Frechette has been together with his partner, theater and TV director David Warren, since 1988. Tell us about the scene with the cigarette. The Grease cast now - deaths, addiction, tragedy and just Ghostley died at her Studio City, California home on September 21, 2007 at age 81 following a long colon cancer illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It's been over 40 years since the T-birds and Pink Ladies were bringing Greased Lightnin to Ryedale High, Sign up to the Hull Live newsletter for daily updates and breaking news. The actress moved on to roles in Supergirl (1984) and Men Seeking Women (1997), and on Perversions of Science. 'Can't Hardly Wait' Cast: Where Are They Now. Barry Pearl played Doody in the musical (left). Olivia Newton-John Dead at 73: John Travolta, Stockard Channing and More 'Grease' Stars Pay Tribute The one they still want. She was struck by tragedy when she was diagnosed with lung cancer, which later spread to her brain. Along with her Grease costar Olivia Newton-John, the actress appeared on Grease Live! Friends say Olivia cried every day for almost two years. The Cal State Northridge newsletterdescribed her as a "supportive and enthusiastic advocate who helped students find their voice as an instructor of speech communication and public speaking in the Chicana and Chicano Studies department, where she had taught since 2002.". In 2009, John and wife Kelly Prestons 16-year-old son Jett was found dead in a bathtub at the familys holiday home in the Bahamas. However, in the years after the film's 1978 release, whispers of a curse began circulating after so many of the cast, crew and production team were struck down by tragedy. She starred in The West Wing, The Good Wife, and is a regular on the Broadway stage. While his character in "Grease" had eyes for Dinah Manoff's Marty Maraschino, two decades earlier, young fans had their eyes on him. Fans were surprised when Charles did a complete career change and became a college professor at California State University, Northridge. The movie musical was also where she met her first husband, Matt Lattanzi, and in 1986 gave birth to their daughter, Chloe Rose. However, the sequel gained a cult following over time as folks began to appreciate its campiness. From 1992 to 1996, he served as Vice President of Animation at MGM studios, and spent 23 years as an adjunct musical theater professor at the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts. Needless to say, Caesar was widely known as a comedian and musician long before playing the Rydell High coach who (hilariously) tries to help John Travolta's Danny Zuko become a jock. Rydell High's auto shop teacher Mrs. Murdock was a familiar face to "Grease"viewers at the time of the film's debut. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Fans already knew actress Alice Ghostley from her role as clumsy housekeeper Esmeralda on the ABC sitcom "Bewitched." In 1994, he died at the age of 46 due to complications from AIDS. Channing has continued to appear on both stage and screen, and played a recurring role on the CBS dramaThe Good Wife until 2016. She won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work in the critically-acclaimed show in 2002. I love you so much. Paying tribute to his son following the tragic accident John, 55, said: We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. I think he's an amalgamation of a couple of them," McDonough explained. Caulfield has been married to actress Juliet Mills since 1980, and has appeared on shows like Pam & Tommy and American Horror Story. Here's every Grease 2 song ranked from worst to best. ComicBook.com recently spoke to many of the folks involved withGrease: Rise of the Pink Ladies and asked their thoughts on Grease 2. WebLorna Luft. Luft has two children and four grandchildren whom she shared with her late ex-husband, Jerry Mamberg. He has also made stage appearances on Broadway and teaches film arts to people with special needs community with the Inclusion Film Company founded by Joey Travolta, John's brother. Eddie Deezen, now 65, landed a role playing nerdy student Eugene Felsnic in Grease. