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. [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. [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. The cancer subsequently spread to her bones, with doctors diagnosing it as stage 4 and declaring that there was little chance of survival. It's been 44 years since Grease debuted in theaters. [12] Conaway's doctor attributed his death to his addiction, stating, "What happens is, like with most opiate addicts, eventually they take a little too much and they aspirate so what's in their mouth gets into their lungs That's what happened with Jeff. 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. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Tragically, the much-loved actress died at the age of 73 on Monday, August 8, surrounded by her family at her California ranch. The actor's husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page on Monday afternoon (8 August).. Travolta was married to the late Kelly Preston from 1991 until her death from breast cancer in July of 2020. Her husband, John Easterling, shared a statement via Newton-Jonh's Instagram account. "Eddie Deezen is a f---ing CREEP who comes into my work at least once a week, calls and asks other servers for my schedule, and if he comes in and im not wearing makeup HE LEAVES. "Hope you're all doing the same during these trying times.". And, of course, if you have a cancer diagnosis, your death is kind of there. Additionally, Channing has also made a name for herself on Broadway, starring in a number of beloved musicals. Sadly on August 8, 2022, at the age of 73, Newton-Johndied at her California home, reported The New York Times. Annette Charles was best known for her role as the cha-cha dancing Charlene DiGregorio in the 1978 film. From 1992 to 1996, he served as Vice President of Animation at MGM studios, and spent 23 years as an adjunct musical theater professor at the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts. 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. Part of the reason was his drug abuse after season one. Channing appeared in shows like "The Good Wife" and "The West Wing" and starred in movies like "The First Wives Club" and "Practical Magic." The risqu title track ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks, and its tongue-in-cheek, aerobics inspired music video became an MTV staple. 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. The Grease legend died at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long battle with cancer. 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. Newton-John burst onto the Hollywood scene with her role as Sandy opposite John Travolta's Danny in the 1978 blockbuster, "Grease. An obituary posted by The Orlando Sentinelrevealed that Arden had also been diagnosed with cancer prior to her death. Drew. [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. His third marriage was to Kerri Young from 1990 to 2000. 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. Doctors discovered a malignant tumor in her right breast and she underwent a modified radical mastectomy and chemotherapy before eventually being declared cancer free. However, to avoid feeling "burned out," he was selective in choosing what he would agree to. Trending. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.. In the years since the movie came out, Travolta has been nominated for two Oscars. [citation needed]. Conaway was featured in the first and second seasons of the reality television series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Here's What The Cast Of Grease Is Doing Now, Paramount Pictures, Walter McBride/Getty Images, Paramount Pictures, G'day Usa/Getty Images, Paramount Pictures, Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images, Paramount Pictures, Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images, Paramount Pictures, Bobby Bank/Getty Images, Paramount Pictures, Robert Mora/Getty Images. 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. In 2012, Lattanzi suffered a semi-psychotic meltdown and spent seven months in rehab with the support of her famous mom. In addition to acting, Conaway dabbled in music. 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. The pair split in 1995. Another huge star in "Grease" was John Travolta's Danny, heartthrob and love interest of Sandy. By the mid-2000s he had relapsed. 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. Part of that charm was because Doody was cast perfectly and was played by Barry Pearl. That claim has not been substantiated. The superstar poured money into her Olivia Newton-John Cancer Fund and helped fund the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in Victoria, Australia. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "I was the first replacement on Broadway for Jan, and I played her for six months." He died on 20 April 1994 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. Deezen is best known for playing Eugene Felsnic in the original "Grease" films. She was 73 years old. 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. 2 min read. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. You were as kind and loving a person as theres ever been. It's an extended family. Los Angeles CNN -- Actor Jeff Conaway who was in the TV series Taxi and the movie Grease died Friday morning his manager said. 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". Throughout the rest of the '80s and early '90s, he primarily worked in guest spots on TV, and small supporting roles in films, until he booked the role of Zack Allan on Babylon 5 from 1994-1999. [15], Conaway was married three times. Are Any of the Main Actors From The Ten Commandments Movie Still Alive? The "Grease" legend died at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long battle with cancer. [3], Conaway worked as a child model, and attended high school at the Quintano School for Young Professionals. Like nobody else could do Louie or Jim, they were such defined characters. 