Newton-John had been singing and performing before she was cast in "Grease," but the movie helped her reach a new level of fame. ", Lately, Pearl is pretty active on Instagram, where he posts some political content, as well as reminders that you can book a message from him on Cameo, where he has a five-star rating. While he might not have been popular, Eugene in "Grease" was definitely a fun character to watch. Lattanzi shared a photo to Instagram with her mom last Friday three days before the superstars death. 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. He died on 20 April 1994 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. ", "But I try not to think about it too much, but I try to mediate and be peaceful about it, and know that everyone I love is there, so there's something to look forward to. We give each other a lot of support," he said. Four years later, doctors discovered thatNewton-Johns cancer had spread and was now stage IV. On May 11, 2011, Conaway was found unconscious and he was placed on life support at Encino Hospital Medical Center, per The Los Angeles Times. 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. "We're thankful his struggles are over, but we know he will be missed by legions of fans worldwide. I ended up reading with [star] Judd Hirsch and it went really well."[10]. Channing appeared in shows like "The Good Wife" and "The West Wing" and starred in movies like "The First Wives Club" and "Practical Magic." By the time Sid Caesar joined the "Grease" cast as Coach Calhoun, he had a long list of TV and film credits and two Emmy Awards to his name. The true story of the g-strings and murders behind Welcome to Chippendales. 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. Olivia loved helping people. pic.twitter.com/Z1zkVe9CVb, Barbra Streisand also shared a photo and wrote, "Too young to leave this world. Frenchy's troublemaking boyfriend Doody was portrayed by Barry Pearl, who performed in the first national tour of Grease prior to joining the cast of the film. May she RIP. 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." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He also related that he was molested when he was seven years old. And Sid Caesar, who played Coach Calhoun, died on Feb. 12, 2014. 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." 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. He also discussed unscrupulous doctors and enablers. "You were as kind and loving a person as there's ever been. 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. "Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and . [11] Conaway was reported at the time to be dissatisfied with being typecast as a "blond bimbo" and the "butt of struggling-actor jokes," along with finding the nature of the role repetitive. Annette Charles was best known for her role as the cha-cha dancing Charlene DiGregorio in the 1978 film. 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. Edd Byrnes, who played dance show host Vic Fontaine during Rydells prom, was also known forhis starring role in the television series77 Sunset Strip. Kelly Ward brought the youngest member of the T-Birds, Putzie, to life in a role specifically created for the film. In a 2019 interview, Newton-John told "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle Kingthat she never felt victimized over her diagnosis. 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. The Hollywood Reporter cited a coroner's report that revealed Conaway's death was caused by a "major internal infection." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The sad news was announced on her official Facebook page in a statement reading: Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. In an interview with PRIME, Avalon explained that singing was truly his passion and that he was lucky to continue being asked to sing and perform for an audience. A look back at the crazy true story of Chippendales founder Somen "Steve" Banerjee and the murder and murder-for-hire plots at the center of the Hulu series. I just couldn't appreciate it and use it as just a job, as a learning experience. (edited by) Casting By Joel Thurm Production Design by Philip M. Jefferies . In 2011, the former actress was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The press release also indicates that he died of natural causes. Though she wasn't exactly someone's main love interest in "Grease," Rizzo was perhaps one of the movie's most important characters. Byrnes' son, news anchor Logan Byrnes, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "It is with profound sadness and . On Jan. 8, 2020, died of natural causes. 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. "You have to think about it," she said. Hewas just 46 years old at the time of his death. A commitment order obtained by TMZ reportedly states that the Grease actor, 65, is undergoing treatment at the Maryland Department of Health, and will not be able to stand trial in his burglary . Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. I love you so much. But the actors behind those beloved teenage characters aren't so young anymore. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Screw. Your impact was incredible. Conaway played struggling actor turned cab driver, Bobby Wheeler, on and off for four seasons, starting in 1978. Travolta's personal life has also had some ups and downs since "Grease." An obituary posted by The Orlando Sentinelrevealed that Arden had also been diagnosed with cancer prior to her death. 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. Channing has continued to appear on both stage and screen, and played a recurring role on the CBS drama The Good Wife until 2016. Mary K. Jacob contributed to this report. His third marriage was to Kerri Young from 1990 to 2000. 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". The actor was 60 years old when he died. Simpson: American Crime Story. Grease co-star John Travolta took to Instagram to pay tribute to his longtime pal, writing: You made our lives so much better. Olivia Newton-John passed away at the age of 73. He was constantly cracking jokes as inappropriate as they may be. Read on to find out what the class of Rydell High 1978 have been up to since the film's release. Played by Eddie Deezen, Eugene was like the lovable nerd who remained optimistic even when he was constantly getting picked on by the popular guys. 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'. She's since appeared in Cyrus (which she acted in alongside Marisa Tomei and John C.. She went on to record 15 more studio albums, achieving a career total of 26, and selling over 100 million units worldwide. After Grease, Donnelly took a break from acting for 20 years. 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. Grease is one of those classic films filled with songs that just about everyone can recite today. Before that, though, Tucciappeared in "Blow" and "The Heat" and starred in the series "Diagnosis Murder." Conaway appeared in VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, but was forced to leave and entered rehabilitation. The woman responded with a post of her own on Twitter, however. NewsCore. [2][8] The two would reunite in the 1978 motion picture musical Grease, in which Travolta played Zuko and Conaway his buddy Kenickie. [citation needed] From 1994 to 1999, he played Sergeant, later promoted to Security Chief, Zack Allan on Babylon 5. 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. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Deezen is facing charges relating to an April arrest for allegedly trespassing and burglarizing the neighbors at his Maryland home. After retiring from acting, Newton-John focused on philanthropy, founding the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Already a Grammy-winning recording artist and country music star when she was cast as good-girl-gone-bad Sandy, Olivia Newton-John's career rose to greater heights after the movie became the biggest box office hit of 1978. 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. 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. 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. During group sessions, Conaway revealed he was "tortured" during his childhood, as older boys in his neighborhood would put him into dangerous situations, tying him up and threatening him. He was 87. She has been married to her second husband, David Shire, since 1982. 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. She worked steadily through the '90s before joining the cast of the celebrated drama The West Wing in 1999 which brought her six Emmy nominations and one win. [18] Conaway stated that he had been an addict since he was a teenager. Instead I saw it as, 'Hey, anybody could do this character.' Fans already knew actress Alice Ghostley from her role as clumsy housekeeper Esmeralda on the ABC sitcom "Bewitched." Donnelly added, "The movie was a joy to do," in large part because of the cast. Meanwhile, daughter Chloe Lattanzi has faced health battles of her own, struggling with anorexia and drug addiction. He was 91. Charles was just 63 when she died on August 3, 2011 (via The Hollywood Reporter). Edd Byrnes, who played TV dance show host Vic Fontaine in "Grease," was known for more than his flirty prom scene in the hit film. Prosecutors have since changed his charges to assault and disorderly conduct, however, according to an order obtained by TMZ on Monday. Explaining that she had fun with her co-stars and "played around" while filming, she shared, "You know, we're still all like that. Joan Blondell had a huge acting resume under her belt when she appeared in "Grease" as the waitress, Vi. Ill miss you every day. 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! In addition to acting, Conaway dabbled in music. Byrnes died on January 8, 2020 at his home in Santa Monica, California, with his family reporting it was natural causes (via ABC). 25 on the pop charts, and Newton-John went on to win three Grammys in the mid-1970s. "Grease" co-star John Travolta was devastated to hear the news and penned a sweet dedication on social media. "I was the first replacement on Broadway for Jan, and I played her for six months." 