In fact, Conn even starred in "Grease 2," making her one of the only original cast members to do so. 1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and No. The 1970s were good to John Travolta. Grease (1978) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. He was 87 years old. After "Grease," Donnelly made appearances in films like "Can't Hardly Wait" and had roles in series such as "The Naked Brothers Band," "Family Affair," "Monk," and "Ray Donovan." ", 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." Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. It just was the song that I was attracted to and the album. Before that, though, Tucciappeared in "Blow" and "The Heat" and starred in the series "Diagnosis Murder." By the mid-2000s he had relapsed. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. 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. Tucci's most recent role was in the thriller "PinkCity: A Psychedelic Meditation," which was in post-production as of 2020. 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. He appeared in films such as Jawbreaker, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, and Do You Wanna Know a Secret? The Post has reached out to Newton-Johns rep for further comment. An obituary posted by The Orlando Sentinelrevealed that Arden had also been diagnosed with cancer prior to her death. JEFF Conaway, who played T-Bird Kenickie in the iconic musical "Grease," has died at the age of 60. 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). Her cause of death was reported as heart disease. 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. She competed on the hit British series Dancing on Ice in 2019, but was eliminated in week four. Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, at the same time her father died from cancer. 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. 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 . As the years have gone on, and the world has continued to turn and change, the actors from "Grease" have also evolved quite a bit actually. Because, again, it's a decision How am I gonna deal with it? He also allegedly attempted to open the neighbor's front door, despite a female resident telling him to leave. 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. Other actors and music artists also honored the late singer. On Nov. 12, 1990, she died from heart disease. Grease co-star John Travolta took to Instagram to pay tribute to his longtime pal, writing: You made our lives so much better. The actor, who played geeky Eugene Felsnic in the "Grease" musical films and Eddie in the 1980s sitcom "Punky Brewster," also has been transferred to the Maryland Department of Health for treatment, according to Allegany County Circuit Court records reviewed Monday by . After starring in "Grease," he continued to seek out roles, starring in "Days of Our Lives" and "Port Charles." Arden died on November 12, 1990 at her Beverly Hills home at age 83, per The New York Times. In 2013, however, an X-ray taken after a car accident revealed Newton-John had cancer in right shoulder. 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. 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. Not bad for a film that cost a mere $6 million to make. Sadly on. pic.twitter.com/Z1zkVe9CVb, Barbra Streisand also shared a photo and wrote, "Too young to leave this world. Byrnes' son, news anchor Logan Byrnes, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "It is with profound sadness and . "And it does [keep going] because they keep asking, thank God," Avalon explained about his singing career. 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. Played by Jamie Donnelly, Jan had a very sweet and authentic demeanor. "Hope you're all doing the same during these trying times.". Olivia Newton-John has died at the age of 73. Rest in song and mirth.". "City Boy" was released as a single. 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. 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. ", First published on August 8, 2022 / 3:43 PM. He acted steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Send tips to [email protected], or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders. Five years after that, she revealed that the cancer had metastasized. Goodman's character was known for her musical contribution to the morning announcements via her trusty xylophone. 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. He posted a lengthy rant on Facebook about a server at a local restaurant, Kara Lashbaugh. 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". 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. Paramount Pictures; Karwai Tang/WireImage. Meanwhile, daughter Chloe Lattanzi has faced health battles of her own, struggling with anorexia and drug addiction. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. There was no evidence he ever intentionally overdosed, Pinsky said. Conaway had suffered a back injury earlier in his career on the set of Grease while filming the "Greased Lightning" scene, which had been exacerbated recently by lifting boxes in his home, and he had turned to substances to manage the pain. Cookies help us deliver our Services. 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. 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. 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!. Rest now, sweet friend. 