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. 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. in 2016. 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. The actor first shot to fame in the 1950s detective series "77 Sunset Strip," where he played the comb-obsessed nightclub valet, Kookie, decades before Fonzie of "Happy Days" incessantly combed his own signature ducktail. 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. Most notably, Manoff starred in "Empty Nest" for several years before moving on to "State of Grace." News that he had warned Haim about dying because of prescription drug abuse. Other actors and music artists also honored the late singer. Fans were surprised when Charles did a complete career change and became a college professor at California State University, Northridge. While she was arguably most known for playing Sandy in the cult classic, Newton-John had an incredible music career that earned her four GRAMMY awards out of 12 nominations. [24], In August 2009, Conaway was interviewed by Entertainment Tonight. Paramount Pictures; Karwai Tang/WireImage. Edd Byrnes, who played dance show host Vic Fontaine during Rydells prom, was also known forhis starring role in the television series77 Sunset Strip. The daughter of screenwriter Arnold Manoff, and Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress/director Lee Grant, Dinah Manoff played Marty Maraschino, the Pink Ladies biggest flirt. 1. 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. Starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta as Rydell High School sweethearts Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko, the film grossed $160 million when it was first released in 1978, according to Vanity Fair. Deezen, 65, was filmed entering his neighbor's vehicles without their consent earlier this year. 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 1980, Newton-John tried her hand at a second movie musical with Xanadu, but the film flopped with critics and didnt resonate with audiences. Five years after that, she revealed that the cancer had metastasized. Annette Charles' character's bad boy boyfriend, Leo "Craterface" Balmudo, was played by Dennis Stewart in "Grease." The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Joan Blondell had a huge acting resume under her belt when she appeared in "Grease" as the waitress, Vi. When Grease hit theaters in June 1978, it was an instant hit and its cast members became instant stars. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. She has been married and divorced four times, and was in a long-term relationship with cinematographer Daniel Gillham until his death in 2014. Arden died on November 12, 1990 at her Beverly Hills home at age 83, per The New York Times. Sadly, along with all of the fanfare, there has been tragedy. 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. ", A post shared by Barbra Streisand (@barbrastreisand), Actor George Takei called Newton-John a "great, iconic artist." The woman responded with a post of her own on Twitter, however. After appearing in the 1978 film, Stewart reprised his role for Grease 2 in 1982. 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. And I could die tomorrow a tree could fall on me. Prosecutors have since changed his charges to assault and disorderly conduct, however, according to an order obtained by TMZ on Monday. If you're curious about what the cast of "Grease" is doing now, here's what you need to know. The Celebrity Rehab alum had been in a . Lattanzi shared a photo to Instagram with her mom last Friday three days before the superstars death. They divorced when he was three,[3] and Conaway and his two older sisters lived with their mother. Conaway died the following morning at the age of 60. Played by Stockard Channing, Rizzo was confident and bold, and she knew what she wanted. The Post has reached out to Newton-Johns rep for further comment. Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. In recent years, she poured vast amounts of money into the initiatives, selling off her real estate portfolio to help finance the organizations. [1][3] His second marriage, from 1980 until their divorce in 1985, was to Rona Newton-John,[2] elder sister of his Grease co-star, Olivia Newton-John. No cause of death was given in a statement on her official Facebook page, but. Actor: Grease. ", "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. She was 82. Travolta's personal life has also had some ups and downs since "Grease." 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 . In 2008, he appeared on Seasons 1 and 2 of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew for drug and alcohol treatment. Eddie Deezen is reportedly unable to stand trial after his recent arrest due to mental-health -related reasons. 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. Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Conaway's dialogue for that episode was divided between his co-stars Danny DeVito and Christopher Lloyd, who delivered the jokes well enough so that Conaway's absence had little negative effect on the episode. [12] He also felt creatively stymied: I wanted to do things with Bobby, but as the show went on, I could see I wasn't going to get that chance Lemme tell you I loved Bobby, I identified with Bobby. 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.". A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial). "Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. [2][8] The two would reunite in the 1978 motion picture musical Grease, in which Travolta played Zuko and Conaway his buddy Kenickie. Read on to find out what the class of Rydell High 1978 have been up to since the film's release. 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. He was married to Olivia Newton Johns older sister, Rona Newton-John, for five years. My mother. 