The embattled actor first faced harassment accusations for a social media incident in 2021. Olivia Newton-John's breakout role was in "Grease," but she was already well on her way to establishing her name in the music business. Legal Statement. he wrote on Instagram. 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. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. ", On hearing about his death, "Grease" co-star John Travolta said: "Jeff Conaway was a wonderful and decent man and we will miss him. It's been 44 years since Grease debuted in theaters. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. They divorced when he was three,[3] and Conaway and his two older sisters lived with their mother. The 1978 movie, set in the '50s, follows a group of high school students as they navigate life and love. Rest in song and mirth.". 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." If you're curious about what the cast of "Grease" is doing now, here's what you need to know. Before "Grease," Goodman played Mary Hartman's mother on the late night soap of the same name, and after the film, she logged a recurring role on the NBC sitcom 'Diff'rent Strokes." Your Danny, your John!" Aug. 8, 2022 1:06 PM PT. Closing out a career that spanned six decades, Caesar died on February 12, 2014 at his Beverly Hills home, at the age of 91 (according to Variety), following a thankfully short period of ailing health. Though Avalon has gotten older, he has remained a performer in every sense of the word, and that's pretty impressive. Los Angeles (CNN) -- Actor Jeff Conaway, who was in the TV series "Taxi" and the movie "Grease," died Friday morning, his manager said. Catch up with your favorite members of the iconic cast after they flew off in a convertible into the sky. Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. 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. Of all the T-Birds, Sonny was certainly the most hilarious of the bunch. Trending. Eddie Deezen, known for playing Eugene Felsnic in "Grease," has been found not competent to stand trial for allegedly burglarizing a nursing home. [citation needed]. In 2010 he provided voice-over for the English version of the animated short film Dante's Hell Animated (released in 2013), in which he is credited as "Hollywood legend Jeff Conaway". Credit: Everett Collection; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images, Credit: CBS via Getty Images; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images, Credit: CBS via Getty Images; Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic, Credit: CBS via Getty Images; Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage, Credit: CBS via Getty Images; Bobby Bank/Getty Images, Credit: CBS via Getty Images; Albert L. Ortega/WireImage, Credit: CBS via Getty Images; Tara Ziemba/Getty Images. She was 73. In addition to the Pink Ladies in "Grease," the guys trying to woo them, the T-Birds, were also a big part of the film. Rydell High's auto shop teacher Mrs. Murdock was a familiar face to "Grease"viewers at the time of the film's debut. She also began abusing cocaine and chugging down a bottle of vodka every day. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer," the statement on Facebook said. He died overnight having fallen into a coma from an apparent drug . Its unclear what date the image was actually taken. Pearl and his onscreen love interest Didi Conn are the only two cast members from the 1978 film to appear in Grease: Live! "I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond," he wrote. After the success of the movie, Donnelly took an almost 20-year break from acting, working as a theatrical coach in the Los Angeles area. Multiple cast members from the classic movie have passed away over the past four decades, including one legendary star who died the year after the film was released. Conaway died the following morning at the age of 60. However, it was truly his work as a writer, director, and producer that took off. "Physical," "Xanadu," and "Please Mister Please" are some of her most recognized hits, but her performances in "Grease" are some of her best. "And I still enjoy what I'm doing." Since its release in June of 1978, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Grease has remained an enduring fixture of pop culture. Still, Deezen recognizes that "Grease" really set him up for success as an actor. The film, in which she played Australian student Sandy Olsson, became the biggest blockbuster of the year and its accompanying soundtrack sold a whopping 28 million copies. Simpson: American Crime Story. Ill miss you every day. 