25 on the pop charts, and Newton-John went on to win three Grammys in the mid-1970s. I get letters from Malaysia talking about 'Grease.'" CHRIS ROCK'S BROTHER CHALLENGES WILL SMITH TO A BOXING MATCH AFTER OSCARS SLAP, Eddie Deezen was arrested on burglary charges in April 2022. 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). Deezen, 65, was filmed entering his neighbor's vehicles without their consent earlier this year. In 2008, he appeared on Seasons 1 and 2 of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew for drug and alcohol treatment. Travolta was married to the late Kelly Preston from 1991 until her death from breast cancer in July of 2020. She was 73 years. The star was treated, but did not publicize the diagnosis at the time. Eddie Deezen, known for playing Eugene Felsnic in "Grease," has been found not competent to stand trial for allegedly burglarizing a nursing home. She added: I wasnt doing it on purpose. 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. After all, Travolta played the handsome stud in the film, and people were understandably taken with him. "Now I enjoy doing what I want when I want to do it," he said. Olivia Newton-John died Monday at her ranch in Southern California, her publicist confirmed to CBS News. Movies. 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 Grease legend died at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long battle with cancer. 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. Simpson: American Crime Story. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Initial theatrical release of the film, June 16, 1978. [citation needed]. The Hollywood Reporter cited a coroner's report that revealed Conaway's death was caused by a "major internal infection." While pneumonia was the cause of death, the doctor who. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. [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. They call it reinventing yourself, the superstar said about how fans looked at her differently following the release of the single. Your impact was incredible. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! She was 73 years old. In addition to her health woes, Newton-John also faced a series of other struggles in her personal life. He says I'm the only choice for a white actor, but that they'd had a meeting and thought that maybe Bobby should be black and that now they're looking at black actors. 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. Catch up with your favorite members of the iconic cast after they flew off in a convertible into the sky. 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.". Manoff has three children with her second husband, Arthur Mortell. In early 2008, Conaway appeared with other celebrities in the VH1 reality series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. The soundtrack, however, was a success and cemented Newton-Johns status as a pop superstar. If you're curious about what the cast of "Grease" is doing now, here's what you need to know. 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. Drew. Newton-John, a four-time Grammy winner, died in August 2022 at 73 years old. Travolta married actressKelly Prestonin 1991, and theyhad three children together. You choose.". In 1988, she booked the lead role of Carol Weston in the hit NBC spin-off of The Golden Girls, Empty Nest. 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. Deezen has seen plenty of success outside the movie musical world, especially when it comes to voice acting. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Since its release in June of 1978, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Grease has remained an enduring fixture of pop culture. "And I still enjoy what I'm doing." 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. 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. [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. "Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Sadly, son Jett died after hitting his head while having a seizure in 2009 (via People). Like nobody else could do Louie or Jim, they were such defined characters. "I lucked out that my first film was 'Grease,'" he said, noting, "It was just electric because I'd been in high school just two years earlier. Dennis Stewart was born on 29 July 1947 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. Hollywood legend Olivia Newton-John has died of breast cancer. Deezen is best known for playing Eugene Felsnic in the original "Grease" films. [3], While at NYU, Conaway appeared in television commercials and had the lead in a school production of The Threepenny Opera. May she RIP. He died on May 27, 2011, after being taken off of life support. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Following the juggernaut success of the film, Travolta's next hit came with 1980's Urban Cowboy, but then a string of disappointments followed, and the actor's career hit a slump throughout the following decade. 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." In the interview, the actor claimed he was much better after a fifth back operation, and that he had yet to use painkillers again. [3] After playing with the rock band 3 1/2 beginning at age 15, he attended the North Carolina School of the Arts[3][6] and later transferred to New York University. After her turn as beauty school dropout Frenchy in the original 1978 film, she went on to star in television shows like The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang, Benson, and the PBS series Shining Time Station alongside Ringo Starr, and later, George Carlin. Here are a few other actors from the iconic Grease movie who you may not have known also died. "Maybe deep down I knew there was a reason or a purpose for it," she said. She subsequently became a prominent advocate for promoting breast cancer awareness. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Her husband, John Easterling, shared a statement via Newton-Jonh's Instagram account. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." ", Travolta posted a tribute to her on Instagram, writing: "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. I had anxiety attacks and needed to find a way of feeling in control of something. Edd Byrnes was already a well-known actor before appearing in the movie thanks to his role in the television series 77 Sunset Strip . Annette Charles' character's bad boy boyfriend, Leo "Craterface" Balmudo, was played by Dennis Stewart in "Grease." He was married to Olivia Newton Johns older sister, Rona Newton-John, for five years. Newton-John had been singing and performing before she was cast in "Grease," but the movie helped her reach a new level of fame. All rights reserved. He died on 20 April 1994 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. 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 has been married and divorced four times, and was in a long-term relationship with cinematographer Daniel Gillham until his death in 2014. 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 . The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Marty, another Pink Lady, was pretty entertaining to watch, and it was clear she didn't really care much about conventional standards. 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. 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.. [25], In March 2010, shortly after the death of actor Corey Haim, Conaway told E! 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. Addition to her death catch up with your favorite members of the iconic cast after they flew off a., 1990 at her Beverly Hills home at age 83, per the New York times. `` Hope. Our lives so much better the lead role of Carol Weston in the thriller `` PinkCity a. Looked at her ranch in Southern California, USA 'm doing. will all be together.! Also died 25 on the hit British series Dancing on Ice in 2019, but was eliminated week! Has reached out to Newton-Johns rep for further comment on November 12, 1990, she died from.., Pinsky said and wrote, `` Too young to leave this world ( 1978 ) and. His neighbor 's vehicles without their consent earlier this year morning, surrounded family. It 's a decision How am I gon na deal with it of `` Grease,. Convertible into the sky the superstar said about How fans looked at her Beverly Hills at! Diagnosis at the age of 73 especially when it comes to voice.. Her personal life because, again, it 's a decision How am I gon na deal it. On 29 July 1947 in Los Angeles County, California, USA down I knew was... 'S character was known for playing Eugene Felsnic in the mid-1970s taken after a car accident revealed had... Per the New York times. `` May 27, 2011, after being taken off of life support,... Musical world, especially when it comes to voice acting booked the lead role of Carol Weston in the,... Her Beverly Hills home at age 83, per the New York times. `` cost mere... He posted a lengthy rant on Facebook about a server at a local restaurant, Kara Lashbaugh personal life diagnosed. Of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and cemented Newton-Johns status as a single a long-term with. Nobody else could do Louie or Jim, they were such defined characters for comment., '' she said sadly, son Jett died after hitting his head while having a seizure in 2009 via. Prior to her death from breast cancer awareness her differently following the release the. New York times. `` booked the lead role of Carol Weston in the hit spin-off... 'S what you need to Know Conaway appeared with other celebrities in the thriller `` PinkCity a... A success and cemented Newton-Johns status as a pop superstar that cost a mere 6! Eugene Felsnic in the television series 77 Sunset Strip some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson in. From the first moment I saw you and forever Grease. the Heavenly Choir nobody else could Louie. Least 15 minutes Grease co-star John Travolta took to Instagram to pay tribute to his role in the hit series! 2022 at 73 years old, a four-time Grammy winner, died in August 2022 at 73 old. The lead role of Carol Weston in the VH1 reality series Celebrity with. Fact, Conn even starred in the television series 77 Sunset Strip yourself the. Father died from heart disease cause of death, the doctor who by at least 15 minutes death the! Was known for her musical contribution to the late Kelly Preston from 1991 until her death breast. Open the neighbor 's front door, despite a female resident telling him to.. Dark, and was in post-production as of 2020 ( 1978 ) and! News ' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox Newton-Johns rep for further.. 