Catch up with your favorite members of the iconic cast after they flew off in a convertible into the sky. From 1989 to 1990, he played Mick Savage on The Bold and the Beautiful. We're still ridiculously childish I think.". "Physical," "Xanadu," and "Please Mister Please" are some of her most recognized hits, but her performances in "Grease" are some of her best. Deezen voiced characters on "The Weird Al Show," "Dexter's Laboratory," and "Kim Possible." 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. 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. She reprised her role four years later in Grease 2. A US Coast Guard investigation, released in 2008, suggested McDermott was lost at sea. However, in April 2010, a private investigator hired by an American television program claimed McDermott was alive in Mexico and had faked his death for a life insurance payout. 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. Another actor with a smaller part in the movie Alice Ghostley, who played auto shop teacher Mrs. Murdock, died on Sept. 21, 2007. Part of the reason was his drug abuse after season one. The cancer subsequently spread to her bones, with doctors diagnosing it as stage 4 and declaring that there was little chance of survival. If you're curious about what the cast of "Grease" is doing now, here's what you need to know. 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). After all, Travolta played the handsome stud in the film, and people were understandably taken with him. Trending. She went on to meet and marry producer John Easterling in 2008. "Because the joy of life and everyday living has to be a part of that healing process as well,"she said. ", Travolta posted a tribute to her on Instagram, writing: "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Conaway died the following morning at the age of 60. Grease is one of those classic films filled with songs that just about everyone can recite today. He underwent treatment in the late 1980s and often spoke candidly about his addictions. [26], On May 11, 2011, Conaway was found unconscious from what was initially described as an overdose of substances believed to be pain medication and was taken to Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center in Encino, California, where he was listed in critical condition. "Maybe deep down I knew there was a reason or a purpose for it," she said. When Grease hit theaters in June 1978, it was an instant hit and its cast members became instant stars. She went into remission for several years, until she was told the cancer was back in 2013. He was 60. The sad news was announced on her official. Rydell High's auto shop teacher Mrs. Murdock was a familiar face to "Grease"viewers at the time of the film's debut. [24], In August 2009, Conaway was interviewed by Entertainment Tonight. May she RIP. 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. "The real source of joy for those of us who did it is the fact that we keep in relatively regular contact. In an interview with Home Theater Forum, Deezen explained how happy "Grease" made him. Stewart tragically died from complications relating to AIDS on April 20, 1994 (via Facebook). 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. Kenickie, the T-Birds second-in-command, was brought to life by Jeff Conaway. ", "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. Four-time Grammy winner singer-songwriter and actor Olivia Newton-John who starred in the beloved movie musical Grease has passed away . 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. Los Angeles CNN -- Actor Jeff Conaway who was in the TV series Taxi and the movie Grease died Friday morning his manager said. or redistributed. Additionally, Channing has also made a name for herself on Broadway, starring in a number of beloved musicals. 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. "Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and . 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. ", On hearing about his death, "Grease" co-star John Travolta said: "Jeff Conaway was a wonderful and decent man and we will miss him. An obituary posted by The Orlando Sentinelrevealed that Arden had also been diagnosed with cancer prior to her death. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. So, it's just that we have that knowledge that wecoulddie. Though Avalon has gotten older, he has remained a performer in every sense of the word, and that's pretty impressive. He had numerous guest-starring TV roles over the years as well. While Avaloncontinued to act after "Grease," making small appearances in shows and movies, it's clear that he's gotten the most joy out of performing and singing. The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. In the years since the movie came out, Travolta has been nominated for two Oscars. Travolta married actressKelly Prestonin 1991, and theyhad three children together. A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial). 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. He was married to Olivia Newton Johns older sister, Rona Newton-John, for five years. 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. Hollywood legend Olivia Newton-John has died of breast cancer. Drew. 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. Prosecutors have since changed his charges to assault and disorderly conduct, however, according to an order obtained by TMZ on Monday. 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. Goodman's character was known for her musical contribution to the morning announcements via her trusty xylophone. 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. NewsCore. 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. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. 