Words: Alastair James; pictures: Paramount Pictures
The star of Grease Olivia Newton-John has died at 73, according to her husband, John Easterling.
Posting on the ‘Xanadu’ singer’s Facebook page on Monday (8 August) Easterling wrote that the actress had passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California earlier today.
She is said to have been surrounded by family and friends and the statement asks that “everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
It continues: “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
The family has asked for donations to be made in the star’s memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).
In addition to her husband, John, Olivia is survived by her daughter, her brother and sister, and her nieces and nephews.
Paying tribute to the Grease star, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern said they’d played the singer’s iconic bop ‘Xanadu’ “Many, many, many times,” in response to a tweet saying “Any gay club worth its salt has played Xanadu many, many times.”
Many, many, many times.
RIP Olivia Newton-John. https://t.co/dvR0IlbO3R
— Royal Vauxhall Tavern (@thervt) August 8, 2022
Tweeting a gif of Newton-John’s equally iconic ‘Physical’ music video where two speedo-clad men clasp hands in a gym LGBTQ activist Matthew Hodson wrote: “Olivia Newton-John said #GayRights in 1981.”
Olivia Newton-John said #GayRights in 1981. pic.twitter.com/jaQv2O1JNr
— Matthew Hodson (@Matthew_Hodson) August 8, 2022
Actor George Takei wrote: “We have lost a great, iconic artist,” and that Newton-John is “gone too soon”. he added, “I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.”
We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73. I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 8, 2022
Born in 1948 in Cambridge, England Olivia moved to Australia when she was five with her family. She proved a star early on winning a trip to London in a talent show before joining girl group, Sol 4, when she was just 15 and she was working regularly on Australian TV by 1963.
Taking her London trip with he friend, Pat Farrar, Olivia traveled around UK and Europe performing as part of a double-act in clubs and army bases.
Her first single, a cover of ‘Till You Say You’ll Be Mine’ came in 1966 and was followed five years later with a cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘If Not For You’.
The singer’s debut album, Let Me Be There, earned her an Academy Of Country Music as well as a Grammy.
In 1974 Newton-John represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Long Live Love’, finishing fourth behind ABBA.
Undoubtedly her most famous role was as the young ingenue Sandy in the film version of the musical Grease in 1978. The role saw her skyrocket to international fame and acclaim with Sandy providing some of the soundtrack’s best moments including the ballads ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ and ‘Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee’.
To date, Grease remains the most successful movie musical in history.
Newton-John would then go on to have starring roles in films such as Funny Things Happen Down Under, Two of a Kind, and Xanadu, the latter of which she memorably provided the song of the same name.
A recipient of an OBE from the Queen Olivia has been a notable humanitarian supporting causes such as the United Nations Environment Programme and children’s health.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 90s Olivia fought against it and discussed her experiences in the album, Gaia, thought of as her most personal. Since overcoming her first battle with the disease she has become a strong advocate raising awareness of the importance of early detection.
Her advocacy led to the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
Sadly, in 2017 Olivia shared that her breast cancer had returned but despite this remained characteristically optimistic telling her fans: “I’m totally confident that my new journey will have a positive success story to inspire others!”
Over the last few years, Olivia has claimed yet more titles including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to music, cancer research, and charity in 2019.
In November 2020, Olivia established the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which supports research into plant medicine for cancer.
The Grease star made history again in 2021, marking the 40th anniversary of ‘Physical,’ which spent 10 weeks at #1 on the Billboard chart, making it the number one song of the 1980s. It was also named one of the ‘Top 100 Songs of all Time’ by Billboard in 2015 and shortlisted in 2010 for ‘The Sexiest Song of all Time’.