Olivia Newton John.Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Few stars were as beloved asOlivia Newton-John. The high-energy, Aussie-raised favorite came up through the music industry, eventually finding worldwide fame as the star ofGrease, keeping fans captivated for decades later through her friendship with costar John Travolta.The star died on Aug. 8, 2022, after several bouts with breast cancer.Here, on what would have been her 75th birthday, remember her life and career in photos.
Few stars were as beloved asOlivia Newton-John. The high-energy, Aussie-raised favorite came up through the music industry, eventually finding worldwide fame as the star ofGrease, keeping fans captivated for decades later through her friendship with costar John Travolta.
The star died on Aug. 8, 2022, after several bouts with breast cancer.
Here, on what would have been her 75th birthday, remember her life and career in photos.
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Olivia Newton-John’s Early Years
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She toured with Pat Farrar — the other half of her act, Pat & Olivia — and joined the group Toomorrow (pictured), even starring in a 1970 movie about the band.
02of 20Olivia Newton-John’s GrammysMichael Putland/GettyNewton-John Performing in London in 1974, not long after winning two more Grammys for “I Honestly Love You.” She scored one more, video of the year, in 1982 for “Physical,” giving her four awards and 12 nominations in her lifetime.
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Olivia Newton-John’s Grammys
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Newton-John Performing in London in 1974, not long after winning two more Grammys for “I Honestly Love You.” She scored one more, video of the year, in 1982 for “Physical,” giving her four awards and 12 nominations in her lifetime.
03of 20Olivia Newton-John and Bruce WelchHulton Archive/GettyWith her onetime fiancé, producer Bruce Welch, in 1975. The two never wed.
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Olivia Newton-John and Bruce Welch
Hulton Archive/Getty
With her onetime fiancé, producer Bruce Welch, in 1975. The two never wed.
04of 20Olivia Newton-John in ‘Grease’Paramount Pictures/Fotos International/GettyWithGreasecostar John Travolta in a promo photo for the film in 1978. The movie truly cemented Newton-John’s status as a household name and kicked offa decades-long friendshipfor the two leads.“We did something life-changing, making that film,“Newton-John told PEOPLE in 2018."[At the premiere] you got the feeling from the energy that something was happening. It was a huge response. I feel grateful to be a part of that.“Newton-John’s work as Sandy Olsson also earned her a Golden Globe nomination, as well as an Oscar nomination for the song “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
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Olivia Newton-John in ‘Grease’
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WithGreasecostar John Travolta in a promo photo for the film in 1978. The movie truly cemented Newton-John’s status as a household name and kicked offa decades-long friendshipfor the two leads.
“We did something life-changing, making that film,“Newton-John told PEOPLE in 2018."[At the premiere] you got the feeling from the energy that something was happening. It was a huge response. I feel grateful to be a part of that.”
Newton-John’s work as Sandy Olsson also earned her a Golden Globe nomination, as well as an Oscar nomination for the song “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
05of 20Olivia Newton-John in ‘Xanadu’Hulton Archive/GettyTwo years later, Newton-John (here with costars Michael Beck and Gene Kelly in 1979) returned to the big screen in the cult hitXanadu,a musical centered on a Greek muse and a roller disco. When it was turned into a Broadway musical in 2007, Newton-John was front and center in the crowd on opening night.
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Olivia Newton-John in ‘Xanadu’
Two years later, Newton-John (here with costars Michael Beck and Gene Kelly in 1979) returned to the big screen in the cult hitXanadu,a musical centered on a Greek muse and a roller disco. When it was turned into a Broadway musical in 2007, Newton-John was front and center in the crowd on opening night.
06of 20Olivia Newton-John Receives Her OBETom Wargacki/WireImageIn 1979, Newton-John received her Officer of the Order of the British Empire medal fromQueen Elizabeth.
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Olivia Newton-John Receives Her OBE
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In 1979, Newton-John received her Officer of the Order of the British Empire medal fromQueen Elizabeth.
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Olivia Newton-John in ‘Physical’
08of 20Olivia Newton-John with Husband Matt LattanziRon Galella, Ltd./WireImageIn 1991 with first husband Matt Lattanzi and their daughter Chloe, whom they welcomed in 1986. The two wed in 1984 but divorced in 1995.
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Olivia Newton-John with Husband Matt Lattanzi
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
In 1991 with first husband Matt Lattanzi and their daughter Chloe, whom they welcomed in 1986. The two wed in 1984 but divorced in 1995.
09of 20Olivia Newton-John’s Work with the United NationsRon Galella, Ltd./WireImageIn 1990, Newton-John was made a U.N. ambassador on the environment. In 1997 (pictured), she was honored for her work.
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Olivia Newton-John’s Work with the United Nations
In 1990, Newton-John was made a U.N. ambassador on the environment. In 1997 (pictured), she was honored for her work.
10of 20Olivia Newton-John’s Breast Cancer DiagnosisRon Galella/WireImageIn 1992, Newton-Johnrevealed her breast cancer diagnosis.“I draw strength from the millions of women who have faced this challenge successfully,” she said in her statement at the time. “This has been detected early because I’ve had regular examinations, so I encourage other women to do the same.“Her treatment – which included a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction – ultimately lead to the creation of theOlivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centrein Melbourne. In the decades since, Newton-John become an advocate for cancer awareness and research.
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Olivia Newton-John’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Ron Galella/WireImage
In 1992, Newton-Johnrevealed her breast cancer diagnosis.