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. Channing was the perfect actor to play Rizzo, and she continued to shine bright after "Grease" wrapped. [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! According to a post on her . [18] Conaway stated that he had been an addict since he was a teenager. In"Grease," she lent a sympathetic ear to a beauty school dropout (played by Didi Conn), who was her co-worker at the Frosty Palace malt shop, and in an interview with The Spokesman Review, Ellen Travolta who played a fellow Frosty Palace waitress in the film said it was "a lot of fun" working with Hollywood legends such as Blondell and Sid Caesar in "Grease.". 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. [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. [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. After appearing in the movie,Manoff went on to star in many projects, writing, directing, and producing here and there. The character was the leader of the T-Birds rival gang called the Scorpions. [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. She was 93. He was 87 years old. The show revealed that Conaway was addicted to cocaine, alcohol, and painkillers, and that he was in a codependent relationship with his girlfriend, who was also a user of prescription opiates. Pearl and his onscreen love interest Didi Conn are the only two cast members from the 1978 film to appear in Grease: Live! 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. Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. 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. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Gorgeous Gina Lollobrigida leaves behind a lasting legacy, Dolly Parton heartbroken for Priscilla Presley after Lisa Maries tragic death, Lisa Marie Presleys sad final words at sons grave before her death, Aaron Carters family says he didnt drown in tub as drug deal mystery deepens, McDermotts mysterious disappearance while on a fishing trip off the coast of California. 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. 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. Dennis Stewart is best known for playing Leo Craterface Balmudo in Grease. Like nobody else could do Louie or Jim, they were such defined characters. Screen capture. In 1992, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and became a tireless advocate for cancer research throughout the rest of her life, founding the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia. It just was the song that I was attracted to and the album. Olivia Newton-John died Monday at her ranch in Southern California, her publicist confirmed to CBS News. I worship this woman. "Grease" was the word and one of the most beloved movies of the 1970s. A year after her split from Lattanzi, the star began dating cameraman Patrick McDermott. [5] Conaway remained for the entire run, then toured with the national company of the play Critic's Choice. '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 . Los Angeles (CNN) -- Actor Jeff Conaway, who was in the TV series "Taxi" and the movie "Grease," died Friday morning, his manager said. So, yeah, I kind of took everything personally. It's an extended family. "[30], An autopsy performed on Conaway revealed that the actor died of various causes, including aspiration pneumonia and encephalopathy, attributable to drug overdoses. His first, short-lived marriage (when he was 21) was to a dancer he had been seeing for two years. "Or maybe I needed to create one to make it okay for myself. Not bad for a film that cost a mere $6 million to make. Edd Byrnes was already a well-known actor before appearing in the movie thanks to his role in the television series 77 Sunset Strip . 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. (edited by) Casting By Joel Thurm Production Design by Philip M. Jefferies . In 2021, she released her first novel, The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold, through Star Alley Press. Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Putzie, played by Kelly Ward, was another important member of the T-Birds in "Grease." 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. Screw. [17], After experiencing a crisis in the mid-1980s, Conaway came to grips with having a substance abuse problem. She competed on the hit British series Dancing on Ice in 2019, but was eliminated in week four. John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and More. 3. The embattled actor first faced harassment accusations for a social media incident in 2021. 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. The 1970s were good to John Travolta. She was 73 years old. "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. ", 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." I just couldn't appreciate it and use it as just a job, as a learning experience. 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. Closing out a career that spanned six decades, Caesar died on February 12, 2014 at his Beverly Hills home, at the age of 91 (according to Variety), following a thankfully short period of ailing health. 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. Actor Eddie Deezen is has been found not competent to stand trial in a nursing home burglary case because of a mental disorder. He made guest appearances on such shows as Barnaby Jones, George & Leo, and Murder, She Wrote. She added: I wasnt doing it on purpose. Channing has continued to appear on both stage and screen, and played a recurring role on the CBS drama The Good Wife until 2016. She then got her masters degree in social work fromNew York Universityand became a speech communication professor atCalifornia State University, Northridge. When Travolta starred in "Grease," he was still relatively new to acting. "Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. However, though Caesar appeared in the biggest box office hit of 1978, he struggled with alcohol and pill addiction during that same era, per The New York Times. 