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. Manoff has three children with her second husband, Arthur Mortell. In fact, in an interview with Broadway World, Channing explained that "Grease" was definitely her big break, and, it turns out, it was somewhat of a challenge. In an interview with Snakkle, Ward explained that he loved working on "Grease," especially with his coworkers from the movie. She went on to a voice role on the TV series "Alvin and the Chipmunks," among other shows. 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. 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. Sadly, like so many stars, Byrnes struggled with addictive tendencies. We ask that everyone please respect the familys privacy during this very difficult time, a post on her official Facebook page read. 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. She went on to record 15 more studio albums, achieving a career total of 26, and selling over 100 million units worldwide. He was an actor, known for Grease (1978), Grease 2 (1982) and Moonlighting (1985). Kelly Ward brought the youngest member of the T-Birds, Putzie, to life in a role specifically created for the film. Played by Dinah Manoff, Marty was the perfect addition to "Grease." She spent the last two decades of her life giving back, a source close to Newton-John told The Post. Your impact was incredible. I ended up reading with [star] Judd Hirsch and it went really well."[10]. 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. She was 93 years old at the time of her death. The Physical songstress is survived by her husband of 14 years, John Easterling, and her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36. Hollywood legend Olivia Newton-John has died of breast cancer. Obviously, after "Grease," Tucci went on to appear in plenty of movies and television shows all throughout the 1980s and '90s, including "Diff'rent Strokes," "Groucho," "It's Garry Shandling's Show," and "The Paper Chase." 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. Grease co-star John Travolta took to Instagram to pay tribute to his longtime pal, writing: You made our lives so much better. 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. After a whirlwind fling of "Summer Nights," the pair assumes their time together is over, and that Sandy must return to Australia with her parents. 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 posted a lengthy rant on Facebook about a server at a local restaurant, Kara Lashbaugh. After starring in "Grease," he continued to seek out roles, starring in "Days of Our Lives" and "Port Charles." He also related that he was molested when he was seven years old. Now . Vanity Fair also noted back in 2016 that in the decade years since the release of "Grease," the film has grossed close to $400 million worldwide. By the time she was cast as high school bad girl Rizzo, Stockard Channing had already amassed an impressive list of stage and screen credits, including a starring turn opposite Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson in Mike Nichols' The Fortune. The couple had three children together: Jett, who tragically died from a seizure in 2009, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1992, at the age of 43. In 1988, she booked the lead role of Carol Weston in the hit NBC spin-off of The Golden Girls, Empty Nest. She began singing in the late 1960s, eventually releasing her first solo album, If Not for You, in 1971, with the title track originally written by Bob Dylan and recorded by George Harrison. "Or maybe I needed to create one to make it okay for myself. She was 93. Legal Statement. 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. Conaway left Taxi after the third season. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He also allegedly attempted to open the neighbor's front door, despite a female resident telling him to leave. Putzie, played by Kelly Ward, was another important member of the T-Birds in "Grease." Food was the one thing I could be in control of.. The press release also indicates that he died of natural causes. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Jeff Conaway. In fact, Conn even starred in "Grease 2," making her one of the only original cast members to do so. Grease (1978) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by Randal Kleiser . (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) Produced by Cinematography by Bill Butler . [14] In 2000, he released the album It Don't Make Sense You Can't Make Peace on the KEGMusic label. "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Its unclear what date the image was actually taken. He followed his time on the Great White Way with guest star turns on a number of television shows before joining the cast of the Grease film and becoming a series regular on the sitcom Taxi. / CBS News. 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. Deezen criticized her appearance and called her an "attention w----.". Movies. 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." 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. I just couldn't appreciate it and use it as just a job, as a learning experience. He underwent treatment in the late 1980s and often spoke candidly about his addictions. And [the producers] said they had been thinking along the same lines, so I read again. Inspired by her climactic transformation into "Bad Sandy," Newton-John revamped her sound and image for her next album, Totally Hot, to add more of a Pink Ladies edge. But I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to record it. Your Danny, your John!" 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 46. She's since appeared in Cyrus (which she acted in alongside Marisa Tomei and John C.. "The real source of joy for those of us who did it is the fact that we keep in relatively regular contact. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1993 and on April 4, 1994, died from pneumonia as a result of complications fromAIDS. Deezen is facing charges relating to an April arrest for allegedly trespassing and burglarizing the neighbors at his Maryland home. Conaway played struggling actor turned cab driver, Bobby Wheeler, on and off for four seasons, starting in 1978. 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. In the mid-1960s, he was the lead singer and guitarist for a rock band, The 3 1/2, which recorded four singles for Cameo Records in 1966 and 1967: In 1979, Conaway recorded a self-titled debut album for Columbia Records. [16] His stepson, Emerson Newton-John,[1] is a race car driver. Cookies help us deliver our Services. 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. Explaining that she had fun with her co-stars and "played around" while filming, she shared, "You know, we're still all like that. Newton-John was born in England in 1948, before relocating to Australia at the age of 5. 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." 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "[30], An autopsy performed on Conaway revealed that the actor died of various causes, including aspiration pneumonia and encephalopathy, attributable to drug overdoses. Despite enduring chronic pain, the bubbly Australian became an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness and for treating the disease with marijuana. But the actors behind those beloved teenage characters aren't so young anymore. In an interview with Home Theater Forum, Deezen explained how happy "Grease" made him. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Simpson: American Crime Story. 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. He also discussed unscrupulous doctors and enablers. In an interview with CBS News' Gayle King, Newton-John explained that she had to learn to remind herself not to let the thought of cancer consume her. "Never in my life did I think it would turn out to be what it was.". Olivia Newton-John died Monday at her ranch in Southern California, her publicist confirmed to CBS News. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Charles was just 63 when she died on August 3, 2011 (via The Hollywood Reporter). [citation needed] From 1994 to 1999, he played Sergeant, later promoted to Security Chief, Zack Allan on Babylon 5. It's fun, it's engaging, and it sometimes can bring up feelings of nostalgia to watch your favorite musical. She went into remission for several years, until she was told the cancer was back in 2013. [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. She also began abusing cocaine and chugging down a bottle of vodka every day. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Conn has appeared on series such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Transparent, and Blue Bloods. Legal Statement. Things took a dark turn in the mid-2000s when Conaway relapsed from substance abuse and turned up on reality TV as a star of the VH1 shows Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. The commitment order, obtained by TMZ, shows. "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. pic.twitter.com/Z1zkVe9CVb, Barbra Streisand also shared a photo and wrote, "Too young to leave this world. Grease Actors You May Not Know Passed Away. Then, in 1981, the blonde scored her biggest hit ever with the sexually charged anthem Physical, which track spent 10 weeks at No. The Hollywood legend was 70 years old when she died, according to The New York Times. It makes sense that Travolta would then go on to land some impressive roles in films and television shows, such as "Pulp Fiction" and "American Crime Story.". 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. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. 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. "He was the consummate performer and entertainer," Brock said. While pneumonia was the cause of death, the doctor who. [31], Best Supporting Actor, Comedy or Musical Series, "Jeff Conaway, Actor In 'Taxi', Is Dead at 60", "Jeff Conaway Took a Wrong Turn After Taxi, but Now He's Back on Track as a Soap Stud", "Jeff talks about Vikki and drugs at home", "Celebs Check Into Rehab 2 With Dr. Drew", "Jeff Conaway on Michael Jackson's Death", "Celebrity Rehab's Jeff Conaway: 'I Told Corey Haim He Was Gonna Die', "Jeff Conaway did not overdose, is 'tenuous' in coma as he battles pneumonia, says Dr. Drew Pinsky", "Actor Jeff Conaway's death ruled accidental", "Orson's Last Dance and My Lovely Encounters with Jeff Conaway! That's what happened with Jeff.". '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 . [18] Conaway stated that he had been an addict since he was a teenager. In 2012, Travolta reunited with Olivia Newton-John for their holiday album This Christmas, and in 2016 he received his first Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Robert Shapiro in FX's The People v. O.J. Shepassed away from leukemia on December 25, 1979, a little more than a year after "Grease" was released and two years after getting an Academy Award nomination for her film, "Opening Night." Newton-Johns duet with co-star Travolta, Youre the One That I Want, topped the pop charts, while her solo ballad, Hopelessly Devoted to You, climbed to No. After all, Travolta played the handsome stud in the film, and people were understandably taken with him. Charles died on Aug. 3, 2011, from lung cancer. Univision fires anchor for racist Michelle Obama insult, 'Star Wars Episode 8' to be released May 2017, Talking Barbie is too 'creepy' for some parents, Scammer tries to swindle top tax-crime fighter, Conaway suffered from pneumonia and sepsis, Life support was removed Thursday, his manager says. [2], His father, Charles,[2] was an actor, producer, and publisher. You choose.". Deezen voiced characters on "The Weird Al Show," "Dexter's Laboratory," and "Kim Possible." Byrnes died on January 8, 2020 at his home in Santa Monica, California, with his family reporting it was natural causes (via ABC). The true story of the g-strings and murders behind, Grammy-winning recording artist and country music star. After retiring from acting, Newton-John focused on philanthropy, founding the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Channing was the perfect actor to play Rizzo, and she continued to shine bright after "Grease" wrapped. 