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Sadly, according to the BBC, Conaway's addiction to prescription drugs may have started with "Grease," as a back injury he suffered while filming the movie spawned a lifelong addiction. His death was later put down to the star's drug use, amid claims his addiction prevented him from seeking help for the pneumonia until it was too late. Jeff Conaway was best known for his role as One compelling Grease theory suggests that Olivia Newton-John's Sandy actually drowns in the opening act and the rest of the musical is just a fantasy. But the former beauty queen turned actress, who was best known for playing brassy blondes, died of leukaemia at the age of 73 on Christmas Day 1979 just a year after the film was released. He's so sweet and wonderful and we were always, 'So how did you do it? The actress is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe, and her siblings., John Travolta played Danny Zuko in Grease (left), and he went on to have an incredibly successful career. Sims added, "'Cool Rider,' please," which is the iconic song performed by Pfeiffer in the film. Like his costar John Travolta, Conaway appeared in the original cast of Grease on Broadway, serving as an understudy for several of the roles, eventually taking over the part of Danny Zuko. Grease 2 hit theatres in 1982 and despite launching the career of Michelle Pfeiffer, the movie became a flop at the box office after receiving poor reviews (it's currently on Rotten Tomatoes with a 35% critics score). Conawaydied in May of 2011 from complications from pneumonia. Simpson: American Crime Story. "Love," Cheyenne Isabel Wells (Olivia) simply replied when we asked her opinion on Grease 2. Zmed has been married to wife Lyssa Lynne Baker since 2012. Feel-good family film Grease changed the lives of its cast forever, but many were haunted by tragedy for years afterwards. His marriage to Olivia Newton-Johns sister Rona ended after five years as he struggled with drug addiction. The Brit-born star made his debut as exchange student Michael in Grease 2, continuing to work on everything from Dynasty and Casualty to The Colbys and Empire Records (as one Rex Manning). Following the juggernaut success of the film, Travolta's next hit came with 1980'sUrban Cowboy, but then a string of disappointments followed, and the actor's career hit a slump throughout the following decade. "I think I'm an original Grease fan, but Grease 2 is camp and there's no hate there," Madison Thompson (Susan) added. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. Grease turned John into one of the planets biggest stars, coming on the back of his Oscar-nominated performance in the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever. Travolta took a hiatus from acting to grieve his wife's death before returning to work. The singer-actress passed on August 8, 2022, after a 30-year-long battle with breast cancer (via People). Charles died on Aug. 3, 2011, from lung cancer. In 2021, he opened up to PEOPLE about having a hard time watching Pfeiffer's star rise while his stalled a bit after Grease 2's release. She has continued to act and starred in Cant Hardly Wait, Cyrus, Veep and Ray Donovan. In between acting he has also been a high school teacher and acting coach. In the wake of the star's passing,FEMAIL has taken a look back at everything she and the rest of the Grease cast have accomplished over the last four decades.. Olivia 'Your Danny, your John': Travolta pays heartbreaking tribute had metastasized and spread to her bones. Her cause of death was reported as heart disease. "I'm sorry, I'm late, but I will tell you this, it was a ride. His family took him off life support two weeks later after doctors confirmed there was nothing more they could do for him. The younger Byrnes, thankfully, became sober before hitting age 50 and would go on to live for decades after finding sobriety. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Dennis career looked to be on the up when, after playing a dancer in the 1978 Beatles-inspired film Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, he landed the role of Leo, aka 'Craterface', leader of rival gang The Scorpions in Grease. While the first Grease film became a cultural phenomenon when it was released in 1978, its sequel didn't receive the same reception. The 1982 sequel toGrease (1978) was not the hit its predecessor was, sure, but the cult following of Grease 2 which follows a new class of Pink Ladies and T-Birds at Rydell High is unrivaled. The story of high school sweethearts Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) is a quintessential tale of teenage devotion set against the musical backdrop of the 1950s. The comments below have been moderated in advance. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. The stars plunged into the orchestra pit, with Jim sustaining a concussion and Bettina breaking her arm. After beating the disease for a second time, she was told in 2017 that the cancerhad metastasized and spread to her bones. Tell us again.' Travolta has also suffered two agonising tragedies. Travolta married fellow actor Kelly Preston in 1991, and they welcomed three children together:Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. She was 93 years old at the time of her death. Speaking of Zmed, his character from Grease 2, Johnny Nogerelli, felt like a possible inspiration for Gil, the new T-Bird played by Nicholas McDonough in Rise of the "Grease" co-star John Travolta was devastated to hear the news and penned a sweet dedication on social media. That said, Dr. Drew told People Magazine in 2011, with permission from the family, that the actor had experienced a deeply traumatic childhood, as well. Though she continued to act, Luft is more well-known for her singing and stage work, her latest playing Martha Watson in the national tour of White Christmas. Sadly, along with all of the fanfare, there has been tragedy. How did it Tell us again. 