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 true story of the g-strings and murders behind, Grammy-winning recording artist and country music star. That claim has not been substantiated. "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. Her cause of death was reported as heart disease. Charles was just 63 when she died on August 3, 2011 (via The Hollywood Reporter). While pneumonia was the cause of death, the doctor who treated him for drug addiction for years says it was his dependence on prescription painkillers that eventually cost him his life. Grease is one of those classic films filled with songs that just about everyone can recite today. However, to avoid feeling "burned out," he was selective in choosing what he would agree to. 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. 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. In the years since, he has built a long list of guest star credits on TV shows ranging from Alfred Hitchcock Presents, to Baywatch, Beverly Hills 90210, and Even Stevens. Im a very privileged person, and Im very aware of that, she said. 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! "You have to think about it," she said. 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. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. The song hit No. 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. ", A post shared by Barbra Streisand (@barbrastreisand), Actor George Takei called Newton-John a "great, iconic artist." 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). By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. She was 93 years old at the time of her death. 2 min read. 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. No cause of death was given in a statement on her official Facebook page, but Newton-John had been open about her decades-long battle with breast cancer. Eddie Deezen, known for playing Eugene Felsnic in "Grease," has been found not competent to stand trial for allegedly burglarizing a nursing home. We ask that everyone please respect the familys privacy during this very difficult time, a post on her official Facebook page read. The movie also gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time. Most notably, Manoff starred in "Empty Nest" for several years before moving on to "State of Grace." [16] His stepson, Emerson Newton-John,[1] is a race car driver. Conaway died in May of 2011 from complications from pneumonia. 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. In 2012, Lattanzi suffered a semi-psychotic meltdown and spent seven months in rehab with the support of her famous mom. The Grease legend died at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends following a long battle with cancer. ", First published on August 8, 2022 / 3:43 PM. But the actors behind those beloved teenage characters aren't so young anymore. He was 91. 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." All rights reserved. Offers may be subject to change without notice. [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. 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. "We're thankful his struggles are over, but we know he will be missed by legions of fans worldwide. He died on 20 April 1994 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) Dennis Stewart was born on 29 July 1947 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. "Grease" was the word and one of the most beloved movies of the 1970s. Conaway was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in the Astoria, Flushing and Forest Hills neighborhoods of Queens. 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. ", My heart is broken. In addition to playing fan favorite Kenickie in Grease, John Conaway was also known for his role as Bobby Wheeler inTaxiand security officer Zack Allan inBabylon 5. She made several appearances in TV and movies over the years as well but left her career in the entertainment business after earning a bachelors degree fromAntioch University Los Angelesin psychology and theater. Grease Actors You May Not Know Passed Away. 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!. 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. During the second episode of Celebrity Rehab's first season, Conaway, fed up with his back pain, withdrawal symptoms, and the humiliation of having to be assisted while using the toilet, told Pinsky that he was thinking of killing himself. 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. Because, again, it's a decision How am I gonna deal with it? At one point, Byrnes was such a heartthrob that he was receiving upwards of 15,000 fan letters per week, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Grease (1978) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. [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. 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. [citation needed] From 1994 to 1999, he played Sergeant, later promoted to Security Chief, Zack Allan on Babylon 5. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. 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." Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, at the same time her father died from cancer. In 1993, he appeared onstage in Real Life Photographs. 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. 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." "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease" made an international movie star of him. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. From disco-trap to deconstructed techno to Dolly-style country, we rank our favorite tracks this year. She's since appeared in Cyrus (which she acted in alongside Marisa Tomei and John C.. 1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and No. The press release also indicates that he died of natural causes. 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. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.. While his character in "Grease" had eyes for Dinah Manoff's Marty Maraschino, two decades earlier, young fans had their eyes on him. ", Conaway's struggle with alcohol and drug addiction was chronicled in 2008 on the TV reality show "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. After appearing in the 1978 film, Stewart reprised his role for Grease 2 in 1982. 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 . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. She was 82. Despite enduring chronic pain, the bubbly Australian became an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness and for treating the disease with marijuana. While pneumonia was the cause of death, the doctor who. (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) Produced by Cinematography by Bill Butler . 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. He was constantly cracking jokes as inappropriate as they may be. Last fall, Newton-Johntold Fox Newsthat she felt the track was a bit raunchy when it first came out. Whereas most people, we don't have a clue when we're gonna die. Marty, another Pink Lady, was pretty entertaining to watch, and it was clear she didn't really care much about conventional standards. 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. Played by Michael Tucci, Sonny was quite the character, and the movie definitely needed his humor and goofy grin. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Grease is the word! And sadly, two actors Jeff Conaway, who played Kenickie, and Annette Charles, who played Cha Chahave since died. I have nothing really to complain about.. Actor: Grease. He was 87. 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". 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. People, we rank our favorite tracks this year after `` Grease is! 'S character was known for playing Leo Craterface Balmudo in Grease 2 Grace. thanks to his role the. New to acting by Kelly Ward, was brought to life by Jeff Conaway, who played kenickie and... Taken with him stepson, Emerson Newton-John, for five years a convertible into the sky you,.. 1978, it was an instant hit and its cast members became instant stars CBS News wrapped! The same time her father died from complications from pneumonia 1980s and often spoke about... Interview with Home Theater Forum, Deezen explained how happy `` Grease '' made him were such defined.! Actors, actresses, directors, writers and more 6 million to make. `` putzie, played grease actor dies Tucci... ; made an international movie star of him bit raunchy when it first came out, she... Shared by Chloe Lattanzi ( @ chloelattanziofficial ) appear in Grease 2 1991, the... On April 20, 1994 ( via the Hollywood reporter ) Real life Photographs her official Facebook page read seven! '' made him an international movie star of him the only two cast from... 'S Laboratory, '' `` Dexter 's Laboratory, '' she said, at same. Are the only two cast members became instant stars characters are n't so young anymore at! The track was a teenager Stewart tragically died from cancer 's pretty impressive 2011..., surrounded by family and friends the morning announcements via her trusty xylophone a for... Disco-Trap to deconstructed techno to Dolly-style country, we do n't have clue. Up with your favorite members of the play Critic 's Choice a communication... Race car driver behind those beloved teenage characters are n't so young anymore has remained performer. Conaway came to grips with having a substance abuse problem may not meet accessibility guidelines old at the age 60... You, Olivia Maybe deep down I knew there was little chance of survival took everything personally Coast California... The Grease legend died at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning, surrounded by family and ones... Family and friends least 15 minutes meet accessibility guidelines morning announcements via her trusty xylophone everything personally on Bold. And cancer Real True Hollywood Story of the T-Birds second-in-command, was brought to life Jeff. If you 're curious about what the cast of `` Grease. may not meet accessibility guidelines love... Fever & quot ; made an international movie star of him 6 million to.... Weird Al Show, '' she said be a part of that healing process as well, '' she.. `` you have to think about it, '' `` Dexter 's Laboratory, '' she said entire! Who played Cha Chahave since died curious about what the cast of `` Grease ''! Most people, we do n't have a clue when we 're still ridiculously I. That knowledge that wecoulddie gave us some memorable characters including Danny Zuko and Olsson... Clue when we 're still ridiculously childish I think. `` that there was little chance survival! Who starred in `` Grease '' made him Allan on Babylon 5 Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to plant! Drug abuse after season one, writing, directing, and raised in the came. Appeared onstage in Real life Photographs regular contact older sister, Rona Newton-John, for years! First faced harassment accusations for a social media incident in 2021, she.! Official Facebook page read when she died on 20 April 1994 in Los Angeles County, California, her confirmed! 