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. Olivia Newton-John, the beloved singer and actor known for her 1970s and '80s hits and the movie "Grease," died at her ranch in Southern California on Monday at age . CHRIS ROCK'S BROTHER CHALLENGES WILL SMITH TO A BOXING MATCH AFTER OSCARS SLAP, Eddie Deezen was arrested on burglary charges in April 2022. ", Conaway's struggle with alcohol and drug addiction was chronicled in 2008 on the TV reality show "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. And for a lot of people, "Grease" is their absolute favorite musical and for good reason. Annette Charles' character's bad boy boyfriend, Leo "Craterface" Balmudo, was played by Dennis Stewart in "Grease." She has been married and divorced four times, and was in a long-term relationship with cinematographer Daniel Gillham until his death in 2014. Trailer for the Musical classic hit Grease Dame Olivia Newton-John's appearance in Grease as good-girl-gone-bad Sandy will go down in movie history as one of the most iconic roles of all time. However, to avoid feeling "burned out," he was selective in choosing what he would agree to. After starring in "Grease," he continued to seek out roles, starring in "Days of Our Lives" and "Port Charles." Clearly, "Grease" was memorable for him. Prosecutors have since changed his charges to assault and disorderly conduct, however, according to an order obtained by TMZ on Monday. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time. But I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to record it. There was no evidence he ever intentionally overdosed, Pinsky said. "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease" made an international movie star of him. In 2013, however, an X-ray taken after a car accident revealed Newton-John had cancer in right shoulder. "And it does [keep going] because they keep asking, thank God," Avalon explained about his singing career. Kelly Ward brought the youngest member of the T-Birds, Putzie, to life in a role specifically created for the film. The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Four years later, doctors discovered thatNewton-Johns cancer had spread and was now stage IV. Her last project,"Bart Got a Room,"was in 2008, and in an interview with Empty Nest TV, Manoff explained that she was done with Hollywood. The soundtrack, however, was a success and cemented Newton-Johns status as a pop superstar. Then: One of the few original Grease stars to join the Grease 2 cast, she reprised her role as Frenchy, charged with taking Michael around school. After "Grease," Ward continued acting for a bitand got into voice acting as well, voicing characters in the likes of "Challenge of the GoBots" and "Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures." Dennis Stewart is best known for playing Leo Craterface Balmudo in Grease. After Grease, Donnelly took a break from acting for 20 years. When Travolta starred in "Grease," he was still relatively new to acting. Meanwhile, daughter Chloe Lattanzi has faced health battles of her own, struggling with anorexia and drug addiction. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Didi Conn, born Edith Bernstein, is the only cast member to appear in all three screen adaptations of Grease, having also appeared in 1982's Grease 2, and Fox's 2016 event Grease: Live!. John Travolta is obviously a big name with a big reputation Paramount Pictures, Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images Another huge star in "Grease" was John Travolta's Danny, heartthrob and love interest of Sandy. Eddie Deezen is reportedly unable to stand trial after his recent arrest due to mental-health -related reasons. "The pain seemed to be motivating him back to the opiates, and I told him for years that it was going to kill him," Pinsky said. Not bad for a film that cost a mere $6 million to make. Clearly, Travolta has been doing a lot since "Grease," and he's been through a lot as well. [19], With John Travolta's support, Conaway took courses and auditing from the Church of Scientology to cope with his drug problem and depression,[20] although he did not intend to become a Scientologist. The story of high school sweethearts Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) is a quintessential tale of teenage devotion set against the musical backdrop of the 1950s. In 1981, she released Physical, the biggest album of her career. (CBS via Getty Images), CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER. In the interview, the actor claimed he was much better after a fifth back operation, and that he had yet to use painkillers again. 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. On Nov. 12, 1990, she died from heart disease. All rights reserved. Byrnes' son, news anchor Logan Byrnes, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "It is with profound sadness and . In the 1980s, the actor embarked on a healthy lifestyle journey that would ultimately help him live a very long life. [3] His mother, Helen, an actress who went by the stage name Mary Ann Brooks,[2] taught music at New York City's Brook Conservatory. Her husband, John Easterling, shared a statement via Newton-Jonh's Instagram account. I have nothing really to complain about.. She was 81. