Highlights
- Wayne Osmond, founding member of The Osmonds, dies at 73 from a stroke.
- He was an original member of the barbershop quartet formed in 1958.
- Wayne played Leviticus Kissel in the ABC western The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters.
- The Osmonds rose to fame after performing on NBC’s The Andy Williams Show in the 1960s.
- Transitioned to country music in the 1980s with hits like “I Think About Your Lovin’.”
- Wayne battled health issues, including a brain tumor and a stroke, but remained resilient.
- Survived by his wife Kathlyn White, five children, and his Osmond siblings.
- Donny Osmond and Wayne’s daughter Amy shared heartfelt tributes to honor his memory.
Wayne Osmond, a beloved founding member of the legendary Osmond family singing group, has passed away at the age of 73. He died peacefully following a stroke, leaving a profound impact on fans and family members alike.
His brother, Donny Osmond, shared heartfelt words on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to say goodbye and reflecting on Wayne’s optimistic spirit and enduring love.
“Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him,” Donny wrote. “He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”
Born on August 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, Wayne Osmond was the fourth of nine children.
Alongside his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay, he formed the original Osmonds quartet in 1958. Their harmonious journey began as a barbershop quartet and blossomed into a global sensation.
Early Success and Stardom
The Osmonds were discovered in 1961 during a Disneyland performance by Jay Emerson Williams, the father of Andy Williams. This pivotal moment led them to appear on NBC’s The Andy Williams Show, catapulting them to fame.
Later joined by younger brother Donny, the group became a household name in the 1970s.
Wayne also showed his acting talent in the early 1960s, appearing with his brothers in the ABC western The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters, where he played young Leviticus Kissel.
The Height of Their Career
During the 1970s, Wayne and his siblings frequently appeared on Donny & Marie, the ABC variety show hosted by their younger siblings. Midway through its fourth season, the show was renamed The Osmond Family Show, further cementing the family’s entertainment legacy.
Transition to Country Music
In the 1980s, Wayne reunited with Alan, Merrill, and Jay to transition into country music. The group achieved moderate success, with hits like “I Think About Your Lovin’.”
However, challenges arose in the mid-1990s when Wayne was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which resulted in significant hearing loss.
In 2012, Wayne suffered a stroke that left him unable to play the guitar—a role he cherished. Despite these health struggles, he remained a symbol of resilience and strength.
A Life Filled with Family and Love
Wayne married Kathlyn White in 1974, and together they had five children. His daughter Amy shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, expressing her gratitude for his love, strength, and unforgettable memories.
“I am having a hard time expressing the depth of my sadness that I won’t have my ‘twin’ in my life for a while,” Amy wrote. “But I look forward to the day when I can see him again on the other side. I love you, Dad.”
Wayne Osmond will forever be remembered as a talented musician, a devoted family man, and an eternal optimist whose legacy will live on through his music and the memories he created with his loved ones.