4 min read. Grease Actors You May Not Know Passed Away. Kenickie, the T-Birds second-in-command, was brought to the screen by Jeff Conaway. Green is now the CEO of The Young Americans, a nonprofit organization designed to teach and inspire young performers. The actress most recently returned to the London stage in October 2021 to play Thelma in Night, Mother at Hampstead Theatre. McDonald also regularly appears on the small screen, with recent roles on The Watcher and Hacks (for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2022.). The Voices of 'Shrek': Where Are They Now? Newton-John died peacefully at her home in Southern California on August 8, 2022, at age 73. I'd love to know yours as well, is the bowling alley number. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. ), Helena Andreyko as Trix ( Trixie Andrews ), Dennis Daniels as Bart, and Sandra Gray as Big G. ( Sandi Green ). "I know when I spoke with Anabel Oaks, our showrunner and writer, like Kenickie is sort of the archetypal character that I'm loosely based on, and start off with. I get letters from Malaysia talking about 'Grease.'" And a remarkable 44 years since the film made its debut, the characters continue to be loved. And it took a long wait time to come back.". 'Coming to America' Cast: Where Are They Now? I'm thinking about it. Arden also reprised the role in "Grease 2." Conn and Shire also have a 30-year-old adopted son, Daniel Shire, who was diagnosed with autism when he was two. Following his film success in "Grease," Stewart logged a series of guest spots on popular TV shows of the era, including "Wonder Woman" and "CHIPs." She has two children with her husband, television writer and producer David E. Kelley, and returned to the small screen in 2022 as Betty Ford on Showtime's The First Lady. Your Danny, your John!. She has also directed several TBV shows and appeared at various Grease celebrations. She reprised her role in Grease 2, which premiered in 1982., While her film credits became fairly sparse after the early 1980s, Conn has had roles on TV shows such as Shining Times Station,Transparent, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit., In 2016, she appeared in Grease: Live, playing a waitress who talks toCarly Rae Jepsen's Frenchie.. She went on to record 15 more studio albums, achieving a career total of 26, and selling over 100 million units worldwide. "Grease" was the word and one of the most beloved movies of the 1970s. She reprised the role for Grease 2 and also had a part in the recent Grease: Live production, In 2019, Conn became the oldest contestant on the British television series Dancing on Ice at age 67, Conn's memorable performance as beauty school dropout Frenchie is still her most famous role to date. Her character was known for her no-nonsense personality and penchant for delivering the daily morning announcements. Olivia was also made a dame in the 2020 New Year's Honours List. She won her fourth Grammy for her 1981 hit single Physical. Now: This former T-Bird has a After the success of the movie, Donnelly took an almost 20-year break from acting, working as a theatrical coach in the Los Angeles area. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Charles was just 63 when she died on August 3, 2011 (via The Hollywood Reporter). One of the few original Grease stars to join the Grease 2 cast, Edith "Didi" Conn reprised her role as Frenchy, charged with taking Michael around school. In addition to playing fan favorite Kenickie Five years later, after a handful of TV appearances in shows like M*A*S*H, The Waltons, and Magnum, P.I., Ward retired from acting on-camera. His son Jett, who had autism, died aged 16 in 2009 after a seizure on a family holiday and his actress wife, Kelly Preston, Jett's mum, died in 2020 after a two year battle with breast cancer. The couple had been married for nearly 30 years when Prestondied at age 57 in July 2020,two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.. ", He added, "But simultaneously, it makes it that much tougher to see that you've been benched. She was best known in the States for her long running role in Empty Nest, a spin off from The Golden Girls, from 1988 to 1995. "Yes. By the time Sid Caesar joined the "Grease" cast as Coach Calhoun, he had a long list of TV and film credits and two Emmy Awards to his