Olivia Newton-John: Grease star Barry Pearl breaks down over his longtime friend’s death

Olivia Newton-John’s Grease co-star Barry Pearl broke down on Australian breakfast TV present Today on Tuesday as he spoke in regards to the tragic information of her death aged 73. 

The Australian actress died peacefully at her house in Southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by household and mates. Her husband John Easterling introduced her death on her Facebook web page. 

Pearl, 72, who performed Frenchy’s boyfriend ‘Doody’ in Grease over 4 many years in the past, cried as he recalled the final message he despatched to his beloved buddy previous to her passing. 

‘I had simply written to Olivia, this was a couple of week or so in the past,’ Pearl wept. 

The actor stated he’d heard from a colleague that Olivia was ‘failing once more’ and that ‘it wasn’t going to be lengthy’ till she handed away and he determined to get in contact earlier than it was too late. 

‘I took it upon myself to write down to her, as we’d often share emails amongst one another – [with] the opposite Grease-er friends too,’ he defined. 

‘She would all the time signal her emails, ‘With love and light-weight, Olivia’. And I wrote to her – principally for those who learn between the strains she would be capable to inform that I knew there was one thing occurring – and I principally stated that, ‘On your journey ahead, merely know that you just, Olivia , are the love and the sunshine”, he continued. 

The American star described his message as ‘profound and true’, including: ‘She simply all the time exuded that positivity. Just the way in which she dealt with this journey with grace. Her coronary heart was so huge.’ 

Pearl famously performed Doody, one of many three T-birds, a gang of stripling boys who attended Rydell High School, within the 1978 movie model of Grease.   

He went on to seem on loads of TV exhibits over the years, together with Beverly Hills, 90210, Baywatch, Criminal Minds and extra. 

Like his Grease co-star Didi Conn, Barry returned to the franchise for Grease: Live, this time taking part in the function of Mr. Stan Weaver.

While he by no means fairly reached the heights of Grease once more, Pearl went on to change into an appearing trainer. 

It comes after Grease star John Travolta led the superstar tributes to Olivia following her death. 

The Grease star died with family members by her aspect at her ranch house in Southern California on Monday, in keeping with her husband, John Easterling.

A Facebook publish learn: ‘We ask that everybody please respect the household’s privateness throughout this very troublesome time.’

Her Grease co-star Travolta was among the many first to pay tribute, writing: ‘My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so significantly better. Your affect was unimaginable. I like you a lot.’

He added: ‘We will see you down the highway and we are going to all be collectively once more. Yours from the primary second I noticed you and perpetually! Your Danny, your John!’ 

Actress Mandy Moore shared a black and white photograph of the star, with the caption ‘Thank you for the enjoyment you introduced numerous folks world wide.’ 

George Takei additionally paid tribute to the actress, writing on Twitter: ‘We have lost an ideal, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too quickly from us at age 73.’ 

‘I belief she is now could be the good Xanadu past. Know that we’re perpetually helplessly dedicated to you, Olivia. Rest in track and mirth.’

Singer Richard Marx posted photographs of himself together with the late actress, writing: ‘My coronary heart is damaged. Rest now, candy buddy. You had been as form and loving an individual as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you daily.’ 

Singer Dionne Warwick wrote ‘Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Not solely was Olivia a pricey buddy, however one of many nicest folks I had the pleasure of recording and performing with. I’ll most positively miss her. She now Rests within the Arms of the Heavenly Father.’ 

Broke Shields shared a beautiful black and white photograph of her and Olivia to Instagram, writing: ‘A real class act whose gentle shines all over the place she went… she impressed us all.’

‘An exquisite mom and spouse, who was grace and power personified. Sending all of my like to Olivias household and mates. She’ll by no means be forgotten.

Dancing With The Stars professional Petra Murgatroyd shared an Instagram Story, writing: ‘This has accomplished me over at this time. An Aussie icon and legend, there’ll by no means be one other. This is so tragic. RIP the beloved Sandy. 

Actress Elle Fanning posted a gorgeous photograph of the star writing: ‘Forever icon’ whereas  Gabrielle Union shared a snap of Olivia from Grease. 

Fellow Australian star Rebel Wilson wrote ‘You had been a real icon and I completely adored you!’ 

Comedian Rosie O’Donnell, 60, took to Instagram and TikTookay with a video expressing her disappointment on the information.

‘Oh boy, simply heard about Olivia Newton-John. What an ideal girl she was. She fought lengthy and arduous. She had most cancers some time.’

‘I cherished her, I virtually purchased her home in Florida. It did not undergo however… she was superb, and I lover her. It’s very unhappy. Rest in Peace, lovely girl.’

Olivia’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi, 36, shared plenty of touching photographs of the 2 of them on her Instagram profile. One black and white snap featured a younger Chloe giving her mom a kiss.

Another snap noticed Olivia holding Chloe when she was a child, whereas one more photograph confirmed the 2 girls smiling as they took a selfie collectively. 

Chloe additionally shared a photograph the place Olivia appeared proudly at her as they did an interview collectively.  

A supply identified to TMZ additionally stated Monday: ‘After a 30-year most cancers journey, she lost her battle to metastatic breast most cancers,’ which was first recognized in 1992, greater than 30 years in the past. In 2013, it resurfaced earlier than going into remission once more till it reappeared in 2017.

Olivia bought her huge break within the 1978 film musical nearly as good two footwear teenager Sandy Olsen – wherein she starred reverse John Travolta’s hunky unhealthy boy Danny Zuko – and originated the brand new track ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’.

This got here after her pop career – which started within the early 70s – the place Olivia made her identify with a string of pop hits, reminiscent of If Not for You, Let Me Be There and the smash hit Have You Never Been Mellow.

The Glee visitor star had daughter Chloe Lattanzi, now 36, along with her ex Matt Lattanzi, who she married in 1984 and cut up from in 1995. 

Olivia tied the knot with John in 2008, who appealed for donations to her most cancers charity in her reminiscence.

He added on the publish: ‘Olivia has been an emblem of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast most cancers. Her therapeutic inspiration and pioneering expertise with plant drugs continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, devoted to researching plant drugs and most cancers.’

‘In lieu of flowers, the household asks that any donations be made in her reminiscence to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).’

John concluded: ‘Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.’