Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta at the highschool dance in “Grease” (1978). With Newton-John’s passing, followers have been revisiting her most iconic popular culture moments. Paramount Photos
With the dying of Olivia Newton-John this previous week, pals and followers alike have been reflecting on Newton-John’s most iconic popular culture moments.
John Travolta, who performed Danny reverse of Newton-John’s Sandy in “Grease,” posted a touching tribute to Newton-John on Instagram: “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so a lot better. Your influence was unimaginable... Yours from the primary second I noticed you and without end! Your Danny, your John!”
What did Olivia Newton-John die of?
Newton-John died of breast most cancers on the age of 73. The actress’s husband, John Easterling, introduced her dying on Fb on Monday: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) handed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by household and pals.”
Olivia-Newton John’s most iconic popular culture moments
Whereas Newton-John was greatest recognized for enjoying Sandy in “Grease,” it’s definitely not her most well-known cultural second. Right here’s an inventory of Newton-John’s most iconic popular culture moments.
“Grease” (1978)
Newton-John’s starring position as Sandy in “Grease” is arguably what catapulted her to fame. At 29 years previous, Newton-John performed a wide-eyed Australian transplant within the hit musical. Although the movie got here out over 40 years in the past, audiences in the present day nonetheless acknowledge iconic “Grease” musical numbers, reminiscent of “Summer time Nights” and “You’re the One which I Need.”
“Hopelessly Dedicated to You” (1978)
Maybe some of the well-known songs from “Grease”, “Hopelessly Dedicated to You” nonetheless resonates with music-lovers. “Grease” followers could be stunned to know that the traditional track wasn’t a part of the unique musical manufacturing — it was written particularly for the film by Newton-John’s music collaborator, John Farrar.
The track was such successful that it rose to No. 3 on the BillboardHot 100. It additionally obtained an Oscar nomination for greatest authentic track, in response to Rolling Stone.
“Xanadu” (1980)
Whereas some might say that Newton-John’s movie profession peaked with “Grease”, Newton-John starred in one other film musical: “Xanadu.” In it, Newton-John stars as Kira, one of many 9 muses of Olympus, got here to earth to encourage Sonny Malone (Michael Beck) to create a nightclub known as Xanadu.
The movie wasn’t successful when it got here out in 1980, nevertheless it’s developed a distinct segment cult following over time. In 2020, BBC argued that it could be time to rethink “Xanadu”: “Maybe now, because the movie turns 40, we should reappraise it. ... Perhaps Xanadu is a misunderstood masterpiece?”
“Bodily” (1981)
Maybe one among Newton-John’s most well-known songs, “Bodily” is in stark distinction to Sandy’s good-girl picture in “Grease.” The “Bodily” music video depicts Newton-John interacting with a gaggle of muscular males understanding whereas Newton-John sings the innuendo-filled lyrics. In line with The New York Occasions, “Bodily” was the longest-running No. 1 track of the ’80s.
“Glee” guest-starring position (2010)
Newton-John’s movie and TV appearances have been scarce within the 2000s, however she did a make a uncommon visitor look on the hit present “Glee.” In Season 1, Episode 17, a video of Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) dancing alongside to “Bodily” will get leaked and subsequently ridiculed.
The video catches the eye of Newton-John, taking part in herself, who enlists Sue’s assist to recreate her iconic “Bodily” music video. This visitor look was a delight to followers, who cherished seeing Newton-John recreating “Bodily” after over 30 years.