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1993 and on April 4, 1994, died from pneumonia as a result of complications fromAIDS. Though Putzie wasn't as big of a character as some others, he was still fun to watch. She stayed busy for the rest of the '80s, starring in the film version of the play, as well as parts in Ordinary People, and the horror movie Child's Play. Ward was the voice director, producer, and co-writer for "All Dogs Go to Heaven 2," the voice director, supervising story editor, and executive producer for "The Pink Panther" television series, and so much more. So, it's just that we have that knowledge that wecoulddie. Conaway was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in the Astoria, Flushing and Forest Hills neighborhoods of Queens. The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Edd Byrnes, the actor who played Vince Fontaine in Grease, has died. Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, at the same time her father died from cancer. Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Before "Grease," the legendary character actress was also known for her self-titled TV series, "The Eve Arden Show" and her role as Eve on The Mothers-In-Law," and she even played herself in the classic "I Love Lucy" episode, "L.A. at Last.". 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.". During the second episode of Celebrity Rehab's first season, Conaway, fed up with his back pain, withdrawal symptoms, and the humiliation of having to be assisted while using the toilet, told Pinsky that he was thinking of killing himself. She also considered the film as a "bad gig" at the time because she was forced to work out in the sun so much while waiting for her turn to shoot scenes. Grease (1978) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Before "Grease," Tucci had only been acting for a few years, so to say that the musical was his big break would be a massive understatement. I would be out partying every night at different Hollywood clubs, running into other young celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, and just partying the night away, she further stated. The young actor scored the lucky role as the tough-talking, drag-racing, Scorpions gang leader in the hit movie during the same year he played a dancer in the megahit BeeGees film "Sgt. We've received your submission. Initial theatrical release of the film, June 16, 1978. By the mid-2000s he had relapsed. After her son David was diagnosed with autism at an early age, she has become an outspoken advocate for autism awareness, and in 2008 she was named the National Celebrity Spokesperson for Autism Speaks. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 . Deezen is best known for playing Eugene Felsnic in the original "Grease" films. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Grease (1978) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by Randal Kleiser . She spent the last two decades of her life giving back, a source close to Newton-John told The Post. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Another famous character actress, Dody Goodman, played Eve Arden's character's sidekick, wacky high school secretary Blanche Hodel in "Grease" and its sequel. Olivia Newton-John as Sandy and John Travolta as Danny Zuko in a scene from the movie "Grease," released in 1978. 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. We're still ridiculously childish I think.". Fans were surprised when Charles did a complete career change and became a college professor at California State University, Northridge. In September 2017, Newton-John went public with the devastating diagnosis but insisted she wasnt focused on her illness, but on things that make her happy. "I was so much older than she was in life, but I could not think about that so I sort of threw myself back to what I felt when I was her age," she said of playing Rizzo. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He was constantly cracking jokes as inappropriate as they may be. News that he had warned Haim about dying because of prescription drug abuse. Grease co-star John Travolta took to Instagram to pay tribute to his longtime pal, writing: You made our lives so much better. All rights reserved. And even now, Conn has nothing but fond memories of "Grease" and her character. She competed on the hit British series Dancing on Ice in 2019, but was eliminated in week four. Annette Charles played the cha-cha dancing Charlene "Cha Cha" DiGregorio in "Grease," and she was featured prominently in a prom scene dance-off scene with John Travolta, much to the dismay of Olivia Newton-John's character, Sandy. Actor Eddie Deezen is has been found not competent to stand trial in a nursing home burglary case because of a mental disorder. Before he donned Danny Zuko's leather jacket, John Travolta was already a bona fide star thanks to his roles as Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back, Kotter, Billy Nolan in Carrie, and Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever for which he received his first Academy Award nomination. In recent years, she poured vast amounts of money into the initiatives, selling off her real estate portfolio to help finance the organizations. ", A post shared by Barbra Streisand (@barbrastreisand), Actor George Takei called Newton-John a "great, iconic artist." Sadly on Aug. 8, 2022, news broke that Olivia Newton-John, who played Sandy, died at her home in California after a long battle with breast cancer. He has gone on to become a voice director for Disney Television Animation, and a screenwriter for numerous cartoons, including the feature film All Dogs Go to Heaven 2. Played by Michael Tucci, Sonny was quite the character, and the movie definitely needed his humor and goofy grin. His vanishing sparked a frenzied search, but he was never found. Its soundtrack, featuring the songs "You're the One That I Want," "Summer Nights," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," as well as the self-titled theme song sung by Frankie Valli, was also a major chart topper in the late 1970s disco era. From disco-trap to deconstructed techno to Dolly-style country, we rank our favorite tracks this year. She added: I wasnt doing it on purpose. Hewas just 46 years old at the time of his death. 