Olivia Newton-John, singer and actress, dead at 73

Olivia Newton-John, singer and actress, dead at 73

By Vijay Narayan
Tuesday 09/08/2022
[Photo credit: CNN]

Olivia Newton-John, the Australian singer whose voice and wholesome beauty made her one of the biggest pop stars of the '70s and charmed generations of viewers in the blockbuster movie "Grease," died earlier today, according to a statement from her husband.

She was 73.

John Easterling, wrote in a statement on the singer's verified Instagram account that Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends.

He said Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.

The singer revealed in September 2018 that she was treating cancer at the base of her spine. It was her third cancer diagnosis, following bouts with breast cancer in the early '90s and in 2017.

Thanks to a string of country and soft-rock hits, Newton-John was already a popular singer by the late 1970s. But her co-starring role opposite John Travolta in 1978's "Grease," arguably the most popular movie musical of all time, lifted her to a new level of stardom.

 Although she had little acting experience (and turned 29 during filming), Newton-John gave an indelible performance as Sandy, a sweet-natured Australian transfer student who romances Travolta's alpha greaser Danny at a Southern California high school in the 1950s.

Their onscreen chemistry as mismatched lovebirds who undergo final-act makeovers to win each others' hearts -- she ditches her frilly dresses for heels, leather, spandex and a cigarette -- anchored the movie and inspired repeat viewings by legions of fans.

 Born in Cambridge, England in 1948, Newton-John moved with her family to Melbourne, Australia, when she was five. After winning a talent contest on a TV show, "Sing, Sing, Sing," as a teen she formed an all-girl group and began appearing on weekly pop music programs in Australia.

Newton-John recorded her first single in England in 1966 and scored a few international hits, but she remained largely unknown to US audiences until 1973, when "Let Be There" became a top-10 hit on both the adult contemporary and the country charts.

Over a lengthy career Newton-John won four Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million albums.

[Source : CNN]


FEATURE NEWS
Singapore 7s: Fiji to play Argentina at 6.56 tonight in second semi final
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side will meet Argentina in the HSBC Singapore 7s second cup semi final at 6.56 tonight. This is after they th...
8 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Ram Naumi reminds us to follow the path of righteousness – Lokia Ramayan Mandali member
As thousands of Hindus in Fiji celebrate the birth of Lord Ram today, the occasion serves as a reminder to follow the path of righteousness, truth ...
12 minutes ago

Lord Ram’s Principles are eternal and inspirational – Prof Prasad
Truth, justice, righteousness, honesty and integrity are eternal, inspirational and unifying principles of Lord Ram that teach us to always put ...
36 minutes ago

Nalini Singh and Dr Rachel Pillay to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm Wednesday
Fiji Women's Rights Movement Executive Director, Nalini Singh and Head of Family Health for the Ministry of Health, Doctor Rachel Pillay will appear ...
49 minutes ago

FNPF Launches new Vinaka Campaign to show gratitude for its members
Vinaka campaign an initiative launched by the Fiji National Provident Fund was launched to show gratitude to all its members who through their hard ...
15 hours ago

97 students graduate from Pacific Polytech
It is the start of a new journey for 97 students as they graduated from Pacific Polytech in Labasa yesterday afternoon. While speaking during the ...
15 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
3 days ago

Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
38 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
39 days ago

TOP