Olivia Newton-John death: James Gunn and Nigella Lawson among stars to pay tribute to Grease icon
James Gunn and Nigella Lawson are among the stars who have paid tribute to Grease icon Olivia Newton-John, after the actor died aged 73 from cancer.
Newton-John – best known for her role as the sweet, kind Sandy in the hit 1978 musical – died this morning (8 August) at her home in Southern California, according to her official Facebook page. Read live updates on the story here.
Many stars, including Newton-John’s Grease co-star John Travolta, have reacted to the news.
“Really sad to hear about the passing of Olivia Newton-John,” posted Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. “My first real crush as a kid. I loved Grease & her music & I coincidentally also bought & lived in for a while the wonderful home she built in Malibu. May she Rest In Peace.”
Chef Nigella Lawson posted: “Her memory is already a blessing.”
Coda star Marlee Matlin wrote: “I am SO saddened at the news of the passing of Olivia Newton-John. I remember being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount. She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on It’s My Party. RIP dear, sweet Olivia.”
Community’s Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted: “Olivia Newton-John has died. That’s it. I’m done guys. Heartbroken doesn’t even BEGIN to cover it. I ADORED her. I hate this so much. She was only 73. What is going on?!”
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
Olivia Newton John so completely dominated the charts and Top Of The Pops when I was a kid, it felt like she WAS pop music. And yes, Xanadu is still a stone cold classic song. RIP x pic.twitter.com/VFfQenPcOM
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 8, 2022
Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John… pic.twitter.com/WwIQ8TXhAY
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) August 8, 2022
i am absolutely rocked to hear about the passing legendary olivia newton john. thank you for inspiring my childhood alongside many other young girls.may an icon rest beautifully xx pic.twitter.com/GJXfi1CIfq
— childish hambino (@taylorhickson) August 8, 2022
There are some people you never meet but when they’re gone you still feel the loss personally.
Olivia Newton John is one of those people. RIP pic.twitter.com/tpvSph6kLK— Ken Olin💙 (@kenolin1) August 8, 2022
Newton-John is survived by her husband John Easterling, daughter Chloe Lattanzi, sister Sarah Newton-John and brother Toby Newton-John.