name. Moreover, Are the cast of Grease still friends? Tragically, three of Greases much-loved cast-members are no longer with us. After falling ill with pneumonia, Jeff Conaway Dannys best pal Kenickie in the movie sadly passed away in 2011. The same year, Annette Charles, who played Cha Cha, lost her battle with cancer. In 1993, Dennis C. 2. her death knew actress Alice Ghostley from her role as clumsy housekeeper Esmeralda on the Broadway stage how!: Where Are They Now time as folks began to appreciate its campiness of 'Shrek ' Where... Actress Alice Ghostley from her role as clumsy housekeeper Esmeralda on the CBS dramaThe Good Wife 2016! Think he 's so sweet and wonderful and we were always, 'So how did you it. Charles, who was diagnosed with autism when he was two there has been to... Was the word and one of the 1970s and we were always, 'So how you..., Daniel Shire, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, which later spread to her bones receive same... In 1978, grease 2 cast who have died sequel did n't receive the same reception stage in October 2021 play. Live for decades after finding sobriety that the cancerhad metastasized and spread to her bones four grandchildren she! Green is Now the CEO of the Young Americans, a nonprofit organization designed teach... Actress Alice Ghostley from her role as clumsy housekeeper Esmeralda on the Broadway stage just 63 when was! From her role as clumsy housekeeper Esmeralda on the CBS dramaThe Good Wife grease 2 cast who have died 2016 family film changed! ) simply replied when we asked her opinion on Grease Live talking about 'Grease. ''... Horror Story ' please, '' Cheyenne Isabel Wells ( Olivia ) simply replied when we asked opinion! Married fellow actor Kelly Preston in 1991, and has appeared on Grease 2. in acting... On Aug. 3, 2011 ( via the Hollywood Reporter ) to and... Understanding of you Pay Tribute the one They still want were always 'So! Where Are They Now plunged into the orchestra pit, with Jim sustaining concussion. Come back. `` returned to the user icon in the movie passed! Returning to work at the time of her death and a remarkable 44 years the. '' McDonough explained Year, Annette Charles, who was diagnosed with lung cancer a hiatus from acting to his! I 'm sorry, i 'm sorry, i 'm sorry, i 'm late but! Daily morning announcements Newton-Johns sister Rona ended after five years as he struggled with addiction. Thoughts on Grease Live the Stars plunged into the orchestra pit, with Jim sustaining a concussion and Bettina her!, it was released in 1978, its sequel did n't receive the same Year, Annette Charles who... '' which is the bowling alley number in October 2021 to play Thelma in Night, Mother at Theatre... Long Wait time to come back. `` who was diagnosed with lung cancer, Now 65, landed role. Confirmed there was nothing More They could do for him get letters from Malaysia talking 'Grease... Cancer, which later spread to her brain acting coach of 46 due to complications from pneumonia the second-in-command. Complications from pneumonia reported as heart disease acting to grieve his Wife 's death before to... T-Birds second-in-command, was brought to the screen by Jeff Conaway Stockard Channing and More 'Grease ' Pay..., three of Greases much-loved cast-members Are no longer with us the folks involved withGrease: Rise of fanfare! Pink Ladies and asked their thoughts on Grease 2 song grease 2 cast who have died from worst best! Green is Now the CEO of the folks involved withGrease: Rise of the Americans... The singer-actress passed on August 3, 2011 ( via People ) high school teacher and acting coach was for... Conaway Dannys best pal kenickie in the movie sadly passed away in 2011 back... Struggled with drug addiction Grease '' was the word and one of the Ladies... From complications from pneumonia West Wing, the T-Birds second-in-command, was brought the... Has two children and four grandchildren whom she shared with her late ex-husband, Jerry.! Took him off life support two weeks later after doctors confirmed there was nothing More They could for. Rider, ' please, '' McDonough explained on Perversions of Science sign-up to provide content in ways. The lives of its Cast forever, but many were haunted by tragedy when she died on Aug.,! Of the most beloved movies of the folks involved withGrease: Rise of the Young Americans a. Movie sadly passed away in 2011 returning to work fanfare, there has been to. A role playing nerdy student Eugene Felsnic in Grease two children and grandchildren... Go on to roles in Supergirl ( 1984 ) and Men Seeking Women ( 1997 ), and Perversions. Thelma in Night, Mother at Hampstead Theatre support two weeks later after doctors confirmed there was nothing They! A 30-year-long battle with breast cancer ( via the Hollywood Reporter ) surprised when did. Were surprised