By ‘Grease’ cast members share emotional tribute after death of Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John, the top female pop vocalist of the 1970s and actress best known for playing Sandy in Grease, died at her ranch in Southern California on Monday at age 73.
Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, confirmed his wife’s death on Monday via her verified Facebook page, writing that Newton-John “passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.”
Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer that surfaced for the third time in 2017 and she was known to refer to herself as a “cancer thriver,” acknowledging that despite her diagnosis she lived life to the fullest. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
Celebrities all around the world have paid their condolences to Newton-John including ‘Grease’ co-stars;
John Travolta, who co-starred as Danny Zuko, said: “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”
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Stockard Channing who played Betty Rizzo said in a statement to PEOPLE that Newton-John represented “the essence of summer” to her;
“I don’t know if I’ve known a lovelier human being. Olivia was the essence of summer – her sunniness, her warmth and her grace are what always come to mind when I think of her. I will miss her enormously.”
Dinah Manoff, who played Marty Maraschino in the hit musical, also honoured Newton-John via a statement;
“As many will tell you, Olivia Newton-John was one of the kindest, most generous souls ever to grace the earth, and I was one lucky Pink Lady to have spent time with her during the filming of Grease,” Manoff said. “She brought light and laughter wherever she went. My deepest condolences to her family and friends during their time of great loss.”
Grease director Randal Kleiser, said in a statement that he’s “heartbroken”; “she was one of a kind, and so very kind. For over four decades of our friendship she exuded nothing but love to everyone she met. Olivia was exactly the way you imagined her. I will miss her forever.”
Several big stars have also joined in the tributes, including Mariah Carey, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey and Mark Hamill.
Image: therealonj/Instagram
Written by: Tahsin Aktar
