Olivia Newton-John Biography

Who is Olivia Newton-John?

Olivia Newton-John, known as Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE, was a talented British actress, singer, author, and producer. She sadly passed away on August 8, 2022, at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer.

Olivia Newton-John had an incredibly successful career in both the music and film industries. She was renowned for her music, with estimated record sales of 120 million, making her one of the best-selling artists in history. Over her career, she released more than 25 studio albums and had hit singles like “Physical,” “I Honestly Love You,” and “Have You Never Been Mellow.”

One of her most iconic film roles was as Sandy Olsson in the 1978 musical “Grease.” She also appeared in other notable films such as “Xanadu” (1979), “Sordid Lives” (2000), and “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee” (2020). In addition to her work in film, she appeared in television shows like “Sordid Lives: The Series” (2008) and “Glee” (2010).

Beyond her acting and singing career, Olivia Newton-John ventured into production, overseeing projects like the 2001 television film “The Wilde Girls” and the 2009 documentary “Big River Man.” She was also a published author, releasing books like “Livwise Cookbook: Easy, Well-Balanced, and Delicious Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life” in 2011 and “Don’t Stop Believin'” in 2018.

In recognition of her contributions, Olivia Newton-John was honored with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1979 and was later appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2020.

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Quick Facts

• Full Name: Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE
• Birthdate: September 26, 1948
• Birthplace: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
• Nationality: British-Australian
• Notable Achievements: Grammy Award-winning singer, acclaimed actress, and successful author
• Breakout Role: Sandy Olsson in the 1978 musical film “Grease”
• Album Sales: Estimated 120 million worldwide
• Hit Songs: “Physical,” “I Honestly Love You,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You”
• Humanitarian Work: Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme
• Honors: Hollywood Walk of Fame star, Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
• Cancer Activism: Battled breast cancer multiple times, advocating for holistic wellness and alternative treatments
• Legacy: Posthumous album “Just the Two of Us — the Duets Collection Volume One” released in 2023

Early Life

Olivia Newton-John’s journey began on September 26, 1948, in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. She grew up in a close-knit family consisting of her mother, Irene, her father, Brinley, and her older siblings, Hugh and Rona. Interestingly, Rona, her sister, would go on to marry Jeff Conaway, Olivia’s co-star in the iconic movie “Grease” in the early ’80s.

Olivia’s family had some intriguing connections and history. Her father, Brinley, had a fascinating past as an MI5 officer who played a role in the Enigma project during World War II. Later in life, he became the Headmaster of the Cambridgeshire High School for Boys. On her maternal side, Olivia’s grandfather was none other than Max Born, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who had fled Germany to seek refuge in Britain, escaping the ominous shadow of the Nazis.

When Olivia was just 6 years old, her family embarked on a significant journey. They left England and relocated to Melbourne, Australia. Her father, Brinley, had accepted a position at Ormond College within the University of Melbourne. In Australia, Olivia attended Christ Church Grammar School and later moved on to University High School, setting the stage for her remarkable life journey.

Career

Olivia Newton-John’s remarkable career started to bloom early on. At the tender age of 14, she, along with three of her classmates, formed a band called Sol Four. The all-girl group frequently showcased their talents at her brother-in-law’s coffee shop and gained local recognition by making regular appearances on television and radio shows.

During her stint on “The Go!! Show,” fate intervened as she crossed paths with Pat Carroll and John Farrar. Pat would become her duet partner, and John, her producer. Olivia’s journey took an exciting turn when she won a talent contest on “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and her prize was a trip to Great Britain, which she embarked on a year later.

In 1965, Olivia made her film debut in “Funny Things Happen Down Under.” Her first single, “Till You Say You’ll Be Mine,” was recorded in 1966. She later formed the duo Pat and Olivia with Pat Carroll. After Pat Carroll returned to Australia when her visa expired, Olivia Newton-John shifted her focus to solo work. In 1975, she joined the group Toomorrow and starred in their 1970 film “Toomorrow,” releasing singles like “I Could Never Live Without Your Love”/”Roll Like a River” and “You’re My Baby Now”/”Goin’ Back.”