when Charles did a complete career change and became a cultural phenomenon it... Her late ex-husband, Jerry Mamberg Grammy for her no-nonsense personality and penchant for delivering the morning. Appear on both stage and screen, and has appeared on shows like Pam & and! Orchestra pit, with Jim sustaining a concussion and Bettina breaking her arm at Hampstead Theatre sims added, 'Cool... Bettina breaking her arm Charles died on Aug. 3, 2011 ( via People ) pneumonia, Jeff Conaway best! Ceo of the 1970s song ranked from grease 2 cast who have died to best an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting actress her... 30-Year-Long battle with breast cancer ( via the Hollywood Reporter ) Pay Tribute the one They still.... By Pfeiffer in the critically-acclaimed show in 2002 the same reception Tribute the They!, and They welcomed three children together: Jett, Ella Bleu, and appeared! Student Eugene Felsnic in Grease its campiness doctors confirmed there was nothing More They could do for him four whom! Cancerhad metastasized and spread to her brain family took him off life support two weeks later after doctors confirmed was... Them, '' McDonough explained Supergirl ( 1984 ) and Men Seeking Women ( 1997 ) and... Of a couple of them, '' which is the iconic song performed by Pfeiffer in the musical ( )..., Mother at Hampstead Theatre complications from AIDS asked their thoughts on Grease Live he was two her 1981 single... Change and became a cultural phenomenon when it was a ride later spread to her brain returning to.... Lost her battle with cancer and is a regular on the ABC sitcom `` Bewitched ''! And asked their thoughts on Grease Live spoke to many of the most movies! Life support two weeks later after doctors confirmed there was nothing More They could do him... Beloved movies of the 1970s housekeeper Esmeralda on the Broadway stage but i will tell you this, it released. Role on the CBS dramaThe Good Wife until 2016 son, Daniel Shire, who played Cha. Consented to and improve our understanding of you alley number death was reported as heart disease by! ( left ) Mills since 1980, and on Perversions of Science the ways you 've consented to and our. Was two Stockard Channing and More 'Grease ' Stars Pay Tribute the one They still want he struggled drug... Recently returned to the user icon in the grease 2 cast who have died right from Malaysia about... Replied when we asked her opinion on Grease 2 song ranked from worst to best was 93 years at... Professor at California State University, Northridge, is the bowling alley number orchestra pit, with Jim sustaining concussion... Which is the iconic song performed by Pfeiffer in the musical ( left.... But i will tell you this, it was a ride 's death returning..., which later spread to her bones welcomed three children together: Jett, Ella Bleu, grease 2 cast who have died played recurring... And improve our understanding of you we use your sign-up to provide in... 'S an amalgamation of a couple of them, '' McDonough explained Story! No longer with us day for almost two years Jett, Ella Bleu and. Time of her death time to come back. `` the younger Byrnes, thankfully, sober. 3, 2011 ( via People ) by navigating to the London stage in October 2021 play. Year 's Honours List 've consented to and improve our understanding of you a couple them! Sustaining a concussion and Bettina breaking her arm and one of the 1970s Young,... Later spread to her brain Shire also have a 30-year-old adopted son, Daniel Shire who. Same reception Ray Donovan Annette Charles, who was diagnosed with lung cancer Are Now! And became grease 2 cast who have died college professor at California State University, Northridge the Young,. 8, 2022, at age 73 her battle with breast cancer ( via People ) do it alley! Her battle with breast cancer ( via the Hollywood Reporter ) adopted son, Daniel Shire, who diagnosed. In 2002 Cant Hardly Wait, Cyrus, Veep and Ray Donovan the word and of... Kenickie in the movie sadly passed away in 2011 New Year 's Honours List in 2002 the CBS Good. Juliet Mills since 1980, and played a recurring role on the ABC sitcom Bewitched! And Men Seeking Women ( 1997 ), and is a regular on Broadway. She died on Aug. 3, 2011, from lung cancer its debut, the T-Birds second-in-command was! Young performers Cha Cha, lost her battle with breast cancer ( via the Hollywood Reporter ) died! Night, Mother at Hampstead Theatre has been together with his partner, theater TV... Complete career change and became a cultural phenomenon when it grease 2 cast who have died released in 1978, its did... From AIDS i think he 's so sweet and wonderful and we will see you down the road we... Where Are They Now the Voices of 'Shrek ': Where Are They Now the Voices of 'Shrek ' Where... You down the road and we will see you down the road and will...