Olivia Newton-John, the singer and actress best known for her starring role in “Grease,” has died at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by her family in a statement to NBC News. Newton-John had been battling cancer for more than two decades and had recently been admitted to the hospital for treatment of breast cancer that had metastasized to her spine.
She was diagnosed with the disease in 1992 and underwent a partial mastectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In 2017, she announced that she was again undergoing treatment for cancer that hadspread to her shoulder. Newton-John was born in England but moved to Australia with her family when she was six.
She began acting in school plays and soon appeared on Australian television shows. She made her film debut in 1966 with a small role in the comedy “The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T.” But it was her leading role as good girl Sandy Olsson opposite John Travolta’s Danny Zuko in 1978’s “Grease” that made her an international star.
The film’s soundtrack, which featured Newton-John’s hit singles “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want,” sold more than 38 million copies worldwide. Newton-John also found success with her musical career, earning four Grammy Awards and selling more than 100 million records.
She continued to act and sing throughout her life, appearing on stage, screen, and television until her death.
Olivia Newton-John was a true icon who will be deeply missed.
