Most people would probably agree thatOlivia Newton-Johnwas nothing short of an icon.
Alongside her acting career, Newton-John became a household name thanks to her music career.
After a hugely successful career, everything changed for Newton-John in 1992 when she wasdiagnosed with breast cancer.
The actor-singer died in August 2022 after three decades of dealing with cancer.
Your impact was incredible."
It’s certain that Newton-John will be remembered forever as an iconic actor and singer.
Read on to learn more about her incredible journey from Australia to the pinnacle of Hollywood.
When she was 5, her family relocated to Australia.
While the young Newton-John remained a British citizen, she became a cultural Aussie.
As a young child in Australia, Newton-John developed a fascination with animals.
In fact, for several years, she had aspirations of becoming a vet.
However, she soon gave up the idea when she realized it would involve going to medical school.
She also considered becoming a mounted policewoman, but eventually gave that up, too.
“I love animals,” she explained.
“They give so much to you and demand so little.
And you’re able to trust them.”
Eventually, Newton-John made her own “zoo” filled with pets at her home in California.
In her teens, she began singing at local cafes.
Then, at just 15, she took part in Johnny O’Keefe’s Sitmar talent show.
After 10 weeks, she won after a final performance of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”
The prize was 150 (around $200) and a return trip to England.
Around the same time, Newton-John teamed up with her friend, a singer named Pat Carroll.
25 on the Hot 100 list (viaBillboard).
She won her first Grammy in 1973 for the song “Let Me Be There.”
1 and earned her two Grammys that year she was officially a pop star (viaCNBC).
Of course, her climb to the top of the pop world wasn’t simple.
“And from cabaret, it went to recording and it changed again.
Ultimately, ABBA won thecompetitionwith their song “Waterloo,” while Newton-John came infourth place.
“She immediately went to Hollywood to star opposite John Travolta in ‘Grease.'”
“They were desperately looking for a Sandy,” he toldPeople.
Apparently, Travolta was there cheering her on the whole time.
For her, the magic of “Grease” was hard to pin down.
“It’s just one of those movies.
I’m very lucky to have been a part of it.
It’s given so many people pleasure.”
“‘Grease’ was a life-changing experience that I’m reminded of constantly,” she once toldThe Guardian.
This was a new era for the singer.
Funnily enough, Newton-John was initially terrified of releasing “Physical.”
Two years later, she had her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi but her pregnancy wasn’t easy.
It seems that her experience of almost losing her child changed her approach to spirituality for life.
“Motherhood changed me in the best of ways,” she toldThe Guardian.
It’s difficult to articulate the unconditional love that you have for your baby.”
What followed was many years of operations, chemotherapy, and breast reconstruction.
“I think, you know, what you think creates your reality.
So it’s a decision.
You have to make that decision,” she said.
“you could be a victim, or you could be a winner and enjoy your life.”
Soon after, she began dating the cameraman Patrick McDermott.
The pair were together for nine years, untilMcDermott strangely vanishedwhile fishing in California.
Despite the speculation and rumors, Newton-John tried to keep her private life private.
For Newton-John, McDermott’s strange disappearance was more than unsettling, and she never fully recovered.
“I think there will always be a question mark” (viaMirror).
But for Olivia Newton-John, it was an especially trying time.
Because of her cancer diagnosis, she had to be careful to observe lockdown rules closely.
Apparently, she spent much of her time cleaning out the house, making bread, and doing crafts.
“I haven’t been bored for one second,” she said.
However, while Newton-John was vigilant about the pandemic, she and her family reportedly refused the vaccine.
During an interview with theHerald Sun, Newton-John was asked if she’d had the vaccine.
“Not at this point, no,” she replied.
For a while, she said, she was “totally” vegan.
However, by 2021, her main natural medicine was “usually cannabis drops.”
“There’s a lot of research going on with healing through diet andthrough cannabis,” she said.
“That’s my dream,” she summed up.
As for her thoughts on what comes after death, Newton-John explained that she did have a spiritual side.
“It’s extremely personal, so it’s hard to put into words,” she said.
I believe there is something that happens.
I hope the energies of the people you love will be there.
I think all the love will be there.
She will, without a doubt, be remembered by millions for years to come.