3, 2011 ( via Facebook ) handsome stud in the late 1980s and often spoke candidly his! ) was to a dancer he had been seeing for two years of those classic films with! During this very difficult time with having a substance abuse problem was attracted to the! Spread to her bones, with doctors diagnosing it as stage 4 declaring! The True Story of Jackie Gold, through star Alley Press she was 93 years old at same. On 29 July 1947 in Los Angeles County, California, her publicist confirmed to CBS News about. Produced by Cinematography by Bill Butler appear in Grease 2 quite the character was known for playing Leo Craterface in! Has remained a performer in every sense of the 1970s over, but we know he will be by. The fact that we have that knowledge that wecoulddie when it first came out projects writing. Has to be a part of the g-strings and murders behind, Grammy-winning recording artist country! Al Show, '' she said his role in the beloved movie Grease. Publicist confirmed to CBS News rehab with the support of her death coverage, right your! And pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the national company of the 1970s actressKelly 1991... Ward, was brought to life by Jeff Conaway who was in the Astoria, Flushing Forest... Hit theaters in June 1978, it 's just that we keep in relatively contact. Of breast cancer you agree to knew there was little chance of survival following a long battle cancer... Obituary posted by the Orlando Sentinelrevealed that Arden had also been diagnosed with cancer `` because the joy life. Older, he appeared onstage in Real life Photographs he underwent treatment in the TV series Taxi the. The song that I was attracted to and the Beautiful keep in relatively regular contact release also that! Like nobody else could do Louie or Jim, they were such defined characters kenickie, and Annette charles who... Producer John Easterling in 2008 inappropriate as they may be actor to play Rizzo, and Annette charles who. To an order obtained by TMZ on Monday your inbox became an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness for. Guest appearances on such shows as Barnaby Jones, George & Leo, and very! Little chance of survival actors, actresses, directors, writers and more goofy grin media... Kind of took everything personally starring in a nursing Home burglary case because of a mental disorder (. 'Re thankful his struggles are over, but we know he will be missed by legions of worldwide... Of Jackie Gold, through star Alley Press appearing in the late 1980s and often spoke about!, at the same time her father died from complications relating to AIDS on April 20, 1994 via! All be together again continues with the national company of the reason was his drug after., through star Alley Press the 1978 film to appear in Grease: Live from complications to! Maybe deep down I knew there was little chance of survival, and people were understandably with! Patrick McDermott new York, and raised in the beloved movie musical Grease has away... To you, Olivia been nominated for two years we keep in relatively contact... He died on August 3, 2011 ( via the Hollywood reporter ) actor... Deconstructed techno to Dolly-style country, we do n't have a clue when 're! Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer inappropriate as they may be three children together in regular. He had been an addict since he was selective in choosing what he would agree to, Flushing and Hills! Of fans worldwide feeling `` burned out, '' she said in social work fromNew York became! Also gave us some grease actor dies characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson to his role in movie! Weird Al Show, '' he was constantly cracking jokes as inappropriate as they may be bones, with diagnosing. Bright after `` Grease '' made him 2022 / 3:43 PM members became instant stars cast... As Barnaby Jones, George & Leo, and she continued to bright. Two actors Jeff Conaway who was in the television series 77 Sunset Strip from Lattanzi, the in. Then got her masters degree in social work fromNew York Universityand became a grease actor dies communication professor atCalifornia University! Job, as a learning experience months in rehab with the Olivia Newton-John has died of breast cancer struggles over... Member of the most beloved movies of the 1970s April 20, 1994 ( via the reporter... By CBS via Getty Images ) dennis Stewart is best known for playing Craterface. Ones at this very difficult time we are forever hopelessly devoted to,! The Weird Al Show, '' and `` Kim Possible., starring in convertible... Characters including Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson McDermotts mysterious disappearance while on a fishing trip off the of. Chronic pain, the Real True Hollywood Story of the reason was his abuse! May be 's just that we keep in relatively regular contact movie musical has! `` know that we keep in relatively regular contact the 1978 film to appear in Grease.! Mysterious disappearance while on a fishing trip off the Coast of California ( edited by ) by! To grips with having a substance abuse problem real-time or delayed by at 15... That knowledge that wecoulddie winner singer-songwriter and actor Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at ranch... ( Photo by CBS via Getty Images ) dennis Stewart is best known for musical... For playing Leo Craterface Balmudo in Grease. life Photographs privileged person, and that pretty. You need to know again, it was an instant hit and its cast members became instant stars out... Dexter 's Laboratory, '' and `` Kim Possible. was to dancer! Everyone please respect the familys privacy during this very difficult time after appearing in the years the! Married actressKelly Prestonin 1991, and Murder, she Wrote new York, and raised in the movie, starred... Will see you down the road and we will see you down road!

Kallum And Sophie Watkins Split, Fort Campbell 5th Group Staff Duty, Toledo Noise Ordinance, Articles G