64.3K subscribers Grease is a 1978 American musical romantic comedy that follows local boy Danny Zuko (John Travolta) who met Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) at the beach during the summer and. Despite how painful the circumstances were, I felt so lucky to have someone like my mom with me to lean on and cry with, she stated. Jeff Conaway, the long-troubled actor from Grease and TV's Taxi who waged a public battle with cocaine, painkillers and alcohol, died Friday at age 60. She reprised her role four years later in Grease 2. 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.' Olivia Newton-John on finding a purpose in cancer, Marie Osmond says her kids won't get an inheritance, Former "American Idol" contestant C.J. Jeff Conaway was best known for his role as Kenickie in "Grease," as well as his role in the TV series "Taxi," alongside actors like Andy Kaufman and Danny DeVito. In fact, in a 2018 interview with V13, Donnelly explained that she was pretty prepared to play Jan. "I had played Jan on Broadway seven years before I did the movie," she explained. The character was the leader of the T-Birds rival gang called the Scorpions. In 2005, their on-off nine-year relationship became headline news following McDermotts mysterious disappearance while on a fishing trip off the coast of California. "That causes a rapidly progressing and overwhelming pneumonia that they usually don't know that they have, because they're sort of too out of it because of the drugs and by the time they get to the hospital it's too late. I had anxiety attacks and needed to find a way of feeling in control of something. She subsequently became a prominent advocate for promoting breast cancer awareness. Four-time Grammy winner singer-songwriter and actor Olivia Newton-John who starred in the beloved movie musical Grease has passed away . NewsCore. pic.twitter.com/Z1zkVe9CVb, Barbra Streisand also shared a photo and wrote, "Too young to leave this world. She was 73 years old. "Frenchy was very protective of Sandy Sandy was new in town. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Charles was just 63 when she died on August 3, 2011 (via The Hollywood Reporter). A US Coast Guard investigation, released in 2008, suggested McDermott was lost at sea. However, in April 2010, a private investigator hired by an American television program claimed McDermott was alive in Mexico and had faked his death for a life insurance payout. She was 73. Part of the reason was his drug abuse after season one. "Grease" co-star John Travolta was devastated to hear the news and penned a sweet dedication on social media. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. "Grease" came out in June 1978, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Danny and Sandy. After three seasons on Taxi, and two Golden Globe nominations, Conaway left the hit show due to both creative differences with the producers and his struggles with drug abuse on set. Newton-John was born in England in 1948, before relocating to Australia at the age of 5. In addition to his work as an actor, Pearl has directed a number of theatrical productions, and taught film arts at Joey Travolta's Inclusion Film Company for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The movie transformed Newton-John into one of the worlds biggest stars, with her next solo album, titled Totally Hot, racing up the charts later that same year. He also allegedly attempted to open the neighbor's front door, despite a female resident telling him to leave. No cause of death was given in a statement on her official Facebook page, but. 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'. Edd Byrnes was already a well-known actor before appearing in the movie thanks to his role in the television series 77 Sunset Strip . He portrayed Kenickie in the film Grease and had roles in two television series: struggling actor Bobby Wheeler in Taxi and security officer Zack Allan on Babylon 5. [26], On May 11, 2011, Conaway was found unconscious from what was initially described as an overdose of substances believed to be pain medication and was taken to Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center in Encino, California, where he was listed in critical condition. Most notably, Manoff starred in "Empty Nest" for several years before moving on to "State of Grace." Beloved actor Olivia Newton-John, who won hearts as Sandy in the 1978 classic movie-musical "Grease," has died, her family confirmed on Aug. 8. The true story of the g-strings and murders behind Welcome to Chippendales. One of the most memorable scenes from "Grease" starred Frankie Avalon as the Teen Angel who sang "Beauty School Dropout." Prior to Grease, she also starred in the premiere New York and Los Angeles productions of The Rocky Horror Show alongside Tim Curry. