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

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

By Vijay Narayan
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
Is COI report in jeopardy after Commissioner divulges information from report and proceedings?
The Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner, which cost taxpayers $2 million, is now in jeopardy, ...
16 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
National Archives undertakes digitising records
Good news for people as records kept at National Archives of Fiji is being digitized and will be provided online. While speaking during the 2025 ...
3 hours ago

Not enough time to make changes to 2013 Constitution before next elections
There is not enough time to make changes to the 2013 Constitution before the next general elections. Head of USP Journalism Dr. Shailendra Singh ...
13 hours ago

Telecom Fiji and Google announce Strategic Agreement to deliver Terrestrial Fiber Link in Fiji
In a significant advancement for the Pacific’s digital infrastructure, Telecom Fiji and Google have signed a Strategic Agreement to design, build, ...
13 hours ago

Mick Byrne to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm Wednesday
Fiji Water Flying Fijians Coach, Mick Byrne will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm Wednesday. The show will focus on ...
16 hours ago

COI Chair has abused the laws, he must clarify ‘wannabe PM’ remark – Kamikamica
The comments from Commission of Inquiry Commissioner and Supreme Court Judge Justice David Ashton-Lewis regarding the ‘wannabe Prime Minister’ ...
16 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
Electoral law reform consultations
SoE seeks removal of excessive powers as review of electoral laws ...
22 hours ago

Cabinet seeks Supreme Court opinion on constitutional amendment process
All parties represented in Parliament including the People’s Alliance, the National Federation Party, SODELPA, Leader of Opposition Inia ...
1 day ago

Budget 2025-2026
The Ministry for Education is looking forward to a positive budget for the retention of teachers and to continue the social assistance to students to ...
6 days ago

TOP