - and she, Wayne, and the Newton family can all resume their lives - with a healthy new baby as part of the family.
"Wayne Newton" is Mr. Las Vegas, and will overcome any and everything Negitive in the Present, Past and Future. "Karma"
Mr. Newton has quietly helped more people over the years than any of us will ever know. His faith may be undergoing a great test right now but, I know it will be rewarded in the end.
God Bless Wayne Newton and His Family and IF anyone has been helped by Wayne, maybe you can help him now (any way you can or can afford). He 'Played It Forward', maybe it's time for us to 'Pay it Back'.
I'm not a Wayne Newton fan, but no one deserves this much grief.
He is rolling in dough as you thought but he has expenses too, just like the rest of us. Regarding the plane, he must have someone who pays the bills. Give him the benefit of a doubt. It might have been missed and forgotten about. I have enough to keep track of with an ordinary house. You don't actually think he has time to do it all himself do you? This is written one-sided. He might have given or sold the plane and it was not picked up. He might have canceled the hanger contract - you don't know. I don't know. But I've had absurd things happen to me and I am a regular person who makes an ordinary income. Wayne, God bless you. I'm 53 and I've loved you since I was 17, when the rest of the students were listening to rock and roll. I hope Erin recovers. Hang in there. About the lawsuits, they'll go away as soon as he's re-arranged a few assets and gone back to work. Yikes, kind of living on the edge - he's too good-hearted and well-intentioned. I bet he does not owe all of what they claim. Lawsuits are hardly ever that cut and dry.
I WAS AT A JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT MY SON'S IN-LAWS WHICH INCLUDED HIS WIFE'S BROTHER,BOBBY, AND HIS WIFE ERIN NEWTON, AND THEIR BABY BOY. THEY ALL SEEMED JUST FINE. I HELD THE BABY. HE IS SO CUTE. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THEY SEEM TO BE PROGRESSING JUST FINE.