Olivia took a significant step in her solo career with the release of her debut solo album, “If Not for You,” on November 1, 1971, which was certified Platinum in Australia. Her third album, “Let Me Be There” (1973), earned her not only her first Grammy but also an Academy of Country Music award. In 1974, she represented the U.K. in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in fourth place.

1974 marked a turning point in Olivia’s music career with the release of the hit single “I Honestly Love You,” which topped charts in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Her starring role in the 1978 blockbuster film “Grease” led to three more chart-topping singles: “You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” The film was a massive success, grossing $366.2 million at the box office. Olivia continued her film career, starring as Kira in 1979’s “Xanadu.”

In 1981, Olivia released the album “Physical,” featuring the title track that reached #1 in several countries. She also hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 1982, appeared in the film “Two of a Kind” in 1983, and starred in HBO specials like “Olivia in Concert” (1982) and “Olivia Down Under” (1988).

Throughout the years, she made guest appearances on various TV shows, including “The Man from Snowy River,” “Ned and Stacey,” “Tracey Takes On…,” and “Murphy Brown.” Olivia’s involvement in the 2000 Summer Olympics’ Opening Ceremony included a performance of “Dare to Dream” alongside John Farnham.

In 1994, Olivia released the album “Gaia: One Woman’s Journey,” which chronicled her battle with breast cancer, featuring songs she wrote herself. Her versatile career continued with roles in films like “Sordid Lives” (2000) and appearances in TV shows like “Glee” (2010), where she recreated her iconic “Physical” video.

Over the years, Olivia remained active, participating in various projects like charity albums, TV appearances as a guest judge on shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Dancing with the Stars,” and even a role in “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming” (2017).

In 2020, she co-starred in the Amazon Prime Video film “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee.” In January 2021, Olivia released the single “Window in the Wall,” a duet with her daughter, which reached #1 on the iTunes pop music video chart.

Tragically, Olivia Newton-John passed away in 2022, but her legacy endures. In 2023, her posthumous album, “Just the Two of Us — the Duets Collection Volume One,” was released, a testament to her enduring impact on music and entertainment.

Personal Life

Olivia Newton-John’s personal life has seen its fair share of ups and downs. In 1968, she got engaged to Bruce Welch, who not only produced some of her music but also co-wrote her song “Please Mr. Please.” However, their relationship took a troubling turn, with Bruce attempting suicide after their breakup in 1972.

In 1973, a new chapter began in Olivia’s love life when she entered a relationship with businessman Lee Kramer, who also took on the role of her manager. This relationship spanned most of the 1970s, but Olivia described it as “one long breakup.”

The next significant chapter in her personal life began when she married her “Xanadu” co-star Matt Lattanzi on December 15, 1984. Their union brought them a daughter named Chloe Rose, born in January 1986. However, their marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1995.

Afterward, Olivia embarked on a long and sometimes tumultuous on-and-off relationship with cameraman/gaffer Patrick McDermott. In a shocking turn of events, McDermott disappeared during a fishing trip off the coast of California in 2005. Speculations and rumors have circulated over the years, with some suggesting that he may have faked his own death and was living in Mexico.

In 2008, Olivia found love once again. She tied the knot with John Easterling, the founder of the Amazon Herb Company. Their unique journey to wedded bliss included an Incan spiritual ceremony in Peru, followed by a legal ceremony on Jupiter Island, Florida, nine days later.

Cancer Diagnosis

Olivia faced a tough battle with cancer over the years. It all started in 1992 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. However, her health journey took a complicated turn. In 2017, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer again, but this time it had been initially mistaken for sciatica. Shockingly, she also disclosed that she had previously fought breast cancer in 2013.