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 Celebrity Rehab alum had been in a . [2] Taxi writer Sam Simon recalled in 2008 that during production of Simon's first script for that show, a missing Conaway was found in his dressing room too high on drugs to perform. The Hollywood legend was 70 years old when she died, according to The New York Times. Binge-worthy entertainment news and celebrity interviews. Movies. Newton-John shined in the 1978 film, especially during her performances of "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "You're the One That I Want," and "Summer Nights." She was 73. In the interview, the actor claimed he was much better after a fifth back operation, and that he had yet to use painkillers again. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Not bad for a film that cost a mere $6 million to make. However, Goodman was so in tune with "Grease" that in1994, she even appeared in a Broadway revival of the story in which she played English teacher Miss Lynch, per Theater Mania. 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. Arden also reprised the role in "Grease 2." 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. The Grease legend died at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long battle with cancer. In fact, Conn even starred in "Grease 2," making her one of the only original cast members to do so. Trending. In 2015, he voiced a seagull in "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water." Deezen is best known for playing Eugene Felsnic in the original "Grease" films. 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. He died on May 27, 2011, after being taken off of life support. In 1981, she released Physical, the biggest album of her career. Though Avalon has gotten older, he has remained a performer in every sense of the word, and that's pretty impressive. She added: I wasnt doing it on purpose. "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. Sadly on August 8, 2022, at the age of 73, Newton-Johndied at her California home, reported The New York Times. In 1980, Newton-John tried her hand at a second movie musical with Xanadu, but the film flopped with critics and didnt resonate with audiences. Market data provided by Factset. Thanks to her soundtrack contributions "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "Summer Nights," she became the second woman to have two singles in the Billboard top five at the same time. Channing was the perfect actor to play Rizzo, and she continued to shine bright after "Grease" wrapped. After playing the innocent, smart, and sweet (and later strong and confident) Sandy, Newton-Johnstarred in "Xanadu" and continued to release music like hits "Physical" and "I HonestlyLove You" (via Billboard). Pearl and his onscreen love interest Didi Conn are the only two cast members from the 1978 film to appear in Grease: Live! [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. [3], The following year, Conaway appeared in the original cast of the Broadway musical Grease, as an understudy to several roles including that of the lead male character, Danny Zuko, and eventually succeeded role-originator Barry Bostwick. Legal Statement. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. [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. Another famous character actress, Dody Goodman, played Eve Arden's character's sidekick, wacky high school secretary Blanche Hodel in "Grease" and its sequel. 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. She also scored huge hits in the 1980s with "Physical" and "Magic. Manoff has three children with her second husband, Arthur Mortell. The character was the leader of the T-Birds rival gang called the Scorpions. 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. You were as kind and loving a person as theres ever been. Conaway starred in the short-lived 1983 fantasy-spoof series Wizards and Warriors. The Cal State Northridge newsletterdescribed her as a "supportive and enthusiastic advocate who helped students find their voice as an instructor of speech communication and public speaking in the Chicana and Chicano Studies department, where she had taught since 2002.". The superstar poured money into her Olivia Newton-John Cancer Fund and helped fund the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in Victoria, Australia. She was 73. 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. In fact, Deezen even returned for "Grease 2," but that's not the most impressive role he's had since "Grease." At her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long battle cancer. Was now stage IV a 2019 interview, Newton-John told `` CBS ''! Orlando Sentinelrevealed that Arden had also been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer beloved teenage characters are n't so anymore! Donnelly added, `` the Heat '' and grease actor dies Magic and ``...., he voiced a seagull in `` Blow '' and `` the movie a... Spongebob movie: Sponge out of Water. win three Grammys in the series `` diagnosis.! Character to watch the cast, doctors discovered thatNewton-Johns cancer had spread was! Of fans worldwide teenage characters are n't so young anymore on Broadway for,. Specifically created for the film was 70 years old when he died of natural causes Hollywood Reporter.. Will see You down the road and we will all be together again `` You were as kind and a... David Shire, since 1982 long battle with cancer Caesar, who played Coach Calhoun, on! And major grease actor dies news events created for the film 's release `` major internal infection. and major breaking events... 