“I draw strength from the millions of women who have faced this challenge successfully,” she said in her statement at the time. “This has been detected early because I’ve had regular examinations, so I encourage other women to do the same.”
Her treatment – which included a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction – ultimately lead to the creation of theOlivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centrein Melbourne. In the decades since, Newton-John become an advocate for cancer awareness and research.
11of 20Olivia Newton-John and Boyfriend Patrick McDermottNewsmakers/GettyWith then-boyfriend Patrick McDermott, who went missing in 2005, in 2001.“One of the hardest things is not knowing,“Newton-John once told PEOPLEof the mystery surrounding McDermott’s disappearance.
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Olivia Newton-John and Boyfriend Patrick McDermott
Newsmakers/Getty
With then-boyfriend Patrick McDermott, who went missing in 2005, in 2001.
“One of the hardest things is not knowing,“Newton-John once told PEOPLEof the mystery surrounding McDermott’s disappearance.
12of 20Olivia Newton-John at the Great Wall of ChinaGuang Niu/GettyNewton-John led a trek along the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in 2008.
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Olivia Newton-John at the Great Wall of China
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Newton-John led a trek along the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in 2008.
13of 20Olivia Newton-John on ‘Glee’The star famously revisited “Physical” during a guest spot onGleein 2010.
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Olivia Newton-John on ‘Glee’
The star famously revisited “Physical” during a guest spot onGleein 2010.
14of 20Olivia Newton-John and Husband John EasterlingDavid Livingston/GettyNewton-John married Easterlingin 2008.“I dated a little bit, but I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with him and thenbam!“she told PEOPLEyears later. The singer also said Easterling helped her move on from the “traumatic” ordeal of reports claiming McDermott had faked his death and was living in Mexico.“I’m very lucky I have a wonderful, beautiful husband who is just so loving and fantastic,” she added. “I always tell my friends you’re never too old to find love.”
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Olivia Newton-John and Husband John Easterling
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Newton-John married Easterlingin 2008.
“I dated a little bit, but I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with him and thenbam!“she told PEOPLEyears later. The singer also said Easterling helped her move on from the “traumatic” ordeal of reports claiming McDermott had faked his death and was living in Mexico.
“I’m very lucky I have a wonderful, beautiful husband who is just so loving and fantastic,” she added. “I always tell my friends you’re never too old to find love.”
15of 20Olivia Newton-John and Daughter Chloe LattanziDavid Livingston/GettyWith daughter Chloe Lattanzi, now 36, in 2016. Lattanzi often posted photos and updates about her mom, though also faced her own struggles: in 2016,she went onThe Doctorsto talk about body dysmorphia.
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Olivia Newton-John and Daughter Chloe Lattanzi
With daughter Chloe Lattanzi, now 36, in 2016. Lattanzi often posted photos and updates about her mom, though also faced her own struggles: in 2016,she went onThe Doctorsto talk about body dysmorphia.
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Olivia Newton-John Performing in 2017
Despite the ups and downs of her ongoing breast cancer battle, Newton-John beamed at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey, on April 11, 2017.
17of 20Olivia Newton-John and John TravoltaMichael Buckner/ShutterstockPosing withGreasecostar John Travolta at the G’Day USA Black Tie Gala, held in Los Angeles on Jan. 27, 2018. The tworeunited countless timesthrough the years, to the delight of fans.
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Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
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Posing withGreasecostar John Travolta at the G’Day USA Black Tie Gala, held in Los Angeles on Jan. 27, 2018. The tworeunited countless timesthrough the years, to the delight of fans.
18of 20Olivia Newton-John and John TravoltaJon Kopaloff/FilmMagicCelebrating the 40th anniversary ofGreasewith costar John Travolta on Aug. 15, 2018 in Beverly Hills.“When you share that kind of meteoric success—and nothing has been able to exceed it—you share a bond,“Travolta told PEOPLE. “I’ve been through her having a child, getting divorced, losing her sister. She’s been through my getting married, having children. It’s wonderful and full of shared memories.”
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Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Celebrating the 40th anniversary ofGreasewith costar John Travolta on Aug. 15, 2018 in Beverly Hills.
“When you share that kind of meteoric success—and nothing has been able to exceed it—you share a bond,“Travolta told PEOPLE. “I’ve been through her having a child, getting divorced, losing her sister. She’s been through my getting married, having children. It’s wonderful and full of shared memories.”
19of 20Olivia Newton-John in 2018Scott Barbour/GettyRaising money during the annual Wellness Walk and Research Run on Sept. 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. The annual event raises vital funds to support cancer research and wellness programs at theOlivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.
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Olivia Newton-John in 2018
Scott Barbour/Getty
Raising money during the annual Wellness Walk and Research Run on Sept. 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. The annual event raises vital funds to support cancer research and wellness programs at theOlivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.
20of 20Olivia Newton-John in 2019Rodin Eckenroth/Getty ImagesOne of the star’s final appearances before COVID was at an October 2019 reception in Beverly Hills for an auction of items from her personal collection.On Aug. 8, 2022, her husband John Easterling announced the actess had died at home that morning. She was 73.
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Olivia Newton-John in 2019
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One of the star’s final appearances before COVID was at an October 2019 reception in Beverly Hills for an auction of items from her personal collection.
On Aug. 8, 2022, her husband John Easterling announced the actess had died at home that morning. She was 73.
source: people.com
