In recent years, she poured vast amounts of money into the initiatives, selling off her real estate portfolio to help finance the organizations. He was 87. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. [3] After playing with the rock band 3 1/2 beginning at age 15, he attended the North Carolina School of the Arts[3][6] and later transferred to New York University. We've received your submission. Despite her long battle with cancer, news of Newton-Johns passing still shook the showbiz world and prompted an outpouring of grief from her celebrity friends. However, she was also a Tony-winning stage performer (perBroadway World), who would later go on to a recurring role on 'Designing Women," which scored her an Emmy nod, per Emmys.com. He was 46. She went into remission for several years, until she was told the cancer was back in 2013. Menu. Grease wasn't his first time working with co-star John Travolta, as the two worked together on 1976's made-for-television movie The Boy in the Plastic Bubble. The highest grossing movie of the year, it also produced one of the best-selling albums of all-time; a 1982 sequel starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield; a live television event, Grease: Live! But in 1998, she came out of retirement. 25 on the pop charts, and Newton-John went on to win three Grammys in the mid-1970s. ", My heart is broken. Olivia Newton-John passed away at the age of 73. Kelly Ward brought the youngest member of the T-Birds, Putzie, to life in a role specifically created for the film. director of photography Film Editing by John F. Burnett . The 1970s were good to John Travolta. Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, at the same time her father died from cancer. Though Putzie wasn't as big of a character as some others, he was still fun to watch. Instead I saw it as, 'Hey, anybody could do this character.' You choose.". ", A post shared by Barbra Streisand (@barbrastreisand), Actor George Takei called Newton-John a "great, iconic artist." [3] He made his film debut in the 1971 romantic drama Jennifer on My Mind, which also featured future stars Robert De Niro and Barry Bostwick. A year after her split from Lattanzi, the star began dating cameraman Patrick McDermott. She was 73. Though Avalon has gotten older, he has remained a performer in every sense of the word, and that's pretty impressive. The Celebrity Rehab alum had been in a . (Allegany County Sheriff's Office), LOS ANGELES - JUNE 16: The movie "Grease", directed by Randal Kleiser. [2], After breaking into series television in 1975 with Happy Days, followed by guest spots in several other TV shows, and three more films including Grease, he was cast as aspiring actor Bobby Wheeler on Taxi, which premiered in fall 1978. On May 11, 2011, Conaway was found unconscious and taken to an Encino, California hospital. She went on to win one more Emmy for the made-for-television movie The Matthew Shepard Story in 2002, which earned her a Screen Actor's Guild Award as well. But when her family decides to stay in America, Sandy is enrolled in Rydell High alongside Danny, who tries to play it cool in front of his gang of greaser friends the T-Birds causing friction between them. Edd Byrnes, the actor who played Vince Fontaine in Grease, has died. She returned to the profession in the late '90s and has appeared on television in series like Monk, Veep, and Ray Donovan, as well as the feature films Black Mass with Johnny Depp, and Cyrus, with Marisa Tomei. Most notably, Manoff starred in "Empty Nest" for several years before moving on to "State of Grace." Other actors and music artists also honored the late singer. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Newton-John spoke publicly of her beaus disappearance, telling the Australian Womens Weekly magazine: I think there will always be a question mark I dont think I will ever really be at peace with it.. That star began to dip in the 1980s, but his Oscar-nominated turn in "Pulp Fiction" brought him back to the top, as Travolta himself acknowledged on "Inside the Actor's Studio." That was in the '90s, the same decade that brought Travolta his wife, actress Kelly Preston, and his . The character was the leader of the T-Birds rival gang called the Scorpions. Upon arrival at the Pasadena Recovery Center (which was filmed as part of Celebrity Rehab's first episode) Conaway, using a wheelchair, arrived drunk, mumbling to Drew Pinsky that he had binged on cocaine and Jack Daniel's whiskey the previous night. Hollywood legend Olivia Newton-John has died of breast cancer. One of the most lovable characters in "Grease" was definitely Frenchy, the charming, sweet, beauty-loving Pink Lady played by Didi Conn. "Grease" was hardly Conn's first acting gig, and after the movie ended, she never really stopped working. In 2013, however, an X-ray taken after a car accident revealed Newton-John had cancer in right shoulder. I went to McDonalds drive-thru for lunch but left with bags of cash instead, Prince Harry roasted at Critics Choice Awards 2023, Biden, Harris photo-op with Warriors team takes awkward turn: 'I'm not doing that', Listen to chilling 911 call ahead of Lisa Marie Presleys cardiac arrest, Marvin Gaye IIIs wife files restraining order after domestic violence arrest, Kanye Wests new wife Bianca Censori wasnt a fan of his music, Wife of 'Boy Meets World' star William Daniels details 'painful' 'open marriage'. A few decades following Conaway's TV and movie heyday, fans were sad to see Conaway turn up on "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew,"where