It’s difficult to look back on American cinema without remembering Olivia Newton-John – the iconic singer and actress who died at age 73 after a decades-long battle with breast cancer on Aug. 8
Most remember, of course, her turn as an innocent high schooler in movie-musical “Grease” in 1978. She portrayed the “plain Sandra Dee,” which included performing a slate of now-iconic songs like “You’re the One That I Want,” alongside actor John Travolta (who was one of many actors to publicly pay tribute to Newton-John following her death). She also appeared in 1980’s “Xanadu,” the musical-fantasy film alongside Gene Kelly that earned her a number one hit with the track “Magic.” But those were just a few of her roles.
In honour of Newton-John’s legacy and the incredible impact she’s left behind, we’re taking a look at some of her best films and most memorable performances throughout the years.
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"Grease" (1978)
No Newton-John roundup is complete without mention of her role as Sandy Olsson, the good-girl-gone-bad in “Grease.” Her musical performance alongside John Travolta lent itself to so many perfect moments (tell me about it . . . stud) and Sandy will forever be an unforgettable character in our eyes.
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"Xanadu" (1980)
When a Greek muse named Kira makes her way down to Earth, she inspires struggling artist Sonny Malone to partner with construction mogul Danny Mcguire (Gene Kelly) and build a roller-skating nightclub called “Xanadu.” Newton-John’s disco performance in Xanadu proved that she truly could do it all… and on skates!
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"Two of a Kind" (1983)
After starring alongside Travolta in “Grease,” the two reunited for this ’80s romantic fantasy. In the film, four angels attempt to use a troubled couple, played by Newton-John and Travolta, to save Earth and redeem all of mankind. Spoiler alert, their chemistry is just as good as ever.
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"It's My Party" (1996)
This LGBTQ+ drama was one of the first films to openly depict AIDS patients dying with dignity, based on the death of the director’s ex-lover, Harry Stein. The movie is based around a two-day party in which a gay architect who, having been diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, decides to host a dinner party for all his family and friends, at the end of which he will end his own life.
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"Sordid Lives" (2000)
“Sordid Lives” is an independent comedy that went on to become a cult classic. The movie tells the story of a family coming together after the passing of their matriarch, with Newton-John playing the role of Bitsy Mae Harling – a local singer with a bad reputation.
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"Olivia Newton-John: Hollywood Nights" (1980)
Finally, this hour-long television special, while not technically a studio film, is what catapulted Newton-John back into the spotlight, highlighting all of her music, including songs from “Grease,” covers from artists like Elton John and The Eagles, and tracks from her “Totally Hot” album. A reminder of what a multi-talented star Newton-John really was (and will forever be).