In 2017, there was more unsettling news. It was reported that the cancer had metastasized to Olivia’s lower back and had spread to her bones. At that point, she was in Stage IV of the disease. To manage her pain and treatment, Olivia turned to alternative therapies, including the use of cannabis oil. Her husband, John, even grew medicinal marijuana on their Santa Barbara ranch to aid in her treatment.

Despite her own health challenges, Olivia and John Easterling, her husband, took a remarkable step by co-founding the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre at Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. This center offers top-notch medical treatment alongside wellness programs designed to support patients not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually.

Tragically, Olivia Newton-John passed away on August 8, 2022, at her home in the Santa Ynez Valley of California. Her passing was mourned by many, including celebrities like John Travolta, Barbra Streisand, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In a heartfelt tribute, Melbourne and Sydney illuminated several of their iconic landmarks to honor her memory.

Awards and Honors

Olivia Newton-John’s incredible talent and contributions to various fields have earned her numerous accolades and honors throughout her career.

In 1981, she was bestowed with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry. Her homeland of Australia also recognized her immense impact, inducting her into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2002.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Olivia used her platform for good. In 1990, she was named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Environment Programme, showcasing her dedication to environmental causes. Her humanitarian efforts were further acknowledged in 1998 when she received the Cadillac Concept to the World Humanitarian Award. The Red Cross honored her with a Humanitarian Award in 1999.

Olivia’s contributions extended to healthcare as well. She received the “Woman of the 21st Century” Award from the Women’s Guild of Cedar-Sinai Hospital. In the same vein, her commitment to environmental awareness earned her the Environmental Media Association’s “Ermenegildo Zegna International Environmental Award” and the Rainforest Alliance’s Green Globe Arts and Nature Award.

Her native Australia recognized her lifetime achievements by naming her a National Living Treasure in 2012. She also received a Humanitarian Award from Decatur Memorial Hospital in 2006, a Valor Award from the Kimmel Center in 2007, and a Marianne Williamson Founder’s Award from Project Angel Food in 2008.

In her home country, Olivia’s contributions to society were acknowledged with prestigious titles. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2006 and later became a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2019.

Olivia’s exceptional musical talent was also celebrated with several Grammy Awards. She won four Grammys, including Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for “Let Me Be There” (1974), Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, and Record of the Year for “I Honestly Love You” (1975), and Video of the Year for “Physical” (1983).

Additionally, Olivia earned a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Original Song for “This Is Our Moment” from “As the World Turns” in 1999. She was a favorite among the public, winning four People’s Choice Awards, including one for Favorite Motion Picture Actress (1979) and three for Favorite Female Musical Performer (1975, 1977, and 1979).

Her remarkable influence in the music industry was further highlighted with ten American Music Awards, including Favorite Album – Country (1974), Favorite Female Artist – Country (1974 and 1975), Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock (1974, 1975, 1976, and 1982), Favorite Single – Pop/Rock (1974), and Favorite Album – Pop/Rock (1975 and 1978). These honors reflect Olivia Newton-John’s enduring impact on both the entertainment world and the causes she holds dear.

Real Estate

Olivia Newton-John’s real estate portfolio has seen some remarkable properties over the years.

In 2005, Olivia parted ways with a breathtaking oceanfront Malibu home, although the exact sale price remains undisclosed. Given the ever-increasing value of such prime real estate, today, this home could easily be worth over $80 million.

In 2015, Olivia made a new real estate move by acquiring a 12-acre horse ranch in Santa Inez, California, for $4.69 million. However, in May 2019, she decided to list this property for sale at $5.4 million.

Around the same time, Olivia also put her country estate in Australia on the market for $5.5 million. This property, spanning a vast 187 acres, had been in her possession since the early 1980s. Remarkably, it found a new owner just a month later, selling for $4.6 million.

In addition to these noteworthy properties, Olivia Newton-John also owns several other residences in Florida, further showcasing her diverse real estate interests.