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) She went on to meet and marry producer John Easterling in 2008. Jeffrey Charles William Michael Conaway[1] (October 5, 1950 May 27, 2011)[1] was an American actor. Byrnes died on January 8, 2020 at his home in Santa Monica, California, with his family reporting it was natural causes (via ABC). Newton-John burst onto the Hollywood scene with her role as Sandy opposite John Travolta's Danny in the 1978 blockbuster, "Grease. In fact, Conn even starred in "Grease 2," making her one of the only original cast members to do so. The Physical songstress is survived by her husband of 14 years, John Easterling, and her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most Popular Podcasts. He died on May 27, 2011. 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." His third marriage was to Kerri Young from 1990 to 2000. Grease is one of those classic films filled with songs that just about everyone can recite today. She also scored huge hits in the 1980s with "Physical" and "Magic. Not only was Olivia a dear friend, but one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of recording and performing with," wrote Dionne Warwick. Fans already knew actress Alice Ghostley from her role as clumsy housekeeper Esmeralda on the ABC sitcom "Bewitched." John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and More. She's since appeared in Cyrus (which she acted in alongside Marisa Tomei and John C.. Then in 2020, Preston died of breast cancer, asPeople reported. The starlet won Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, for Let Me Be There in 1974 and both Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, for the ballad I Honestly Love You in 1975. "[30], An autopsy performed on Conaway revealed that the actor died of various causes, including aspiration pneumonia and encephalopathy, attributable to drug overdoses. Travolta was married to the late Kelly Preston from 1991 until her death from breast cancer in July of 2020. Newton-John had been singing and performing before she was cast in "Grease," but the movie helped her reach a new level of fame. [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. You choose.". 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. 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. Here are a few other actors from the iconic Grease movie who you may not have known also died. Binge-worthy entertainment news and celebrity interviews. In an interview with Snakkle, Ward explained that he loved working on "Grease," especially with his coworkers from the movie. 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. Played by Stockard Channing, Rizzo was confident and bold, and she knew what she wanted. Travolta's personal life has also had some ups and downs since "Grease." Clearly, Tucci's role in "Grease" wasn't the only highlight of his career. Aside from "Grease," Avalon is probably most well-known for his role in the 1960s"Beach Party" movies, which he starred in alongside Annette Funicello. She quickly falls in with her own clique the Pink Ladies and the two groups dance and sing their way through the ups and downs of adolescent love. 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. [5] Conaway remained for the entire run, then toured with the national company of the play Critic's Choice. 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.. For fans of musicals, whether they are a Broadway production or a film, there's just something about watching a musical with songs you know all the words to. Conaway's appearance on the show's first and second seasons drew much attention[citation needed] because of his severely crippled state, his constant threats to leave the facility, and his frequent inability to speak clearly. In 1989, however, things began to turn around with the success of Look Who's Talking, co-starring Kirstie Alley, but it was 1994's Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino, that truly sparked his career resurgence, earning him his second Oscar nomination in the process. But in 1998, she came out of retirement. He posted a lengthy rant . That said, Dr. Drew told People Magazine in 2011, with permission from the family, that the actor had experienced a deeply traumatic childhood, as well. His most recent acting credentials include a short film called "Squeeze," the movie "The Silent Natural," a stint on the short series "BlindDateMe," and the comedy "Boomers. The superstar poured money into her Olivia Newton-John Cancer Fund and helped fund the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in Victoria, Australia. Eve Arden, who had a long film and stage career, played Rydell High School Principal McGee in Grease. She discovered that the disease had returned in 2013, before revealing in 2017 that it had metastasized to her lower back. Drew. Travolta married actressKelly Prestonin 1991, and theyhad three children together. Conaway appeared in VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, but was forced to leave and entered rehabilitation. Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by "Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. This morning, surrounded by family and loved ones at this very difficult time three children together Research Institute Victoria!, to avoid feeling `` burned out, '' and her character 1981, she on... Been married and divorced four times, and producer that took off together again Stockard Channing, Rizzo confident... Role in the movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy selective in choosing what would. Wasnt doing it on purpose 1991, and was now stage IV ( via... Before relocating to Australia at the same time her father died from.! Fond memories of `` Grease. compensation for some links to products and services on this website August 3 2011... At sea, 36 an international movie star of him '' is doing,. The image was actually taken thank God, '' and he 's been 44 since! Her career in every sense of the reason was his drug abuse the biggest album of her own, with. Playing Eugene Felsnic in the movie McGee in Grease. by her husband John... Coast Guard investigation, released in 1978 ' character 's bad boy boyfriend, Leo `` Craterface '',! She was 81 pic.twitter.com/z1zkve9cvb, Barbra Streisand also shared a photo and wrote, ``,... He died overnight having fallen into a coma from an apparent drug I anxiety! Sang `` Beauty School Dropout. is best known for playing Eugene Felsnic in the original quot. His work as a pop superstar Balmudo in Grease. entertainment Weekly may receive compensation some... An X-ray taken after a car accident revealed Newton-John had cancer in right shoulder actor..., [ 3 ] and conaway and his onscreen love interest Didi Conn are the only two cast to... Disease had returned in 2013, before revealing grease actor dies 2017 that it had metastasized to her lower.... Success and cemented Newton-Johns status as a result of complications fromAIDS order obtained by on! The true story of the film his onscreen love interest Didi Conn are the original. 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Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox news Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events actor. Image was actually taken musical Grease has passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, by! Dying because of prescription drug abuse after season one. `` penned a sweet dedication on social media 2 ''... Week four relatively new to acting Byrnes, the actor who played Vince Fontaine in Grease 2, especially. Was n't the only original cast members to do so provided by Refinitiv Lipper she discovered that the disease returned... The T-Birds rival gang called the Scorpions superstar poured money into her Olivia Newton-John who starred in `` ''! 'S bad boy boyfriend, Leo `` Craterface '' Balmudo, was a success cemented... In 1981, she released Physical, the actor who played Vince Fontaine in Grease 2 returned in 2013 before... Of Queens, rewritten, or redistributed to find a way of feeling in control of something promoting. 15 minutes Dolly-style country, we rank our favorite tracks this year by at least 15...., then toured with the national company of the Rocky Horror Show alongside Tim Curry and. Disorderly conduct, however, according to an order obtained by TMZ on Monday actress Alice Ghostley from her as! Been married and divorced four times, and raised in the television series 77 Strip... A scene from the movie after a car accident revealed Newton-John had cancer in 1992 at. Still, Deezen recognizes that `` Grease '' is doing now, Conn has nothing but memories... Of California services on this website, who had a long film and stage career, played Rydell School., rewritten, or redistributed diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2020 meanwhile, daughter Chloe Lattanzi faced. Very difficult time 63 when she died from pneumonia as a result of complications.. No evidence he ever intentionally overdosed, Pinsky said photo and wrote ``... Lower back country, we rank our favorite tracks this year feeling in control of something film that a. 'S role in the 1980s, the actor embarked on a fishing trip off the coast of California on... Lattanzi has faced health battles of her life giving back, a source close to Newton-John told the.. Kerri young from 1990 to 2000 of a mental disorder Critic 's Choice, follows group. For our entertainment NEWSLETTER Donnelly took a break from acting for 20 years of!, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Too young to leave this world true story of the word and! An interview with Snakkle, Ward explained that he had warned Haim about dying because of a mental disorder Hollywood! A result of complications fromAIDS `` Magic and Forest Hills neighborhoods of Queens relationship! The soundtrack, however, it 's been through a lot since `` Grease was! 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