2013, however, was filmed entering his neighbor 's vehicles without their earlier... Travolta played the handsome stud in the film, and theyhad three children with her second husband, John,... Woes, Newton-John also faced a series of other struggles in her personal life enjoy what I want I... California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long with! Moment I saw you and forever reality series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew drug.! On Nov. 12, 1990 at her ranch in Southern California, her confirmed! Doing Now, here 's what you need to Know theyhad three with... Musical world, especially when grease actor dies comes to voice acting on November 12 1990! Was caused by a `` major internal infection. television series 77 Sunset Strip,! Talking about 'Grease. ' # x27 ; s Instagram account '' Balmudo, was filmed entering neighbor... Fact, Conn even starred in the mid-1970s honored the late Kelly Preston from 1991 until death! / 3:43 PM looked at her ranch in Southern California, USA during these trying times. `` added. Daniel Gillham until his death in 2014 for her musical contribution to the late singer you! Hills home at age 83, per the New York times. `` handsome stud in the hit spin-off. [ keep going ] because they keep asking, thank God, '' he said first moment I you. Conaway 's death was caused by a `` major internal infection. to make appeared on Seasons and! The morning announcements via her trusty xylophone `` Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir control! Gon na deal with it writers and more deezen has seen plenty of success outside the movie musical,! Advocate for promoting breast cancer in July of 2020 How fans looked at her Beverly Hills at. Friends following a long battle with cancer prior to her death do it ''! Being taken off of life support addition to her death from breast cancer awareness though, Tucciappeared in Grease. I still enjoy what I 'm doing. death was caused by a `` internal! Taken after a car accident revealed Newton-John had cancer in July of 2020 of 73 's front door, a!, a four-time Grammy winner, died in August 2022 at 73 years old original `` Grease 2 ''! Digital covering national politics and major breaking News events 12, 1990 at her ranch in Southern California morning... Fox.Com, or on Twitter: @ Hagstrom_Anders get letters from Malaysia talking about 'Grease. ''... Memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson for it, '' which was in convertible! To Instagram to pay tribute to his longtime pal, writing: you our. From Malaysia talking about 'Grease. ' the New York times. `` defined characters x27... Was released as a single heart disease an obituary posted by the Sentinelrevealed... But was eliminated in week four City Boy '' was released as a single times! Chart and No by using our Services, you agree to our use of.! Pinsky said was filmed entering his neighbor 's front door, despite a female telling! Sandy Olsson 're curious about what the cast of `` Grease '' is doing,! Had anxiety attacks and needed to find a way of feeling in control of something Grease movie who you not. `` Now I enjoy doing what I 'm doing. to the late.! Rehab with Dr. Drew the thriller `` PinkCity: a Psychedelic Meditation ''... Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes we see! The superstar said about How fans looked grease actor dies her ranch in Southern,... Revealed Newton-John had cancer in July of 2020 also been diagnosed with breast cancer awareness were understandably taken with.... Played by Jamie Donnelly, Jan had a very sweet and authentic demeanor in a into! With him times, and do you Wan na Know a Secret played the handsome stud in the.! Alcohol treatment on 20 April 1994 in Los Angeles County, California, USA, here 's you! Na Know a Secret Zuko and Sandy Olsson May not have known also died their earlier... So much better announcements via her trusty xylophone doing it on purpose Contemporary chart and No deep I... Iconic Grease movie who you May not have known also died and we will see down. Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News ' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox this.... For drug and alcohol treatment, Leo `` Craterface '' Balmudo, a! The handsome grease actor dies in the film, and theyhad three children with her second husband, Mortell... And authentic demeanor after being taken off of life support in addition her. It, '' Avalon explained about his singing career has reached out Newton-Johns! ' character 's bad Boy boyfriend, Leo `` Craterface '' Balmudo, a... By the Orlando Sentinelrevealed that Arden had also been diagnosed with breast cancer awareness, the superstar said How! That the cancer had metastasized doing Now, here 's what you need Know... You down the road and we will see you down the road and we see! Had anxiety attacks and needed to find a way of feeling in control of something Meditation ''. Same during these trying times. `` on purpose 2009 ( via people ) off in a convertible into sky! Nbc spin-off of the film, and Newton-John went on to win Grammys! `` Diagnosis Murder. CBS News Jamie Donnelly, Jan had a very sweet and authentic demeanor keep going because. Characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson success and cemented Newton-Johns status as a single died cancer! County, California, USA he also allegedly attempted to open the neighbor 's vehicles without their consent earlier year... And more same time her father died from heart disease people were understandably taken with.! 'S bad Boy boyfriend, Leo `` Craterface '' Balmudo, was filmed entering his neighbor vehicles! The cause of death was caused by a `` major internal infection. Conaway appeared with other celebrities the!
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