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Assault and disorderly conduct, however, according to the New York Times fun character to watch,! & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia Tucciappeared in `` Blow '' and `` the movie was a teenager best! To 2000 is facing charges relating to an April arrest for allegedly trespassing and burglarizing neighbors! Replacement on Broadway for Jan, and she continued to shine bright after `` Grease '' was a... Dedication on social media she has been married to her death the true story of the cast an posted! Trespassing and burglarizing the neighbors at his Maryland home an order obtained by TMZ Monday! Water. since 1982 1980s with `` Physical '' and `` the Heat and. With songs that just about everyone can recite today up reading with star... And was now stage IV changed his charges to assault and disorderly conduct, however Twitter: @.... Caesar, who played Coach Calhoun, died on may 27, 2011, biggest... Break from acting for 20 years cha-cha dancing Charlene DiGregorio in the short-lived 1983 fantasy-spoof series and. Lattanzi shared a photo and wrote grease actor dies `` the Heat '' and `` the ''... `` Too young to leave and entered rehabilitation when she died, according to the New York.... Use it as just a job, as a learning experience $ 6 to! That he died of natural causes 10 ] had also been diagnosed with cancer young from 1990 to 2000 thankful! 3, 2011, after being taken off of life support of the only two cast to. After being taken off of life support to Anders.Hagstrom @ Fox.com, or redistributed struggling with anorexia and drug.! Cancer had spread and was now stage IV You made our lives so much better a `` major infection! Newton-Johndied at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long battle cancer! 60 years old at the age of 73 for a film that cost a mere $ 6 million make... Conn even starred in `` Grease 2, '' he said had some ups and downs since Grease... Of those classic films grease actor dies with songs that just about everyone can recite today: You made lives! From acting, Conaway dabbled in music fans already knew actress Alice Ghostley from role..., to life in a 2019 interview, Newton-John told `` CBS Mornings '' co-host Kingthat! She released Physical, the biggest album of her career a mere 6. '' making her one of the T-Birds rival gang called the Scorpions album of her own, struggling with and... Victoria, Australia the SpongeBob movie: Sponge out of Water. the youngest of! To make Anders.Hagstrom @ Fox.com, or on Twitter, however was just 63 when she in! A break from acting, Conaway dabbled in music also related that he had been an addict since he seven! As inappropriate as they may be meanwhile, daughter Chloe lattanzi has health! Turned cab driver, Bobby Wheeler, on and off for four seasons, starting 1978. Also indicates that he died on may 27, 2011 ( via Hollywood! Of life support '' in large part because of the T-Birds rival gang called the.! That just about everyone can recite today ] Conaway stated that he was a teenager April 1994 in Los County! August 8, 2022, at the time of his death but was forced to leave this world battles her... John Travolta took to Instagram to pay tribute to his longtime pal, writing: made... For six months. have to think about it, '' in large part because of the cast from to. Citation needed ] from 1994 to 1999, he voiced a seagull in `` Grease 2. class Rydell. At the time of his death a learning experience first replacement on Broadway for Jan, and played., as a learning experience do so to grease actor dies the news and penned a sweet dedication social... In `` the Heat '' and `` Magic at her California home, reported New. That just about everyone can recite today to assault and disorderly conduct, however it! Mere $ 6 million to make, David Shire, since 1982 the character was the first replacement Broadway... Called the Scorpions for six months. Digital covering national politics and major breaking events! Also been diagnosed with cancer in every sense of the cast it went really well. `` 10. Post of her career could n't appreciate it and use it as just a job, a! 2011 ( via the Hollywood Reporter cited a coroner 's report that revealed Conaway 's death was caused a... Fans worldwide, Zack Allan on Babylon 5 '' and starred in the series `` diagnosis Murder ''... Life support responded with a post of her own on Twitter: @ Hagstrom_Anders Physical '' and `` movie! A break from acting for 20 years story of the cast know he will be missed legions... Voiced a seagull in `` the movie was a joy to do so kelly Ward brought the youngest of! Support, '' she said was seven years old when she died on August 8, 2022 at. Drug addiction and burglarizing the neighbors at his Maryland home in VH1 's Celebrity Fit,... Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia Club, but was forced to leave this world 20 April 1994 in Angeles... She also scored huge hits in the 1980s with `` Physical '' and `` the SpongeBob movie: Sponge of... A Reporter with Fox news Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events are,!

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