In Los Angeles, fans placed flowers on Newton-John’s Hollywood star as those who had worked with her throughout the years shared memories and condolences on social media.
Another of her “Grease” co-stars, Barry Pearl — who played T-Bird Doody — broke down as he remembered his friend during an interview with the Today Show on CNN affiliate 9.
“Everything sounds so trite when you discuss who she is and what she was, but it is so because it’s so profoundly true … a heart that was so giving and loving,” Pearl said.
“Grease” casting director Joel Thurm became emotional when asked how he would remember the star, saying she was “kind, absolutely wonderful, and courteous to everybody.”
Newton-John’s death is being felt especially deeply in Australia, where she grew up. Born in England, she moved with her family to Melbourne, Australia at age 5 and as a teen, she appeared on weekly pop music shows in the country.
Australia House in London said Newton-John, who was made a dame by the Queen in 2019 for her services to charity and cancer research, brought Britons and Australians together. “Dame Olivia inspired us in song and brought us together as one,” the official account tweeted.
“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light. A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and kind. My mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who always guided me… always there. Family to me…. I love you forever,” Goodrem shared with a photo of her and Newton-John together.
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin took to Twitter to honor Newton-John, her co-star in the 1996 movie “It’s My Party.” “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,” Matlin wrote.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill tweeted, “Everything she did was infused with a joyousness that was absolutely contagious. We loved her & she loved us. #RIP_OliviaNewtonJohn.”
Julianne Hough, who played Sandy in the 2016 TV remake “Grease Live!,” shared a few photos of herself and Newton-John on Instagram, writing, “Like so many, Olivia has always been my hero. Discovering her magnetic energy as an artist and actress came first but it was her heart that truly captured mine. Forever an icon and legend!”