he revealed he was addicted to alcohol and prescription painkillers. Eve Arden, who had a long film and stage career, played Rydell High School Principal McGee in Grease. She added: I wasnt doing it on purpose. Like his co-star John Travolta, Conaway appeared in the original cast of Grease on Broadway, serving as an understudy for several of the roles, eventually taking over the role of Danny Zuko. He acted steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s. I had a lot of meetings with [the producers] because I was unhappy Sure, partially it was ego, but let me do what I do best. Played by Jamie Donnelly, Jan had a very sweet and authentic demeanor. "My heart is broken," singer-songwriter Richard Marx tweeted. I remember leaving the studio feeling guilty and unhappy. I dont think I was really aware of how raunchy it was when I was recording it until afterward, and thats when I freaked out.. (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) Produced by Cinematography by Bill Butler . [citation needed]. After starring in "Grease," he continued to seek out roles, starring in "Days of Our Lives" and "Port Charles." Ward added that he mostly bonded with "creative visionaries, Pat Birch and Randal Kleiser," the movie's choreographer and director, respectively, which makes sense considering his affinity for producing and writing. I love you so much. [4], He also spent time living with his grandparents in South Carolina, which gave him enough of a Southern accent[4] that when he accompanied his mother to a casting call for director Arthur Penn's Broadway play All the Way Home, a story set in Knoxville, Tennessee, the 10-year-old Conaway landed a featured role as one of four boys. Hewas just 46 years old at the time of his death. When asked whether she thought of death often, Newton-John said she tried not to focus on it or any prognosis given by a doctor. The Physical songstress is survived by her husband of 14 years, John Easterling, and her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36. Sadly, according to the BBC, Conaway's addiction to prescription drugs may have started with "Grease," as a back injury he suffered while filming the movie spawned a lifelong addiction. Another huge star in "Grease" was John Travolta's Danny, heartthrob and love interest of Sandy. Five years later, after a handful of TV appearances in shows like M*A*S*H, The Waltons, and Magnum, P.I., Ward retired from acting on-camera. The track which was accompanied by a steamy aerobics video clip, which won a Grammy for Video of the Year was eventually named the biggest song of the 1980s. After Pinsky asked him to elaborate upon how he would carry out a suicidal act, Conaway glared at the mirror in his room and said, "I see myself breaking that mirror and slicing my fucking throat with it." He had numerous guest-starring TV roles over the years as well. He posted a lengthy rant on Facebook about a server at a local restaurant, Kara Lashbaugh. After retiring from acting, Newton-John focused on philanthropy, founding the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. After her turn as beauty school dropout Frenchy in the original 1978 film, she went on to star in television shows like The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang, Benson, and the PBS series Shining Time Station alongside Ringo Starr, and later, George Carlin. [2], His father, Charles,[2] was an actor, producer, and publisher. She was 73 years old. That claim has not been substantiated. Nonetheless, "Grease" remained his defining movie. Rest in song and mirth.". Conn has appeared on series such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Transparent, and Blue Bloods. Jeff Conaway Jeffrey Charles William Michael Conaway [1] (October 5, 1950 - May 27, 2011) [1] was an American actor. Newton-John was born in England in 1948, before relocating to Australia at the age of 5. Her cause of death was reported as heart disease. Stewart tragically died from complications relating to AIDS on April 20, 1994 (via Facebook). Newton-John's more recent roles had been on television shows as a performer, as it's clear that music was her top priority. When it came to the Pink Ladies in "Grease," Jan was probably the most laid-back of the crew. Rizzo also had a pretty important storyline with a pregnancy scare and the best song in the movie, "There Are Worse Things (I Could Do)," which was about her not being ashamed of her sexual desires. Her cancer returned in 2013 and 2017, and on August 8, 2022, her husband John Easterling announced the icon's death at the age of 73. However, though Caesar appeared in the biggest box office hit of 1978, he struggled with alcohol and pill addiction during that same era, per The New York Times. "We're thankful his struggles are over, but we know he will be missed by legions of fans worldwide. Later, in 2013,doctors discovered she had cancer in her shoulder, andin 2018, Newton-John shared that her stage 4 breast cancer had spread to her spine. Newton-John continued to tour and release albums throughout the 1980s, but her personal life was in bloom. Conaway was featured in the first and second seasons of the reality television series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. "Grease" came out in June 1978, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Danny and Sandy. In fact, Conn even starred in "Grease 2," making her one of the only original cast members to do so. He also related that he was molested when he was seven years old. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He also reprised his role as "Craterface" Balmudo in the 1982 film "Grease 2," and his last acting credit on IMDb is listed in 1991 with a role on the TV series "Parker Lewis Can't Lose." When Grease hit theaters in June 1978, it was an instant hit and its cast members became instant stars. Rydell High's auto shop teacher Mrs. Murdock was a familiar face to "Grease"viewers at the time of the film's debut. I had anxiety attacks and needed to find a way of feeling in control of something. He was known for playing Kenickie in the film Grease and for his roles in two television series: struggling actor Bobby Wheeler in Taxi and security officer Zack Allan on Babylon 5. But Bobby anybody could walk in and say, 'Hi, Alex.'"[13]. The singer-actress passed on August 8, 2022, after a 30-year-long battle with breast cancer (via People). And Sid Caesar, who played Coach Calhoun, died on Feb. 12, 2014. She's since appeared in Cyrus (which she acted in alongside Marisa Tomei and John C.. Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1992 when she was just 43. [16] His stepson, Emerson Newton-John,[1] is a race car driver. ; and the upcoming Paramount+ spin-offs Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and Summer Lovin'. His first, short-lived marriage (when he was 21) was to a dancer he had been seeing for two years. Five years after that, she revealed that the cancer had metastasized. It was frustrating. She added that while denial was how she originally dealt with the news, she focused on the joy of life and everyday living as part of her healing process. Channing was the perfect actor to play Rizzo, and she continued to shine bright after "Grease" wrapped. The actor's husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page on Monday afternoon (8 August).. Prior to Grease, she also starred in the premiere New York and Los Angeles productions of The Rocky Horror Show alongside Tim Curry. She was 81. [3], While at NYU, Conaway appeared in television commercials and had the lead in a school production of The Threepenny Opera. The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. The star was treated, but did not publicize the diagnosis at the time. Later I got a call from [original casting director] Joel Thurm, who says, 'Well, it's not good news, but it's not bad news either.' In a 2005 radio interview with WDCM (via YouTube), Ghostley admitted she was surprised that older fans liked "Grease," but added, "I do get a lot of letters. It's been 44 years since Grease debuted in theaters. In 1993, she reprised the role of Louisa "Ouisa" Kittredge for the film version of Six Degrees and received both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her performance. From 1989 to 1990, he played Mick Savage on The Bold and the Beautiful. Arden died on November 12, 1990 at her Beverly Hills home at age 83, per The New York Times. Following the juggernaut success of the film, Travolta's next hit came with 1980's Urban Cowboy, but then a string of disappointments followed, and the actor's career hit a slump throughout the following decade. Kenickie, the T-Birds second-in-command, was brought to life by Jeff Conaway. "I was glad when it was over, to tell you the truth," the actress said. 'Grease' actor and acclaimed singer Olivia Newton-John died Monday at age 73 at her Southern California ranch surrounded by family and friends.SUBSCRIBE FOR . Though Travolta had appeared in television shows, in the classic horror film "Carrie," and in "Saturday Night Fever," he didn't reach peak fame until "Grease." No cause of death was given in a statement on her official Facebook page, but. In 2008, he appeared on Seasons 1 and 2 of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew for drug and alcohol treatment. Los Angeles," she explained, adding, "So now I am raising my kids, riding my horse, writing a novel, teaching acting, cooking vegetable soup from my garden.". Edd Byrnes, who played dance show host Vic Fontaine during Rydells prom, was also known forhis starring role in the television series77 Sunset Strip. After two brief attempts at sitcom stardom in the early 1980s, Channing re-teamed with Nicholson and Nichols (as well as Meryl Streep) for the film Heartburn, based on Nora Ephron's best-selling novel. Ghostley died at her Studio City, California home on September 21, 2007 at age 81 following a long colon cancer illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter. News that he had warned Haim about dying because of prescription drug abuse. In a 2019 interview, Newton-John told "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle Kingthat she never felt victimized over her diagnosis. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Byrnes' son, news anchor Logan Byrnes, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "It is with profound sadness and . He also allegedly attempted to open the neighbor's front door, despite a female resident telling him to leave. ", First published on August 8, 2022 / 3:43 PM. "Grease" was the word and one of the most beloved movies of the 1970s. Screw. [9], He had appeared in an episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show for the same producers, and, he said in 1987, had been considered for the role of John Burns, which eventually went to Randall Carver:.mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}, But then one day I got the whole script and became real interested in the actor character, then called Bobby Taylor. 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