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. I love you so much. They call it reinventing yourself, the superstar said about how fans looked at her differently following the release of the single. Nonetheless, "Grease" remained his defining movie. She wanted Sandy to belong and be part of the Pink Ladies," she said of how she admired her character, according to theDaily Mail. Eddie Deezen, known for playing Eugene Felsnic in "Grease," has been found not competent to stand trial for allegedly burglarizing a nursing home. 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. On May 11, 2011, Conaway was found unconscious and taken to an Encino, California hospital. My best friend, the devoted daughter captioned the snap, which showed the pair wandering across a field together. Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1992 when she was just 43. Market data provided by Factset. [28][29], Though his drug use did not cause his pneumonia, it hampered Conaway's ability to recognize how severely ill he was and to seek treatment for pneumonia until it was too late. 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!. The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. He died on May 27, 2011. But Bobby anybody could walk in and say, 'Hi, Alex.'"[13]. She married actor Matt Lattanzi in 1984 before the pair welcomed their daughter, Chloe, two years later. Last fall, Newton-Johntold Fox Newsthat she felt the track was a bit raunchy when it first came out. Sadly, son Jett died after hitting his head while having a seizure in 2009 (via People). Olivia Newton-John passed away at the age of 73. The actor was 60 years old when he died. She went on to meet and marry producer John Easterling in 2008. Bruce Springsteen's manager, Mike Appel, produced the album. 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. 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. Updated on: August 8, 2022 / 5:15 PM Her big screen follow-up, Xanadu co-starring Gene Kelly was a critical and commercial failure, but produced a hit soundtrack and a slew of top 20 singles, including "Magic," which spent five weeks at number one on the charts. "Grease" was the word and one of the most beloved movies of the 1970s. [3] The 1961 Pulitzer Prize-winning play was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play and ran 333 performances and one preview from November 29, 1960, to September 16, 1961. In addition to her health woes, Newton-John also faced a series of other struggles in her personal life. 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." 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. 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.". She was 73. Conaway died in May of 2011 from complications from pneumonia. In 2015, he voiced a seagull in "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water." Character actress Eve Arden (born Eunice Quedens) famously starred in the 1940s and 1950s radio and TV comedy, "Our Miss Brooks," as English teacher Connie Brooks but in "Grease," she took on a different rank in the high school ecosystem when she played Rydell High's Principal McGee. Los Angeles (CNN) -- Actor Jeff Conaway, who was in the TV series "Taxi" and the movie "Grease," died Friday morning, his manager said. She added: I wasnt doing it on purpose. [2][7], He played the role for 2 1/2 years while his friend John Travolta, with whom he shared a manager, later joined the show, playing the supporting role of Doody. My eating disorder started when I was 15 and carried on until my early 20s, the star told the Mail on Sunday in 2013. 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.' [12], On May 26, 2011, Conaway's family took him off life support after doctors determined they could do nothing to revive him. Byrnes' son, news anchor Logan Byrnes, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "It is with profound sadness and . But in 1998, she came out of retirement. She was 73 years. Jeff Conaway Jeffrey Charles William Michael Conaway [1] (October 5, 1950 - May 27, 2011) [1] was an American actor. Still, Deezen recognizes that "Grease" really set him up for success as an actor. The 'Grease' star's death is being linked to her battle with breast cancer. Dennis Stewart is best known for playing Leo Craterface Balmudo in Grease. From disco-trap to deconstructed techno to Dolly-style country, we rank our favorite tracks this year. [27] After initial reports, Drew Pinsky, who had treated Conaway for substance abuse, said the actor was suffering not from a drug overdose, but rather from pneumonia with sepsis, for which he was placed into an induced coma. 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." (Allegany County Sheriff's Office), LOS ANGELES - JUNE 16: The movie "Grease", directed by Randal Kleiser. Clearly, Travolta has been doing a lot since "Grease," and he's been through a lot as well. She reprised her role four years later in Grease 2. 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. ; and the upcoming Paramount+ spin-offs Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and Summer Lovin'. 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. Newton-John continued to tour and release albums throughout the 1980s, but her personal life was in bloom. "City Boy" was released as a single. In 1993, he appeared onstage in Real Life Photographs. 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 . "I mean, it's part of life. Following his film success in "Grease," Stewart logged a series of guest spots on popular TV shows of the era, including "Wonder Woman" and "CHIPs." In a 2019 interview, Newton-John told "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle Kingthat she never felt victimized over her diagnosis. This development caused the show's producers to realize that Conaway was expendable and contributed to his termination. Conn's most recent work was in the comedy movie "The Mimic," as well as the yet-to-be released film "Paper Dreams.". "Doing everything to stay safe and healthy," he wrote over on Cameo. (CBS via Getty Images), CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER. Since its release in June of 1978, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Grease has remained an enduring fixture of pop culture. When it came to the Pink Ladies in "Grease," Jan was probably the most laid-back of the crew. Newton-John battled cancer on and off for three decades and poured vast amounts of her reported $60 million fortune into the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund in order to support cancer research. 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. Paramount Pictures. Deezen has seen plenty of success outside the movie musical world, especially when it comes to voice acting. Hewas just 46 years old at the time of his death. She was 73 years old. I get letters from Malaysia talking about 'Grease.'" In the 1950s, the multi-talented entertainment legend was one of television's very first stars as part of the pioneering live television series, "Your Show of Shows," which was quite an achievement for a kid who'd once earned a living as a saxophone player during the Depression (via Biography). In 2021, she released her first novel, The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold, through Star Alley Press. 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. Let there be Mavericks, Bollywood magic, and a Cate Blanchett maestro on the loose. John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and More. On Jan. 8, 2020, died of natural causes. Drugs and alcohol were his vices, and in 1988, Byrne publicly spoke about both his own addiction and his father's death fromcirrhosis of the liver (according toThe Washington Post). She also scored huge hits in the 1980s with "Physical" and "Magic. Conaway was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in the Astoria, Flushing and Forest Hills neighborhoods of Queens. I love you so much. After her oldest son Dashiell tragically died in a car accident in 2017, she began teaching acting at the Purdy Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, WA as a way to deal with her grief. She continued to work onstage as well, eventually earning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Peter Nichol's A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, and nominations for her work in The House of Blue Leaves and Six Degrees of Separation. 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. ", A four-time Grammy Award-winner, the English-Australian superstar sold 100 million albums with songs like "I Honestly Love You," and "Have You Never Been Mellow." 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. And one of the T-Birds, Doody was certainly entertaining and charming on screen. The Hollywood Reporter cited a coroner's report that revealed Conaway's death was caused by a "major internal infection." She was 73. Jeffrey Charles William Michael Conaway[1] (October 5, 1950 May 27, 2011)[1] was an American actor. She subsequently became a prominent advocate for promoting breast cancer awareness. Olivia loved helping people. He was 60. Kristi Noem says she'd "nudge" GOP governors to do more to restrict abortion, Rat poison found in Taco Bell takeout order, authorities say, Child remains found in Oklahoma amid search for missing 4-year-old, Suspects sought in "massacre" at California home that left 6 dead, Iranian man who decapitated teen wife sentenced to 8 years in prison, Nobel Prize laureate journalist Maria Ressa acquitted of tax evasion, Another North Carolina power substation damaged by apparent gunfire, Tiger euthanized after escaping farm, attacking local man and animals, Man goes overboard, still missing after hooking "huge" tuna in Hawaii, Analysis: Former CIA officer Rolf Mowatt on Russia-Ukraine war, Polar bear kills woman and boy in remote Alaska village, Sister Andr, world's oldest known person, dies at 118, Teen boy, mother arrested in fatal Mall of America shooting, Police investigated Utah man for abuse before murder-suicide, Alabama withdraws from voter registration data sharing group, Nonprofit helps fulfill wishes for wounded veterans, Prosecutors won't seek death penalty for alleged El Paso Walmart shooter, Comedian Leslie Jones to be the first guest host of The Daily Show on Tuesday, California faces dangerous mudslides after monster storms, Olivia Newton-John, "Grease" actress and pop star, dead at 73. Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, at the same time her father died from cancer. or redistributed. [25], In March 2010, shortly after the death of actor Corey Haim, Conaway told E! He signed it, "Your Danny, your John!". It was annulled. 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. Edd Byrnes was already a well-known actor before appearing in the movie thanks to his role in the television series 77 Sunset Strip . [3], While at NYU, Conaway appeared in television commercials and had the lead in a school production of The Threepenny Opera. I have a wonderful husband, I have all the animals I adore, I have an incredible career. Some of your favorite characters from the movie were played by actors who went on to find plenty of success, while others have stayed relatively quiet. At her Beverly Hills home at age 83, per the New times! 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